Technical agricultural officer

CA1990

Hi All, just got a call for interview, I am a current CO in another department can I bring over my increments to new position if I am selected , does anyone know the starting pay scale for TO ?

Is a TO equivalent to an EO ..

endainoz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121138234#Comment_121138234

Pretty sure TO is the same payscale as CO, also pretty sure you can bring the increments over.

CA1990

Anyone gone through the TO interview , any advice on potential questions that could be asked, thank you.

Farmer5

Have completed hr clearance including giving reference from current employer, anyone know how long it generally is until I get offered a position?

Deutz6160

They say 4-6 weeks …. When did you do in the interview and for what county?

nicchick88

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121282136#Comment_121282136

PAS say they take 1-2 days to review, but realistically it takes them 2 weeks. Going through clearance doesn't necessarily mean that you have a job either. They could find something in your documentation that they might not 'meet' their criteria. If that does happen, I'd say challenge them on that especially if you actually do!

morphy87

In this current campaign was every county advertised for these jobs? If possible could someone put up a copy of the county’s that were advertised

mcusack

For anyone that might be looking for an audiology test at short notice for the current TAO campaign - I can highly recommend Maria Foley, Kilrush, Dungarvan. Maria is on the DAFM list for accepted audiologists. Maria is super professional and accommodating. Notified yesterday afternoon via email that I had 7 days to get all paperwork submitted for consideration.

Deutz6160

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121314698#Comment_121314698

did you apply for the Waterford region?

mcusack

Yes, you?

Deutz6160

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121317418#Comment_121317418

No Wexford and Carlow..Placed top in 5 in the panel of Wexford heard nothing for Carlow but could regret not putting down Waterford as second choice

CA1990

Is there anyone a TAO in Westmeath, what is the job spec is it office work or field work, thanks

CA1990

Hi All,

For TAO's working in factories what are the working hours is there shift work.

thebeefbuck

Hi all. I’ve just been called for an interview via zoom. Has anyone done one before? What do they ask you about and is there any tips you would give thanks

mcusack

@thebeefbuck

Posting this to help you and others - wasn't there for me when I looked for tips so really didn't know what to expect.

Two people interviewed me and one took notes, they will take turns to ask questions, e.g. one will ask you three qs and then the other will ask you four qs. Have concise answers to give them, they will interupt you otherwise and that can throw you (it did me).

They will ask you to give a detailed example to prove the following during your previous worklife. Use STAR as an aid to keep you on track.

• Team work 

• Information Management/Processing  

• Delivery of Results 

• Customer Service & Communication Skills

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise & Self Development

Interview lasts approx 40 min. Best of Luck!

Deutz6160

Might also ask you your opinion on the tb eradication scheme by 2030

Fullback333

I’m a TAO for nearly two years now in more of an office based role. I could be out in inspectors for 1-3 days a week during the summer/most of the year. As regards to people qualifications. Most getting in have Level 8 degrees but we recently had some come off the previous panel and start with us and the have only their Level 6 greencert so it is definitely possible to get in with a Level 6. Yes the money is quite poor but in my own experience, you are far from killed working. The current policy is two days working from home there is no clocking in/out so as long as you get your work done, you can be very flexible. Yes you’ll make more money elsewhere but the flexibility is extremely good especially if you are farming at home or intending to farm at home. As regards to promotions, competitions appear to run every two years so there is real scope to progress if you really try. The next grade up starts on 10k+ more than a TAO starting wage and your work load is not really much different. Hope this gives people an insight.

endainoz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121467484#Comment_121467484

Thanks for the info, hopefully more hybrid office type roles will be available. I have my interview on the 18th so we'll see how that goes.

Fullback333

There is talk from the union to go to three days working at home but unsure if that will happen. This of course doesn’t apply to TAO’s in factories.

endainoz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121468871#Comment_121468871

Are you working in a DVO office?

morphy87

Has anyone here that got a job as aTAO have any experience or knowledge of working in a port? Not involving livestock, what would the role involve?

mcusack

Has anyone here been offered a position in the AES division? If yes, any insight as to daily tasks would be great. Thanks

endainoz

Finally heard back after doing online interview, met the requirements for the interview but not from qualifications. Green cert even though its a level six is not good enough for them. An absolutely massive waste of time and effort, this process is nearly going on for a year, it would have saved the hassle for everyone involved if I was told this at the time of applying.

thebeefbuck

I got on the panel in Meath I placed in the top 3 am I sure to get a job?

Also didn’t hear back from the Cavan panel

morphy87

Does anyone know when a new competition is starting up again for this role? Had they many applicants for the last competition?

Kiltannon

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/285460/9eec6a4b-5a7f-4828-b865-7391c690a5cd.pdf#page=null

Kiltannon

New Competition for selected counties

morphy87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121833933#Comment_121833933

What counties were in the last campaign?

Kiltannon

Last competition was nationwide.

morphy87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121838924#Comment_121838924

Would it be unusual then to have another competition for selected counties? Will more counties be added do you think?

oc2

Does anyone know if you already work in the public sector do they still make you start at the minimum pay scale?

Stamp137

Does anyone know has there been anyone brought forward for a job posting from the most recent TAO offering for selected county’s? Know the panel placings were only announced recently in the last week or two but just wondering at what pace placings goes at?