Agricultural Development Officer - Business & Technology Dairy Advisor job from Teagasc in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland

Agricultural Development Officer Grade I

Range of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of sustainable agricultural production systems across a particular geographic area as part of a locally based advisory team.
• Contribute to and support the overall Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) that provides support to farm families engaged in agriculture and rural enterprise.
• Challenge and support farmers and clients in a nominated region by effectively using a range of advisory tools including one to one support, discussion group, short education course, demonstrations / public events / meeting activities.
• Provide physical and financial analysis & business planning for development of farm business.
• Facilitate clients in the analysis and planning of succession and inheritance.
• Assist clients in change processes as required in a changing economic environment.
• Assist clients in the participation in EU and national schemes.
• Prepare and deliver classes/lectures for a variety of relevant programme areas.
• Prepare and deliver assessments in accordance with Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) guidelines.
• Participate in the Business Unit Peer Review / Whole College Evaluation processes as required.
• Implement quality assurance procedures including peer review of work and internal verification.
• Actively engage in the implementation of access, disability and young learner protection policies.
• Deliver practical skills instruction and the assessment of these skills.
• Contribute to the management of a college enterprise.
• Correct, record, verify and inform students of their progress in the assessment system.
• Provide tutorials/mentoring to students on class work and practical’s related to their chosen course.
• Use digital communication tools and social media in a targeted way.
• Support advisory campaigns as required.
• Support the overall profile of Teagasc in the delivery of local, regional and national events, publications and public relations.
• Represent Teagasc on various events, committees and meetings.
• Provide input and deliver on assigned objectives of the agreed business plan as part of a region or college team.
• Proactively recruit clients/students and meet business unit’s income targets.
• Proactively promote services/ training programmes.
• Visit schools and career open days to market Teagasc courses and give guidance on likely job opportunities for school leavers and mature students.
• Provide material for events, open days, in-service training and educational exhibits.
• Liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities:

• Engage positively in the Performance Management Development System (PMDS) system and undertake self-development, up-skilling and updating through active participation in staff development and training opportunities. Take responsibility for personal continuous professional development
• Contribute to the annual business planning and risk management process for the relevant business unit.
• Provide support to other Teagasc activities as and when required.
• Continually up-skill and meet regulatory requirements to run programmes and activities under DAFM schemes.
• Adopt the most effective and progressive advisory / teaching, instruction and ICT methodologies.
• Assist with managing the health, safety and welfare of clients and students.
• Take accountability for the effectiveness of the safety management system in their area of responsibility and communicate a responsible attitude to safety, health and welfare by personal example. Ensure that all processes and procedures are resourced, planned and completed without negative safety impact.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions 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.
• Assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan through adherence to best practice protocols.Carry out 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. Job descriptions will be issued with offers of appointment.

Person Specification