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Job description

While not an exhaustive or prescriptive list of responsibilities, an indication of the main duties of an Agricultural Inspector Grade II is provided below. The emphasis on particular duties will vary depending on the post allocated and may vary over time depending on business priorities and needs.

Responsibilities

• Leading a team of professional staff in a technical environment (lecturing/advisory/innovation or technical support) to ensure the development and delivery of agriculture programmes to meet DAERA business plan objectives and targets;
• Leading a team in the provision of professional and technical input/advice to help shape the development of agriculture policy across DAERA;
• Leading and motivating a team of professional staff, ensuring their Continuous Professional Development in a technical environment, so that they perform their duties to a high standard to achieve business plan targets;
• Managing human, financial and physical resources to achieve business plan targets and obtain best value for money, whilst complying with good governance principles;
• Providing professional and technical input/advice to the Minister, DAERA and other Government Departments as appropriate;
• Ensuring effective external stakeholder engagement to achieve business plan targets;
• Other duties in line with the business needs of DAERA including driving a Departmental vehicle. For posts based in CAFRE, the successful candidate may be required to drive a Departmental minibus.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for application, meet the criteria set out in either Route 1 or Route 2, as shown below. l
• Please apply through Route 2 if the relevant qualification you hold: does not fall within the definition of a ‘closely related subject’ (see Criterion 1(a)); or is a Postgraduate qualification.
• ROUTE 1 1(a) Have an Honours Degree or an equivalent qualification (minimum classification of 2.2) in either Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and Management, Agricultural Technology, Agri-Environment, Agricultural Engineering
• (continued) Agricultural Mechanisation or a closely related subject
• AND 1(b) Have at least three years post qualification experience of successfully using professional and technical knowledge to contribute to industry support and/or education programmes or other industry initiatives,
• (continued) for the benefit of the agriculture sector.
• OR ROUTE 2 2(a) Have at least an Honours degree or an equivalent qualification (minimum 2.2 Classification) in a subject relevant to the Agriculture discipline
• AND 2(b) Have at least six years post qualification experience of successfully using professional and technical knowledge to contribute to industry support and/or education programmes or other industry initiatives,
• (continued) the benefit of the agriculture sector.
• AND (for both Route 1 or 2) 3. Access to a form of transport which will enable you to travel throughout NI, ROI, GB and abroad to fulfil your responsibilities in full.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 13th February 2026 at 12 noon. Applications from males, young people (under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC318746)