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You will be a highly professional, determined individual joining a strong, committed team. Your main duties will involve the collection of physical and financial data from farmers participating in the Farm Business Survey (FBS) in Wales and the analysis of farm accounts. Participation in additional studies, analysis and the associated teaching and research activities of the Department may also be required including assisting with and responding to enquiries from internal and external sources (for example colleagues within IBERS and the University, banks, consultants & farmers), as requested by the FBS Director, and performing any other duties appropriate to the grade and role of the post holder.

Reporting directly to the FBS Director you will work within a highly motivated team and be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of computing, office administration and farm accounts and a sound knowledge and familiarity with spreadsheets. Social science research experience and fluency in Welsh would be further advantages.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Tony O’Regan (FBS Director) at tor@aber.ac.uk

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

The IO is responsible for the collection and reporting of financial and physical performance of different types of farms and undertaking data checking, analysis and reporting.

The person appointed will work within the existing team of IOs and will be responsible to the Director of the FBS Unit. The main duties will be:

• Recruit and arrange visits to farms in Wales to collect financial and physical data.
• Process data for the calculation of income statistics, gross margins, cost of production and other performance indicators. This analysis involves the use of Excel spreadsheet-based database systems, standardised across the UK.
• Report back and maintain on-going relationships with participating farmers.
• Analysis of group data and feedback to farmers (with assistance from colleagues).
• Assist in the production of annual reports and other publications.
• To assist the FBS Director with research projects linked to the FBS, including acquisition and interpretation of FBS data.
• Maintain an awareness of developments in policy and markets relating to farmers to enable interpretation of results in annual reports.
• Provide interface with the FBS in Wales and UK. This entails, inter alia, representing the Department at agricultural and related shows, exhibitions, demonstrations and student recruitment fairs. IOs may also be involved in the planning of events, other publications, and the preparation of display material in conjunction with the Department’s academic and technical staff.
• Other duties associated with the teaching, demonstrating and research activities of the Department as may be required. These duties are likely to be of two main kinds:
• Assisting lecturing staff in workshops, practical classes and projects devoted to student farm visits, book-keeping, farm accounts analysis and farm management performance appraisal.
• Participating in farming-related research projects undertaken by the Department as and when these arise and when FBS duties permit.
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of other staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

As a first-class communicator and a good team player you will work within a highly motivated team and be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of farm accounts, practical farm experience and farm management and demonstrate a good understanding of Microsoft Office and competence in the use of its suite of programmes and in particular with spreadsheets. Research experience and fluency in Welsh would be further advantages. Your main duties will involve the collection of physical and financial data from farmers participating in the FBS in Wales and the analysis of farm accounts. Participation in additional studies, analysis and the associated teaching and research activities of the Department may also be expected. The appointment will also include an administrative role including office management tasks.

Essential

1. Full valid UK driving licence, or equivalent right to drive in the UK.
2. An Honours degree or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Ag-business, Ag Economics or a related Agricultural subject.
3. A strong interest in and a good knowledge and experience, of UK agricultural production, management, administration, and practice.
4. Sound administrative and organisational competencies.
5. Willingness to embrace the need to work flexibly as demanded, on occasions, by the irregular demands of the post.
6. Trustworthiness and respectful of confidential information.
7. Numeric skills and computer literacy, with good attention to detail and accuracy.
8. Excellent working knowledge of Excel and good knowledge of computing packages.
9. Excellent communication and presentational skills.
10. Good interpersonal skills with a wide range of people.
11. Self-motivation, with a willingness to take initiatives and responsibility.
12. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

1. Clean UK driving licence
2. Practical UK farming / vocational qualifications. Agricultural social science related research experience.
3. Experience in recording and analysing UK farm accounts.
4. Very good understanding and working knowledge of British accounting principles.
5. Willingness to embrace the need to work flexibly as required, at times, by the irregular requirements of the job.
6. Excellent knowledge of UK farm business management.
7. Experience of working with farmers; gaining/retaining cooperation and confidence.
8. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level C1.*

More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

• Flexible working policy
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.