At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect agriculture practices and conduct wildlife intervention for disease management.
- Company: Join a large public sector organisation making a difference in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Enjoy outdoor work with opportunities for career growth and travel.
- Why this job: Be part of vital wildlife conservation efforts while gaining practical skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, Level 3 Agriculture qualification, and driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Our client, a large public sector organisation, are looking for Agriculture Inspectors throughout Northern Ireland to join their team.
Position Details
- Duration: 6 Months with possible extension
- Rate of pay: £15.43
- Location: Strabane
- Hours: The normal conditioned hours of work are 37 hours net per week, Monday-Friday. Some posts will also require early morning starts, for example, those working in Field Operations in wildlife intervention duties. In addition, staff may be required to participate in weekly on-call rotas during weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
Main Duties
Up to 30.6.26 staff will carry out the following duties: This stage of the duties includes badger sett surveying and any future wildlife intervention work in relation to the Bovine Tuberculosis (Tb) Eradication Transformation Programme. Gathering data by completing Tb Disease Investigation forms. This includes mapping farms and recommending to veterinary and group staff managers which neighbouring herds are at risk. The data gathered enables veterinary staff to make evidence-based decisions when managing a disease outbreak in a herd/region.
From 1st July 2026 to 30th November 2026 staff will carry out the following duties: Accurate and complete data recording on paper and/or electronic format, including map references. Identification of badger activity and suitable points at which to locate cage traps. Transportation of cages to and from locations, securing cages in position and cleansing cages after use. Pre-baiting and baiting of cages including setting of cage traps to capture badgers. Assisting the VO as required during the sampling and testing procedures.
Trapping follows a three-week cycle at each site. Week 1 involves land surveying and placing cage traps in position. Week 2 involves pre-baiting of sites. Week 3 involves trapping of badgers and removal and cleansing of cages. As trapped badgers can only be retained in cages for a limited period, some of the work will involve starting work at dawn on days when traps have been set (probably about 6-8 mornings a month). The work will also involve some weekend work as bait will need to be laid daily during the pre-baiting and trapping cycle. NB: Staff will be required to drive 4x4 vehicles with a trailer attached.
The above list is not exhaustive but provides an indication of the main duties of the posts. The role will have a requirement for physical exertion. This will include long periods of walking/standing, lifting heavy containers/objects, some sampling procedures are physically demanding, outdoor role which requires a reasonable level of fitness. The field work will include carrying equipment over fields and other uneven terrain in varying weather conditions, digging cages into ground and carrying anaesthetised badgers to and from sampling sites.
Eligibility Criteria
- 2 GCSEs / GCE O level at Grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent.
- A Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture OR a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture OR a Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture OR equivalent.
- At least 3 months' relevant post qualification work experience gained within the last two years.
- Have a full valid driving licence allowing the driving of manual vehicles in NI and access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full.
You will be required to provide documentary evidence of your qualifications. The successful candidates must also have access to a form of transport to enable them to fulfil the responsibilities of the post and be prepared to travel throughout Northern Ireland and elsewhere, as required. This may include overnight stays.
Agriculture Inspector - Strabane employer: Blue Arrow HS
Join a leading public sector organisation as an Agriculture Inspector in Strabane, where you will play a vital role in wildlife intervention and disease management. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development while working in the beautiful Northern Ireland countryside. With competitive pay and a commitment to community health, this position provides meaningful work that contributes to the greater good.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agriculture Inspector - Strabane
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what Agriculture Inspectors do, especially the specifics like badger surveying and data gathering. This will help us stand out in interviews and show that we're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Agriculture Inspectors on LinkedIn or local events. They can provide insider tips and might even give us a heads-up about job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to fieldwork and data management. We can even do mock interviews with friends to boost our confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Agriculture Inspector - Strabane
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience match the Agriculture Inspector role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant work experience! Whether it’s your qualifications in agriculture or hands-on fieldwork, let us know how your background makes you a great fit for this position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This helps us see your qualifications without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow HS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of the role, especially the duties related to badger surveying and Bovine Tuberculosis management. Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and best practices in agriculture inspection, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the job.
✨Show Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work experience in agriculture or related fields. Be ready to provide examples of how you've handled similar tasks, especially those involving data collection and physical work outdoors. This will help demonstrate that you're not just qualified on paper but also have practical skills.
✨Get Ready for the Physical Side
Since the role involves physical exertion, be prepared to talk about your fitness levels and any relevant experiences. You might even want to mention how you handle outdoor work in varying weather conditions, as this will reassure them that you're up for the challenge.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in wildlife intervention, or the tools and technologies they use. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
