Job fairy: Cattle society seeking skilled breed secretary

The Irish Shorthorn Society (ISS) is seeking to recruit a skilled breed secretary to oversee the general operations of its day-to-day affairs.

Reporting directly to the president of the ISS, the position of breed secretary is an “excellent” opportunity for the successful candidate to establish a key profile within the agriculture sector.

A spokesperson for the Irish Shorthorn Society told That’s Farming:

“The Shorthorn breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world and recognised the world over for its maternal strengths and beef qualities.”

“The breed was once at the forefront of Ireland’s agriculture sector. Practices within the agriculture sector are continuously changing and are adapting to an uncertain and challenging future.”

“The society currently has 400 members, and we believe there is enormous potential for growth as the farming community seeks to improve herd efficiencies that deliver both profit and a quality product to the consumer.”

“We believe the Shorthorn breed can deliver on this, and the person in the role of  breed secretary will be an integral part of our ambition to succeed.”

Role & Responsibilities:

(This is a brief summary of the job description; you will be given the opportunity at interview for further clarifications)

• Provide a supporting role to elected members of the ISS;
• Co-ordinate & manage the day-to-day administrative duties, which will include regular engagement with society members, the agriculture industry sector, media and the public;
• Manage the day-to-day financial affairs in conjunction with the society treasurer;
• Co-ordinator and help to facilitate specific breed events to include the marketing, & promotion of the breed.

Requirement for the role: (shall include, but is not limited to, the following)

• As the breed secretary, you often will be the first point of contact; therefore, it is imperative that you demonstrate exceptional phone and email etiquette.
• IT literate, preferably efficient in the Microsoft suite of products such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational skills, with the ability to identify and prioritise work.
• Ability to ensure completeness and integrity of information collected to conduct daily operations. E.g., Maintenance of the Irish Shorthorn Society herd book, & all related financial management procedures.
• Able to work on own initiative and demonstrate flexibility to fulfil tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Proficient understanding of company governance and legal requirements.
• Full clean driving licence and can travel to various society meetings & events as required.
• A third-level qualification.

Desirable but not essential

• Knowledge of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) evaluation data.
• Knowledge of the Shorthorn breed or other livestock breeds.
• A qualification obtained in the agriculture sector or business administration.

Hours

The society office is currently based in Athlone, Co.Westmeath, and it is “open to discussing” office requirements in more detail at the interview stage, including the flexibility to work from home.

The position is full-time with a weekly requirement of 37.5 working hours, generally Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 office hours.

This may vary to include some evening & weekend attendance at meetings, society sales & events.

The spokesperson added that as an employee of the Irish Shorthorn Society, it is preferable and expected that the successful candidate has no direct or indirect conflict of interest.
This is a long-term employment contract following a probation period of 6 months.

The pay rate is negotiable, depending on each candidate’s ability to demonstrate their commercial worth and experience.

The remuneration package must be financially viable to the ISS and within its budgetary threshold.

To apply for the ISS position of Development Co-Ordinator / Breed Secretary

Please forward your resume / CV to [email protected]

Applications for this position are open until midnight on February 10^th, 2023.

Please note the selection process will begin immediately, and submission of any details will be treated in complete confidence, adhering to the ISS privacy policy.

However, a decision will not conclude until after the closing date and the full selection process has concluded.