Investigational Officer

The Role

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

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…