The Public Appointments Service, has, on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, launched a recruitment call for the position of Technical Agricultural Officer (TAO).
TAOs are employed by the DAFM to carry out various functions related to services and farm schemes in addition to operating controls relating to animal welfare, public health, animal health and EU payment schemes.
A TAO’s duties may involve a blend of office and outdoor duties and may include, but may not be limited to:
- Interacting with the public/customers on schemes and services;
- Supervision and/or monitoring of activities of food business operators and a range of meat plants;
- Ensuring compliance with all regulations;
- Dealing with animal welfare, public health, and animal health in line with legal requirements;
- Various on-farm controls and business premises checks required under national and EU legislation.
TAOs may be required to work in industrial conditions – such as meat and rendering plants – or may have to conduct on-farm inspections under various EU farm schemes.
The job posting outlined that a candidate should only select locations where they are prepared to work if offered an appointment, and changes to locations will not be permitted after the closing date.
Locations may include Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, and Wexford.
Candidates must have the following:
On or before April 13th, 2023:
- An advanced cert in agriculture at level 6 on the NFQ [Read article on obtaining a Level 6 Advanced Cert in Agriculture];
- A relevant qualification at minimum level 6 or higher on the NFQ which has “significant” content relating to agri-food production. Areas may include horticulture, plant health, animal health, animal welfare, forestry, or food science/safety.
Desirable traits
Candidates must demonstrate a “strong” knowledge and practical experience of Irish agriculture and the agri-food industry, an ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines, the ability to operate successfully both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, the ability to be adaptable and resilient and strong communication & interpersonal skills.
The job listing states that it is desirable to have knowledge of regulatory/control systems for Irish agri-food production, knowledge of public health and food safety, good computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office and possess a current full clean driving licence (category B).
Key indicators for effective performance will be reviewed under teamwork, information management/processing, delivery of results, customer service and communication skills, specialist knowledge, expertise and self-development and drive and commitment to public service values.
Working hours and pay
Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours 15 minutes gross per week.
The successful candidate will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of his/her duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.
Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Scale
The salary scale for the position (rates effective from March 1st, 2023) is as follows: €27,787 €29,257 €30,213, €31,826, €33,439, €34,725, €36,113, €37,326, €38,871, €40,426, €41,987, €43,547, €45,111, €46,626, €48,673, €50,233, €51,786).
How to apply
Apply online through www.publicjobs.ie no later than 3pm on Thursday, April 13th, 2023.
Read more information in the candidate information booklet via this link, as this article is an extract of the job posting.
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