Forestry Extension Officer

Job title: Forestry Extension Officer

Company: Teagasc


Job description: Job DescriptionDuration:Temporary externally funded non Grant-in-Aid contract post, the indicative duration of which is 17 months, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.Basic Function:Teagasc is a project partner with FORADVISE, a Horizon Europe-funded project which is developing a European-wide network of forest advisory organisations, actors, and networks. This will support sharing of existing forestry-related project and research outputs, cutting-edge forestry knowledge, good advisory practices, forestry advisory tools and resources as identified across European partners. FORADVISE will also combine collaborative national and international action and implement pilot initiatives on forestry knowledge transfer within participating countries to enhance advisory practices via shared learning. FORADVISE will speed up knowledge flows, increase the competencies of forest advisors beyond traditional areas of advice, and develop pathways towards a future Forest Knowledge and Innovation System (FOKIS) in Europe. The ultimate goal is to transition to a self-sustaining pan-European network that is beneficial to all members.This is an exciting opportunity to be a central actor in the development of a comprehensive pan-European forestry network. The Forestry Extension Officer will work with international FORADVISE partners and implement project tasks of engaging with identified National Forest Contact Points in each country/region across Europe and supporting them in developing a relevant network in their country/regions as a key platform to enhance good practices and learnings. The Forestry Extension Officer will also be involved in implementing and evaluating the transfer of novel advisory practices through peer-to-peer pilot actions.This contract position offers the opportunity for high-level impact and for continued self-development in this exciting area.Background:Forest advisory and forest extension services play a crucial role in the maintenance of healthy and resilient forests systems. There is a significant need to increase access to knowledge, technology, and resources, engage forest owners, overcome current challenges with innovative solutions, and find ways to engage society and build consensus for sustainable, resilient, productive, multifunctional and biodiverse forests.The appointee will support FORADVISE tasks of supporting the establishment and progression of a wide advisory network on forestry, as a key measure to improve the sustainability and multi-functionality of European forests, modernise the forest sector, and contribute to EU, national and regional policy objectives. This network will serve as a platform for stakeholders to share collective knowledge and expertise, exchange ideas, identify needs, and co-develop and implement innovative solutions, proving the basis for the development and modernisation of the FOKIS. The appointee will collaborate and develop linkages with and be supported by Teagasc Forestry departmental and local staff in the delivery of this programme.Teagasc wish to establish a panel from which similar vacancies may be filled. The panel will remain in place for 1 year.Job Objectives

• Support the work of the Horizon Europe FORADVISE project in animating a European-wide forestry network.
• Engage and support identified National Contact Points in each country/region in activating forestry networks and engagement of forestry advisors and other FOKIS actors in forestry-based thematic working groups.
• Support National Contact Points in engage their networks in FORADVISE project activities, and dissemination of FORADVISE activities and outcomes at national or regional level.
• Organise and coordinate a national advisory workshop and other initiatives in Ireland, engaging relevant forest advisors and technical experts in assessing advisory needs and supporting innovative knowledge sharing processes.
• Assist in identifying and disseminating good forest practices, digital advisory tools and learning materials.
• Assist in development and testing of forestry training modules, materials and/or pilot initiatives to transfer novel advisory practices within advisory/other relevant organisations.
• Support the development and delivery of initiatives within an agreed business plan in alignment with Teagasc objectives in terms of enhancing forestry research, advisory and knowledge transfer.
• Maintain a high and professional profile for the Teagasc forestry advisory service through actively contributing to local activities, regional and national events, publications and public relations.
• Use a range of effective advisory methodologies as part of a forestry team to achieve high quality technology transfer and sustainable forest owner support and development.
• Assist management and administrative staff in achieving good governance and risk management through co-operation and adherence to administrative procedures and practices.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service charter and action plan through adherence to best practice protocols.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders in the industry and education sectors.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

Skills RequirementEssentialDesirableQualifications

• A Level 8 Degree (as recognised on the

or ), in Forestry or equivalent land-based qualification.

• Relevant post graduate qualification.

Knowledge/Skills

• Applicants must show a strong capacity to engage and support forestry actors and organisations both at national and international level.
• They must be able to identify, communicate and pilot practical and innovative applications of new forestry knowledge transfer and best practices derived from European project partners.
• Support decision-making and enhance the capabilities of forest advisory and knowledge transfer.
• They must act as an effective conduit to the latest thinking and methods focussed on providing owners or prospective forest owners with the capacity to optimise their forests.

• Teaching or advisory experience.
• Group facilitation experience.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent analysis, problem solving skills and decision support abilities
• Excellent communication skills.
• Work and project organisation which shows pro-activity and drive
• Quality customer service focus
• Strong leadership and teamwork & leadership abilities.
• Flexible approach to work

Other

• Advisers will be required to have their own transport in order to efficiently carry out the duties of the role. Travel and subsistence expenses will be payable at approved public service rates.
• Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive a car unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Eligibility

• This is an open public competition. Should a current serving Teagasc staff member be successful in their application through open public competition for this post, their current contract of employment with Teagasc will come to an end on taking up this post.

Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.Note: Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.

Expected salary: €41580 – 78830 per year

Location: Athenry, Co Galway

Job date: Sun, 13 Jul 2025 06:34:44 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobsnear.pro) you saw this job posting.Thanks&Good Luck