KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary role of Agri-Food and Land-Based Specialists (Agriculture Inspector Grade III) is to interpret, analyse and present technical information to students, farmers and growers, policy regulators and industry personnel in a form that meets their needs. Agri-Food and Land-Based Specialists will normally work within a specific discipline in CAFRE, i.e. Agriculture, Food, Horticulture or Equine. However, post holders may be assigned to other posts in DAERA including regulatory or policy development functions which require the post holder to have the relevant Honours degree.

The main duties and responsibilities of the post holders include:

• The development and delivery of education programmes provided by CAFRE, to ensure the sustainability of the agri-food industry through the implementation of DAERA policy.

• The development and delivery of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation programmes linked to research findings, to ensure the competitiveness of the agri-food industry through the adoption of innovation/systems and best practice methods of sustainable production and business management.

• The design, provision and evaluation of inspection, regulatory compliance and enforcement programmes and technical support on a range of issues including plant health regulations, agri-food legislation, agri- environment schemes and agri-policy formulation.

• Other duties in line with the needs of DAERA, including: Driving a Departmental vehicle - for posts based in CAFRE campuses, the successful candidate(s) may be required to drive a Department minibus or other vehicle.

The above list is not exhaustive but provides an indication of the main duties of the posts. The emphasis on particular duties will vary over time according to business needs.