Farm Recorder

Job Summary

Duration:

Permanent . A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.

Basic Function

The collection of farm data from a sample of farms participating in the National Farm Survey in Cork/Kerry/Limerick region. Also includes canvassing of farms on an annual basis to participate in the survey.

Background

The Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department is based in the Mellows Centre, Athenry. The Department is responsible for the National Farm Survey and is also responsible for delivering Ireland’s statutory data on farm output, costs and incomes on an annual basis to EU-Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) in Brussels. The main aim of the National Farm Survey is to determine the financial situation across the broad spectrum of Irish farms by system and size. The Farm Surveys database contains an archive of financial and technical data on Irish farming from 1984 to 2021. The NFS farms provide the data on a voluntary basis to the farm recorders who visits 2 to 3 times during the year.

Job Objectives

• Accurate recording, validation and delivery of Farm Accounts Data in assigned areas. 
• Annual canvas and recruitment of new farm households to NFS sample. 
• Provide explanation to farmers of results in farm reports. 
• Carrying out additional farm surveys as required. 
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made 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. 
• Health & Safety Co-ordinator Duties or such other Health & Safety Duties as may be assigned from time to time.
• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made 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.
• 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. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

Skills Required

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

At the time of applying, candidates must have

• A QQI Level 6 in agriculture, financial management or a related discipline.

• Financial Accounts Qualifications/Agri-Business Field would be a distinct advantage

Skills

• Good accounting and numeracy skills
• Good communications and interpersonal skills
• Good IT and data entry skills

• Experience in preparing farm accounts
• Experience in canvassing and undertaking surveys
• A track record in use of excel

Knowledge

• Candidates should have aptitude for research and knowledge of data analysis
• Computer literate with proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel, MS Work etc.
• Knowledge and/or experience in financial management/accounts
• Knowledge of the Farming Sector, EU Financial supports and farm enterprises performance

• Practical knowledge of farming
• Experience in preparing and interpreting financial accounts
• Understanding of farming systems, EU support mechanisms and collection of farm data

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key partners.
• Has the ability to problem solve and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail.
• Demonstrates positive approach to new challenges and dissemination of new tasks.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
• Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge and technology transfer within the team.
• Self-disciplined, organized and methodical.
• Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/ priorities.
• Have a logical and data driven disposition.
• Strong customer-service focus.
• Interested in self-development and acquiring new skills and knowledge

Other

As this role will involve travel between Teagasc centres around the country, the candidates must have their own car and must also satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

 Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

Attachment:

Techn_8d410699-1872-48fc-8fc2-2c68aafb1e7f.pdf