Basic Function:

Teagasc are seeking to recruit a temporary Soils and Environment Advisor to support the development of assigned clients’ farm business through improved technical and financial efficiency and sustainable resource management. The successful candidate will support existing and contract advisors in the planning and delivery of derogation in the region. This role will also involve delivering the Soils and Environment Programme at county level, with a particular focus on providing advisory support to drystock clients. 

Background:  

The Teagasc Tipperary Advisory Region delivers a comprehensive advisory service to farmers across Tipperary through a network of advisory offices in Clonmel, Thurles and Nenagh.. The region supports a diverse agricultural sector encompassing dairy, beef, sheep, tillage and mixed farming enterprises, providing farmers with access to specialist technical expertise backed by Teagasc's research, education and knowledge transfer programmes.

The Advisory Service provides one-to-one technical and business advice, farm visits, office consultations, discussion groups, knowledge transfer programmes, farm walks, seminars and training courses to support the sustainable development of farm businesses. Advisors also play a key role in assisting farmers with scheme applications and the implementation of national and EU agricultural policies, while promoting best practice in farm business management, nutrient management, grassland management, climate action and environmental sustainability.

The Tipperary Advisory Region has a strong focus on improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity and reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions through initiatives such as the Signpost Programme and the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP). Working in partnership with industry stakeholders, government agencies and the wider farming community, the region is committed to supporting farmers in adopting innovative, science-based practices that improve farm profitability while protecting natural resources.

This appointment offers an opportunity to join a progressive advisory team committed to delivering high-quality advisory services and supporting the continued development of sustainable and resilient farming systems across County Tipperary.

• To deliver advisory support to a client list. This will require maintaining a technical/enterprise competence.
• To develop and deliver an agreed drystock advisory programme based on regional business plan as part of an area based team.
• To support existing advisors and contract advisors in derogation, preparation and planning.
• To support fellow advisers and clients on soil management and conservation
• To provide support to advisers and farmers with respect to soil management (Soil compaction, poaching, drainage, erosion and bio-diversity)
• To provide support for nutrient management planning function at regional level including the preparation of derogation plans.
• To promote and support the implementation of Agri-environmental schemes.
• To assist clients in the analysis and planning of their farm business in systems of production varying from organic to intensive.
• To co-ordinate referrals from the Options Programme for their clients and be the organic contact for the Region.
• To maintain and further develop a discussion group option for beef and sheep organic discussion groups.
• To facilitate clients in the analysis and planning of succession and inheritance.
• To assist clients in the participation in EU and National Schemes including the new Basic Payment Scheme.
• Liaison with relevant stakeholders in the industry and education sectors.

Training and Education: 

• To lead the provision of environmental adult training arising from schemes, cross compliance and the achievement of environmental outcomes. 
• To become the local contact person for interaction with a range of agencies and stakeholders in relation to environmental issues.  These include County Councils, EPA, River Basin Management Groups, Government departments/agencies farming organisations and NGOs.
• Support the overall profile of Teagasc in the delivery of local, regional and national events, publications and public relations.

Other Responsibilities:

• Engage positively in the Performance Management Development System (PMDS) system and undertake self-development, up-skilling and updating through active participation in staff development and training opportunities. Take responsibility for personal continuous professional development
• Contribute to the annual business planning and risk management process for the relevant business unit.
• Provide support to other Teagasc activities as and when required.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations.  This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• Assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan through adherence to best practice protocols.
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

 * This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.