Higher Agricultural Officer (Inverness) - B2

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.

RPID teams manage the implementation of agricultural, environmental and rural policies, process applications for funding and provide high quality customer service. The Agricultural Officer team undertake a wide variety of duties, many of an outdoor nature, including visits to farms and crofts to carry out inspections. The team also undertake desk-based processing of claims and applications, and engage directly with customers as the primary point of contact for farmers, crofters and the rural community in the area.

The Higher Agricultural Officer position is primarily a management and coordination role, but it also includes the requirement to undertake some inspections, and carrying out site visits to diverse types of agricultural establishments, often over extensive and difficult terrain and in all weather conditions. Experience of crossing this type of land and a willingness to undertake these visits are prerequisites for this post. Due to the nature of this role, a considerable amount of driving is involved therefore a valid driving licence that enables the candidate to drive in the UK is mandatory.

• Undertake a key leadership role in supporting front line SG staff in Rural Scotland interacting with rural business and stakeholders.
• Line managing a team of Agricultural Officers.
• Act as coordinator for specific agreed schemes.
• Represent RPID at meetings with stakeholders and other interested bodies.
• Oversee, carry out and arrange training for your team members.
• Conducting site visits for the purposes of verification and to confirm regulatory requirements are met for plant health, animal identification, subsidy payments and other matters dealt with by RPID.
• Liaise with scheme team colleagues to ensure consistency in certification of claims and the enforcement of regulations.

• Valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK - Please confirm in your CV/Personal Statement that you hold this qualification.
• Practical experience working in agriculture, crofting, land management or a related rural discipline and an excellent understanding of farming and rural practices in Scotland.

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 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 Friday 8 May 2026.

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.

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact niall.mcpherson@gov.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.