Location: Teagasc Advisory Office, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
Advisory/Education
Salary: Agr Development Officer Grade I with a Salary Scale of €41,996 to €79,618
Closing Date: 29/09/2025 12:00 PM
Permanent Full Time
Job Description
Duration:
Permanent. 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
The role will work within a team of Climate Action & Sustainability (Signpost Advisory Programme) Advisors within an advisory region to support the adoption of climate and sustainability actions on farms by:
* promoting and championing climate action and sustainability practices on farms within the region
* developing Climate and Sustainability Action Plans with farmers participating in the Signpost Advisory Programme
* supporting and tracking action adoption on farms through farm visits, office consultation and phone contact with farmers
* organising and presenting climate change workshops, local seminars and farm walks. Communicating messages through video, radio, written and social media,
* delivering training courses on Climate Action and sustainability to farmers
leveraging and supporting existing advisory activities, including nitrates derogation and nutrient management planning services, to enable greater emphasis and impact on achieving overall climate and sustainability action targets.
Background
The Irish agriculture and land-use sector faces significant challenges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050 as set out in the 2021 Climate Action Plan. In response to this Teagasc has developed a Climate Action Strategy. This post will be central to supporting Teagasc in the delivery of this strategy.
Job Objectives
* To contribute to the development and delivery of the annual business plans for both the Advisory Region(s) and the Signpost Advisory Programme
* To use a range of effective advisory methodologies including discussion group facilitation as part of an enterprise team to achieve technology transfer and sustainable client development
* To maintain a high profile for the Teagasc advisory service through activities, local regional and national events, publications and public relations
* To be a point of contact for farmers regarding specific support requests around climate action and sustainability issues within the assigned region(s)
* To promote farmer recruitment and participation in the Signpost Advisory Programme
* To provide technical advisory support related to climate action and sustainability to participating farmers, including the preparation of a Climate and Sustainability Action Plans for each farm, and the support and follow-up to maximise action adoption rates on farms
* To motivate and support clients in the implementation of Climate and Sustainability Actions on their farms, including using online portals such as CRM to track and report practice adoption on farm
* To take responsibility for the planning and delivery of the training courses for applicant farmers within the region(s)
* To lead the facilitation of discussion groups and other group-based activities on specific opportunities related to climate and sustainability actions. This shall include the establishment and running of discussion groups focused on specific climate related topics
* To provide support to existing advisory programmes and activities related to climate and sustainability, including contribution to events and communications, nutrient management planning, and other activities
* To maintain a high profile for climate and sustainability practices through local and regional events, and via various media platforms
* To develop materials that will facilitate the delivery of the Signpost Advisory Programme
* To upskill and develop a technical knowledge base across all farming enterprises to assist in delivering a high standard of knowledge transfer and advisory support
* To maintain and enhance effective collaborations with partners, stakeholders and agencies within the region
* To maintain knowledge of farm schemes and regulations, and to maintain registration with DAFM as an approved FAS advisor
* To maintain responsibility for own development and updating through active participation in PMDS
* To assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices
* To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan
* Take responsibility for the marketing of services and contract with clients consistent with the achievement of the area income targets
* Take responsibility for the marketing of training programmes
* Liaison with relevant stakeholders in the industry and education sectors
* 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.
* 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
* It is essential that the applicants Agriculture Science degree qualification is eligible for FAS registration.
* A postgraduate degree and/or research experience in a relevant area
* Completion of CECRA Training Modules.
Knowledge/Skills
* Organisation, Communication and Teamwork Skills
* ICT skills especially in the areas of planning and decision support tools and online content delivery
* Networking and alliance building
* Facilitation skills
* Presentation Skills
* Good level of technical knowledge of agriculture and sustainability, particularly environmental topics of climate, water quality, ammonia and biodiversity / ecology
* Technical knowledge across multiple enterprises, including livestock and cropping systems
* Knowledge of targets and opportunities related to Climate and Sustainability
* Demonstrable experience in achieving programme and advisory impact on farms
* Experience of delivery of courses/Social Media content
* Experience in the organising and delivery of events
* Experience in setting up and coordinating discussion groups
* Knowledge of soils, nutrient management planning and related policy instruments, schemes and regulations
Behavioural Competencies
* Excellent analysis, problem solving skills and decision support abilities
* Proactivity and drive with an ability to lead
* Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key colleagues and stakeholders
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme
* Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer to farmers
* Ability to develop and implement innovative approaches to tasks and work programmes
* Strong work ethic and commitment to the programme
* Quality customer service focus
Other
* Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.
Note: The 'essential' qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are 'must-have' which will be used in the selection process.