Technical Agricultural Officer

Job title: Technical Agricultural OfficerEmployer: Department of Agriculture, Food and the MarineLocation: NationwideClosing Date: 3pm, Thursday, 30th October 2025Salary: Starting at €31,774About the Employer:The mission of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is to serve the government and people of Ireland by leading, developing and regulating the agri-food sector, protecting public health and optimising social, economic and environmental benefits.The agri-food sector encompasses all primary agriculture, forestry and the food processing industry, including seafood.The Department has a wide and diverse customer base which includes farmers, consumers, food processers and other commercial operators, those involved in sea fishing, forestry, bioenergy, research as well as EU institutions, other State Bodies and special interest groups.The Department’s mission is encapsulated in the following four goals:• Agri-Food and Fisheries Policy, Development and Trade: Progressing, in collaboration with relevant sectors and State Bodies, the further development of the agri-food and marine sector including the achievement of Food Vison 2030 targets.• Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare and Plant Health: Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, consumer protection, animal health and welfare and plant health.• Rural Economy, Marine and Environment: Promoting economic, social and environmentally sustainable farming, fishing and forestry.• Effective Delivery of Schemes and Services: Further enhance our human and technological capabilities to provide effective and responsive services for all clients.About the Role:TAOs are essential members of the DAFM team, and they can be assigned to areas such as horticulture, plant health, forestry, animal health, animal welfare, food science/safety and engineering.Successful candidates will be entrusted with critical responsibilities related to various services, controls, schemes and programmes operated by DAFM and will play a vital role in safeguarding animal welfare, public health, animal health and plant health. In addition, they will also ensure the smooth functioning of various EU payment schemes.TAOs must have a good knowledge and understanding of these services, controls, schemes, and programmes to ensure they are conducted to the required standard.About You:Candidates must have:1. On or before Thursday, 30th October 2025 a Level 6 Award in Agriculture on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) OR hold a qualification at minimum Level 6 or higher on the NFQ*.*Candidates who anticipate that they will be entitled to have, by 30th November 2025, at the latest, the qualification(s) outlined above may also apply. Please note: If the required qualification is not obtained or cannot be produced when requested by publicjobs/DAFM, your application for the role will receive no further consideration.2. Practical experience and strong knowledge of Irish agriculture and/or the Irish agri-food sector.3. The ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.4. The ability to be adaptable and resilient.5. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.6. Good written and verbal communication skills including good report writing skills and a high level of accuracy.7. Demonstrated experience of operating successfully both independently and in a team environment.8. Good IT skills including the use of Microsoft Office, Outlook and Excel.9. On date of job offer, a current full driving licence (Category B), valid in Ireland and/or have ready access to a car.The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 30th October, 2025.We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.