Basic Function:

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated data collection specialist who possesses a deep understanding of sustainability. In this critical role the successful candidate will be responsible for collecting essential farm financial, technical and environmental data enabling researchers and advisors to assess the sustainability performance and progress made by farms participating in the National Farm Survey (NFS) and other Teagasc programmes. Participating farms provide data on a voluntary basis to the Recorder who visits 2 to 3 times during the year to manage this process. The role will also involve recruiting farmers on an annual basis to participate in the survey.

The successful candidate will join a team of data collection specialists based at other Teagasc Research Centres and Advisory offices across the country and will engage with farm advisors and other farm stakeholders in the compilation of the data. The role will primarily involve the collection of farm data from a sample of farms participating in the National Farm Survey in the Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal region but may involve data collection in other areas. 

The position also involves fulfilling our statutory responsibility to provide vital data to the EU Commission in relation to the uptake and implementation of sustainable farming practices. This role includes annual canvassing of farms to encourage their participation in our survey, further advancing sustainability in Irish agriculture, and providing valuable feedback to farmers on their progress. Due to the varied work patterns of farmers, the successful candidate will be someone who thrives on using their own initiative and values flexibility.

Background:

The Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department is based at the Mellows Centre, Athenry. The Department is responsible for conducting the National Farm Survey (NFS) and for delivering Ireland’s statutory data on farm output, costs and incomes on an annual basis to the EU-Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN) in Brussels. The main aim of the NFS is to determine the financial situation across the broad spectrum of Irish farms by system and size. The NFS database contains an archive of financial and technical data on Irish farming from 1984 to 2024. The remit of the NFS is evolving and now there is greater emphasis on the collection of a wider range of sustainability data including data that helps to assess the social and environmental contribution of Irish agriculture. 

The successful candidate will also support a range of Teagasc research, advisory and demonstration programmes, including the Organic Demonstration Farm Network, demonstration farms and other initiatives such as the Better Farm Programme. High-quality farm-level data collection is a vital component of these programmes, providing the evidence required to monitor farm performance, assess the impact of new technologies and management practices, and support the development and evaluation of more sustainable and profitable farming systems. The role will involve working closely with Teagasc researchers and advisors, as well as directly with participating farmers, to ensure that accurate, consistent and timely data are collected. The provision of robust farm-level data is also critical to the ongoing development of evidence-based agricultural policy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurate recording, validation and delivery of Farm Accounts Data in assigned areas.
• Annual canvas and recruitment of new farm households to NFS sample.
• Provide explanations to farmers of results in farm reports.
• Work with farm accounts and related datasets.

In addition, the role may involve internal duties such as:

• Data analysis and validation, based on a thorough knowledge of the agriculture sector.
• Production of measures of farm sustainability.
• Assist data collectors and other staff in accurate recording of on farm activity pertaining to sustainability and liaise with data collection team in relation to these events.
• Carrying out additional farm surveys as required.
• Complete Health & Safety Co-ordinator duties or such other Health & Safety duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To carry out 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.

Gender, Diversity and Inclusion

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation.

We are commited to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'.

We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.