Overview of the Department and the Role
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) plays the lead role in promoting competitive and sustainable economic development in the agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sectors. Its mission is to lead, enable and regulate the sector in a way that optimises its contribution to social, economic and environmental sustainability.
The Department’s strategic goals include:
- To promote and safeguard public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers producers and wider society
- Provide income and market supports to underpin the rural economy and the environment
- Provide the optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector
- Deliver a sustainable, growth driven sector focused on competitiveness and innovation driven by a skilled workforce delivering value added products in line with market demands
- Maintain and develop strategic, operational, regulatory and technical capacity to achieve operational excellence
Further information on the Department can be viewed here
Agricultural Inspectorate
There are over 300 Agricultural Inspectorate personnel working in approximately 20 different work areas or Divisions in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. The grading structure of the Agricultural Inspectorate comprises of a Chief Inspector, a Director, Senior Inspectors, Agricultural Inspectors and Assistant Agricultural Inspectors providing opportunities for progression within the Inspectorate. Furthermore, opportunities for career development within the civil service are also available.
Vacancies
The Department wishes to recruit Assistant Agricultural Inspectors (General) to fill a number of vacancies nationwide. Following an assessment process, candidates who achieve the qualifying standard will be placed on an Order of Merit and assigned to fill vacancies as they arise. The Order of Merit remains in force for a period of up to two years from the date of the first appointment or until exhausted.
Candidates who refuse an offer of appointment to a specific location will retain their placing on the panel but forfeit their right to be offered any further appointment to that location.
Location
Candidates may select up to two locations in which they would be willing to serve. Candidates will have the option for consideration to change work locations as opportunities arise over time. Outdoor work may involve travel to various parts of the country on official duties. Some foreign travel may be required. Approved travel is paid for at the appropriate standard official rates.
Please note: As there is a current active order of merit in place for Dublin location, coming from the AAI General - Dublin 2024 competition, Dublin is not available as a location to select in this competition.
The following list provides an overview of locations where Assistant Agricultural Inspector (General) may support the work of the Department. Please note that this list is subject to change in response to the business needs of the Department and consequently it is not guaranteed that vacancies will arise in some of the below locations during the lifetime of this competition.
- Cavan
- Cork
- Donegal
- Galway
- Kerry
- Kildare
- Kilkenny
- Laois
- Leitrim
- Limerick
- Mayo
- Meath
- Monaghan
- Offaly
- Roscommon
- Sligo
- Tipperary
- Waterford
- Wexford
Job Specification
The Role
Reporting to an Agricultural Inspector, the Assistant Agricultural Inspector (General) will be a member of the Agricultural Inspectorate team, supporting the work of the Department.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities of the Role
Depending on the work assigned, and working as part of a team, the following tasks may be allocated to the successful candidate:
· Inputting scientific evidence and other knowledge to support policy evaluation, analysis and development;
· Carrying out official controls along the agri food chain;
· Exercising appropriate scientific and strategic judgement in complex planning, design, and management of agricultural strategies and programmes for the development of the agri-food sector;
· Using advanced agricultural science and management skills for the implementation of EU and National legislation and other measures pertaining to the agri-food sector, along with the administration of related schemes, programmes and services;
· Inputting into the DAFM research programme for agri-food and bioeconomy, including the scientific specification of research calls and subsequent oversight of the scientific progress of funded research projects
· Monitoring and assessing developments in trade and industry and advise on scientific and technical factors influencing trade in the agri-food sector;
· Researching and inputting into policy and development work, leading to the initiation, implementation or modification of legislation, schemes or policy pertaining to agriculture and the agri-food sector;
· Participating in negotiations and meetings which are predominantly scientific in nature and pertain to the development and implementation of EU legislation relating to Agriculture and the agri-food sector;
· Representing the DAFM at National and International scientific and other fora;
Please note that this job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position.
Person Specification
Essential Requirements
Candidates must, on or before 27th November 2025
- Hold a qualification in Agricultural Science at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) with a minimum 2.2 (Honours Degree) result.
Please note: The level 8 Agricultural Science qualification must have an emphasis on one or more of the following areas: Animal Science; Crop/Plant Science; Food Science, Agricultural Technology/Engineering, Horticulture; Agribusiness/ Agri-Economics; Agri-Environmental Science; Agricultural Sustainability; Soil Science; or other agricultural science areas pertinent to the work of the Department and acceptable to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
2. Candidates must, before the date of offer, hold a current full driving licence and have access to a vehicle for their own use.
Important note for candidates:
Documentary evidence of the qualification which verifies how you meet the essential requirements must also be submitted with your application.
Desirable Requirements
· Post-graduate qualification and/or work experience in a science area pertinent to the work of the Department
· Have a strong awareness of current scientific and other challenges facing Irish Agriculture
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (listening, written and verbal) with the capacity to present material in a clear, concise and comprehensive manner
· Ability to work effectively in a team
· Capacity to operate in wide and sometimes varied professional scientific capacities
· A strong work ethic and ability to prioritise many tasks and deliver in a timely manner
· Skills to engage with scientific research teams and appropriately transfer and apply research findings into the development of policies and strategies to support the agri food sector.
· Commitment to continuous professional development
· Good Information Technology (IT) skills and experience
Note: All qualifications deemed essential for this role must be verified through the submission of relevant awards. In the case of non-essential qualifications, a number of candidates who are called forward to the final stage of the assessment process will be selected randomly and required to submit evidence of one or more such qualifications.
Candidates should note that admission to the competition does not imply that they meet the eligibility criteria. Therefore, candidates should satisfy themselves that they meet the eligibility criteria for this competition.
Key competencies for effective performance at this level
Applicants should have all the attributes required of an Assistant Agricultural Inspector (General) and in particular they must demonstrate, by reference to specific examples from their career to-date, that they possess or have the capacity to acquire the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role of Assistant Agricultural Inspector (General) as identified in the following competency framework.
1. Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
2. Analysis & Decision Making
3. Teamwork, Interpersonal & Communication Skills
4. Management & Delivery of Results
5. Drive and commitment to public service values
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the Apply Now button below.
Please select up to two counties in which you would be willing to serve in.
Certified copies of your essential qualifications must also be submitted at the time of application.
Note: As outlined above, if you do not meet the Essential Requirements listed under Section 3, your application will receive no further consideration.
Closing Date
Your application must be submitted no later than 12 noon on 27th November 2025.
All queries relating to this recruitment campaign should be directed to [email protected] with the subject heading “Assistant Agricultural Inspector (General) 2025”
Application acknowledgements:
All applications received will be acknowledged within 5 working days of the competition closing date. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within the 5 working days or for any queries relating to this competition, please contact by email: [email protected]
Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.