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- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver agricultural policies and ensure high-quality customer service.
- Company: Join a key role in a vital government department focused on rural Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with stakeholders and promote diversity and inclusion within your team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the agricultural sector while supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in the Scottish Agricultural sector and a valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Locations: Galashiels, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Apply Before: 05/11/2026, 10:59 PM
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
Job Description
This opportunity is to become one of 8 Area Office Principal Agricultural Officers who lead local RPID teams of professional agricultural, customer service and administrative staff based in a network of offices located around rural Scotland. These teams work in the field, on third party premises and in local offices to deliver agricultural, environmental and rural policies; regulatory activity including inspections relating to land, plant and animal health and process applications for funding while providing high quality customer service.
The Gala team is made up of this C1 post, 2 x B3, 7 x B2, 22 x B1, 3 x A4 & 4 x A3.
Within the Agricultural and Rural Economy Directorate (ARE), RPID are accountable for the strategic process that regulates and oversees the payment of Agricultural grants and subsidies and related inspection regimes totalling £700m/annum. RPID are also responsible for regulatory activity, including inspections relating to land, plant and animal health and providing expert technical advice. RPID are continuing to implement the Agricultural Reform Programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading staff on a wide range of casework ensuring payment and inspection targets are met as set out in the Business Plan, Annual Business Cycle and emerging through the Agricultural Reform Programme.
- Liaising with peers, other ARE colleagues and partner organisations to deliver scheme and service outcomes in safeguarding plant and animal health, food production and delivery of money into the rural economy.
- You will represent RPID at local meetings which may involve speaking to stakeholders/farmer/crofter groups. This includes in the evening or at weekends.
- In this post you will be expected to participate in the management and delivery of plant health inspections relating to the multi-million pound potato industry within the Scottish economy.
- Manage a budget and plan resources to deliver services within budget and resource constraints, following process and legal requirements, highlighting improvement opportunities and delivery risks through appropriate governance.
- Promote and support staff; wellbeing, health and safety including working offices and in remote areas, diversity and inclusion and development.
Requirements
- Due to the nature of this role, driving is involved in places where there is no viable public transport option, therefore a valid driving licence that enables the candidate to drive in the UK is mandatory.
- Understanding and practical experience of working in Scottish Agricultural and Rural Sector.
Working Pattern
This is a permanent level transfer position. This is a hybrid role with specific weekly attendance at the RPID Gala Office in line with SG hybrid policies.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Monday 11 May 2026.
Selection Process
All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c tbc.
Principal Agricultural Officer - C1 in Galashiels employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Agricultural Officer - C1 in Galashiels
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the agricultural sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that informal discussion! Brush up on your knowledge of the Agricultural Reform Programme and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper, but also in practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your discussion, send a quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to chat. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Agricultural Officer - C1 in Galashiels
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your statement, make sure to get straight to the point. We want to see your relevant skills and experience without any fluff. Stick to the 500-word limit and ensure every word counts!
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about this role! Share your enthusiasm for the agricultural sector and how your background aligns with our mission at RPID. A bit of personality goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic statement. We want to see how your specific experiences relate to the responsibilities of the Principal Agricultural Officer role. Highlight examples that showcase your leadership and customer service skills.
Proofread Before Submitting: Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. Take a moment to read through your application before hitting send. Better yet, ask a friend to review it too – fresh eyes can catch things you might miss!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Scottish Agricultural and Rural Sector. Familiarise yourself with current policies, regulations, and the Agricultural Reform Programme. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Agricultural Officer, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed staff and met targets in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to ensure your team's success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be representing RPID at local meetings, practice how you would communicate with various stakeholders, including farmers and crofters. Be ready to discuss how you would handle different scenarios and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This shows you're not just interested in the position, but also in how you can contribute to the team's goals.