Higher Agricultural Officer

Overview:
**An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Higher Agricultural Officer to join the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate) in the Stornoway Area Office.**

Within the ARE Directorate, the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (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. In the current programme, this is split between direct aid to farmers and crofters totalling £500m and a further £200m under the banner of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. It is also responsible for other regulatory activity and expert technical advice.

As a Higher Agricultural Officer, you will perform a key management role within the RPID Stornoway office, managing, developing and supporting a team of 5 Agricultural Officers.

This position is primarily a management role, but it also includes the requirement to undertake some inspections as well, 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.

**Responsibilities**:

- Manage and develop a team of staff involved in agricultural, crofting and related casework, ensuring that we get the best out of our people. This also includes assessing performance and training requirements and taking responsibility for Health and Safety.
- Coordinate and monitor progress of a number of RPID administered schemes for the local area. This will involve organising field inspections, delivering training, and providing guidance and support to staff while quality assuring the work undertaken.
- Inspect cattle and sheep and associated records to confirm traceability, cross compliance and scheme eligibility requirements.
- Process claims under the Single Application Form (SAF), this will include interpreting mapping data and other forms of evidence to check eligibility of claims.

**Competencies**

Self-Awareness

People Management

Communication and Engagement

Analysis and Use of Evidence

Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
1. Proven planning and organisational skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and achieve set targets.

2. Good people management skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with both colleagues and stakeholders

3. Good oral and written communication skills, with an ability to produce clear and concise written material.

4. Be able to demonstrate a practical experience of working in agriculture, crofting, land management or a related rural discipline, and an understanding of crofting practices in Scotland.

**Location**

10 Keith Street, Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis, HS1 2QG

**Interview and Assessment**

Interviews will be held in person at the above location.

**Minimum time in post**

You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

**HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**:
**How to apply**

**Additional information**

For further information, please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

**Person Specification - Band B**

The post is a full-time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.

**As part of any recruitment process, Scottish Government and associated public bodies collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and applicants for public appointments.**

**Personal information you provide in the recruitment process will be made available to Scottish Government and our additional data processors.