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Dairy Development Advisor - Teagasc Lakeland Dairies Joint Programme

Location: Teagasc Advisory Office, Ballyhaise College, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan H12 E392
Advisory/Education
Salary: Agr Development Officer Grade I with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618
Closing Date: 05/02/2026 12:00 PM
Funded Full Time

Job Description

Duration:

Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 48 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.

Basic Function

To actively lead and deliver on the agreed programme objective and activities of the Teagasc/Lakeland Dairies Joint Development Programme, with the objective of increasing the economic, environmental and social sustainability of Lakeland Dairies milk suppliers.

Background

A core objective for Teagasc is to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of all dairy farms by increasing uptake of specific management practices at individual farm level. The collaborative work undertaken by the Teagasc/Lakeland Dairies Joint Programme for over a decade has proven to very successful in this regard. The appointee will play a very significant role within the joint programme, enhancing engagement between Teagasc with the wider Lakeland Dairies milk supplier base.

The role will involve delivery of technical advice and support to Lakeland milk suppliers, through individual consults, workshops and media, and will seek to develop a wider network for delivery of support to Lakeland milk suppliers.

Job Objectives

Working as part of the project team, co-ordinate the activities of the Teagasc/Lakeland Dairies Joint Programme, including scheduling and delivery of events, building innovative technical content, and effective communications with suppliers and stakeholders.
Offer technical and business planning consults to Lakeland Dairies suppliers to improve long term economic performance and sustainability.
Design and initiate practical workshops for Lakeland suppliers that align to the joint programme objectives and rolling out in collaboration with Teagasc dairy advisers in the region.
Promote the adoption of key (MACC) technologies for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions on Lakeland Dairies farms, via events, workshops, and publication of relevant digital content.
Contribute timely technical content for Lakeland Dairies newsletters and social media.
Actively participate in the annual business planning process for the joint programme.
Participate in planning and implementation meetings of programme operations team.
Deliver progress updates and programme planning options to steering committee; implement recommendations of steering committee.
Build strong collaborative relationships with programme partners and stakeholders.
Work closely with research and advisory colleagues to ensure effective integration and consistency of technical content.
Contribute to Teagasc regional dairy events, webinars and podcasts to promote the joint programme.
Participate in technical upskilling and in-service training for dairy advisers.
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.
Take responsibility for own professional development.
Fully co-operate with the provisions made 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.
To carry out such other duties and assignments delegated by the Teagasc Head of Dairy KT Department.
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.

Skills Requirement

	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications	A Level 8 Degree (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Agricultural Science or equivalent Candidates who are not currently on the list of approved FAS Advisors may be eligible where they have completed DAFM FAS training or where their degree is eligible for FAS accreditation.	A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in Agricultural Science or Extension. Experience in agricultural advisory/extension or research work
Knowledge/Skills	Key performance indicators for pasture-based dairy systems. Practical dairy herd management experience. Technical writing and presentation skills. Stakeholder engagement and influencing. Strong interpersonal and dissemination skills. Organisation and communication skills. Outstanding problem-solving skills. Proficiency in the use of MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.	Farm business analysis. Digital content design. Experience in project planning. Strategic awareness and innovation. Group facilitation skills. Agri-environmental policy and legislative frameworks.
Behavioural Competencies	Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, training, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders. Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme. Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos. Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer. Flexible approach to work with an ability to prioritise tasks effectively. A results-driven individual with a strong focus on goal-setting, performance delivery and accountability. Ability to work independently, and meet self-imposed milestones and deliverables. A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work with an ability to adapt to changing requirements and shifting work priorities. Ability to set clear standards and have a quality customer service focus.
Other	Advisers will be required to have their own transport in order to efficiently carry out the duties of the role. Travel and subsistence expenses will be payable at approved public service rates. Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Eligibility	This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.

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

Attachment(s) :

ADO_Grade1_InformationBooklet.pdf

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