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Job description

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) has a vision of 'Delivering a net zero nature positive future, supporting sustainable agriculture and thriving rural communities.' Our vision is the foundation of everything we do as we seek to enhance our environment; grow a sustainable, vibrant economy; and support the development of thriving rural communities. At the heart of our vision is a desire to make DAERA a great place to work, with engaged people delivering a twenty-first century agenda. The successful candidates will work within the Agricultural Inspectorate profession which is a group of professional and technical staff that use their knowledge and expertise in a wide range of roles across DAERA in the delivery of education, advisory, inspection and technology service to support the agri-food and plant health industries. If you have the professional and technical skills we need and share our commitment to public service, we would love to hear from you. Thank you for your interest.

Responsibilities

• DAERA Agriculture Inspector Group 1 staff safeguard animal, public and plant health at a range of sites at specified locations across Northern Ireland and will receive training specific to their post.
• The location and business priorities across DAERA will determine the post offered to you and the nature of your key responsibilities.
• The successful candidates will be required to carry out duties, detailed below, to meet the objectives of the business areas.
• The duties, which are interesting and worthwhile, are also physically demanding and undertaken outdoors and in all weathers. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.
• Please see the Candidate Information Booklet for further information.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for applications: 2 GCSEs /GCE "O" levels or equivalent, at Grade C or above in Maths and English Language.
• (i) At least a Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture OR (ii) Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture OR (iii) Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture OR (iv) Equivalent agricultural qualification.
• At least 3 months’ relevant work experience gained within the last two years.
• Have a full valid driving licence allowing the driving of vehicles in NI and access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full.
• Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet.

Further Information

Salary: £30,458 - £31,097 per annum (under review) NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 12th June 2026 at 12 noon. Applications from females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC324048)