The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is looking to hire an 'earth observation specialist' to work on the satellite-based Area Monitoring System (AMS).

The role will be based at the department's office in Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

The earth observation specialist will be a member of the AMS team, reporting to an assistant principal officer, and supporting the work of the department.

The primary purpose of the role is to support the department in implementing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations.

Successful candidates will need to have an understanding and experience of processing earth observation data to provide added value outputs, the department said.

Principal responsibilities of the role will include contributing to earth observation and area monitoring projects through all stages.

The role will also involve identifying projects to develop an understanding of satellite data signals and develop proposals for earth observation processes, including acquiring data, analysis, assessment and final output.

Candidates for the role should be able to take a thorough and structured approach to organising tasks and solving problems andbe able to deliver on time against project deadlines.

They should also be able to keep up to date with emerging technologies.

Candidates must have a qualification at Level 8 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications in earth observation, remote sensing technologies, or a related field; or have a qualification at Level 8 or higher plus an additional higher qualification.

Candidates should also have experience in earth observation, spatial analysis, and 'big data', among other areas.

Veterinary inspectors

The department has also embarked on a recruitment drive for veterinary inspectors.

The department is seeking "suitably qualified, committed individuals" to fill a number of vacancies across the country in its Veterinary Inspectorate Services.

According to DAFM, veterinary inspectors play a vital role in protecting public health, the human food and animal feed chains, and safeguarding the health and welfare of the national herd.

The successful candidates will be deployed across the department to enforce controls related to public health, animal health and animal welfare.

Veterinary inspectors are responsible for evaluating meat factories, milk processing plants, livestock marts and animals' breeding premises for approval and the applying or enforcing of controls in such businesses.