Farm Sustainability Development Advisor

Farm Sustainability Development Advisor

Hybrid working model

About Tirlán

Tirlán is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands.

Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

We nurture a talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivering annual revenues of over €3 billion, and over 2,300 people to manage our network of 11 processing plants and 52 agri branches. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Overview

An exciting opportunity has become available in Tirlán. Reporting to the ASSAP (Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme) Manager, the primary function of the Farm Sustainability Development Advisor is the provision of technical guidance towards the adoption of best sustainability practice on Tirlán farm family suppliers’ farms. Working in collaboration with the other Tirlán colleagues, this will include supporting the delivery of enhanced economic sustainability, air and water quality improvements, GHG emissions reductions in addition to biodiversity and energy efficiency initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and deliver the agreed business plans, including the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme, as part of an area-based team

Use a range of effective advisory methodologies including one to one support, public events and media as part of a team to achieve improvements in farmers environmental sustainability.

Engage with farmers located in ‘challenged’ catchments to identify corrective actions and submit funding applications to address the challenges

Support farmers in planning for and implementing on-farm actions to reduce environmental impacts

Support and facilitate groups of farmers in the impacted catchments

Liaise with other groups which are established with the objective of enhancing economic and environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Support, organise and deliver local dissemination events such as farm walks and meetings and media outputs

Deliver agreed programmes aimed at supporting farmers to address on-farm sustainability challenges

Assist in developing knowledge transfer initiatives and provide regular updates to senior management on key matters in this area

Act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods that may give farmers a competitive edge or sustain their viability

Any other ad-hoc duties as required

Requirements

Third level degree or masters in a relevant discipline

Applicants must have expert agricultural knowledge and demonstrate how they stay abreast of current best practices and research

Strong relevant technical agronomy & sustainability knowledge and experience of working with farmers, with the ability to identify and shape the best practical applications of this knowledge in order to enhance the capabilities of farms & other enterprises

Excellent interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities

Ability to work independently and as a team member in a collaborative working environment

Strong communication skills, including ability to deliver technical presentations to various audiences

Strategic agility and a drive to achieve results

Experience in planning of farm buildings and slurry / effluent facilities desirable

Completing fertiliser and/or nutrient management plans is advantageous

About us

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market. Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.

We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status.

Join our Talent Pool

Considering a new career in Tirlán but this isn’t the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at

Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation