Craft Worker (Agricultural Mechanic) - Kildare, Dublin Pike

Overview of the Department The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) plays the lead role in promoting competitive and sustainable economic development in the agriculture, food, forestry and fisheries sectors. Its mission is to lead, enable and regulate the sector in a way that optimises its contribution to social, economic and environmental sustainability.

The Department’s strategic goals include:

to promote and safeguard public, animal and plant health and animal welfare for the benefit of consumers producers and wider society

provide income and market supports to underpin the rural economy and the environment

provide the optimum policy framework for the sustainable development of the agri-food sector

deliver a sustainable, growth driven sector focused on competitiveness and innovation driven by a skilled workforce delivering value added products in line with market demands

maintain and develop strategic, operational, regulatory and technical capacity to achieve operational excellence

Principal Duties&Responsibilities The role of Craft Worker (Agricultural Mechanic) primarily involves the maintenance and repair of the farm machinery and road vehicle fleet of the Department to ensure the safe use of vehicles and machinery and the on site fabrication as necessary for the safe completion of the Division’s variety trialling and other crop work.

Note: The following list, which is not exhaustive, sets out the broad range of duties that may be required to be undertaken by a Craft Worker (Agricultural Mechanic) appointed to the position.

Carrying out maintenance, preventative maintenance, repairs and servicing to farm and road vehicles and machinery.

Carrying out modifications and associated fabrication, assembly and installation on existing farm machinery for specific purposes relating to work carried out on Backweston Farm.

Conducting appropriate inspections, checks, testing and operation of machinery and recording details of same.

Co‑ordinating and assisting outside contractors for major machinery repairs and specialist servicing.

Ensuring regulatory compliance of DAFM road vehicle fleet.

Supporting management in the procurement of new machinery and equipment.

Maintaining a safe workshop and keeping working areas clean and tidy.

Ensuring the maintenance, safekeeping and good working order of all plant, tools, equipment and materials on Backweston Farm and carrying out the appropriate inspections, checks and recording of same.

Continuous upskilling and maintenance of qualifications as required e.g., Specialist machinery maintenance and Health and Safety.

Ensuring that farm property and structures are maintained in good condition.

Carrying out modifications and associated fabrication, assembly and installation on existing farm and office buildings for specific purposes relating to work carried out on Backweston Farm.

Compliance with all Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations and attendance and participation in toolbox talks, Health and Safety meetings and other events organised by DAFM.

Assisting with Farm Health and Safety Risk Assessments and implementation of recommendations.

Operating tractors, combine harvesters, road vehicles and associated farm equipment and machinery when required during busy periods and attaining appropriate training such as using GPS technology, Plant Protection Product (PPP) User training and continuance of accreditation such as articulated lorry driver licensing and CPC as required.

Any other duties as directed and may be required from time to time.

Essential Requirements Candidates must, on or before the closing date of 26 May 2026, meet the following requirements:

A recognised qualification in Agricultural Mechanics at a minimum of NFQ Level 6 or equivalent. Note: if apprenticeship served in this, evidence of exams completed successfully will be necessary and copies should be submitted with your application.

A minimum of 5 years relevant experience, since qualifying, to include significant experience in repair of light or heavy commercial and agricultural vehicles and equipment.

Experience in workshop welding and fabrication.

A full driving licence for tractors and cars (categories B and W). (At date of offer)

Good IT Skills

While an articulated lorry licence is not an essential requirement, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo the relevant training for such a licence for the transport of machinery to outside sites.

SOLAS Construction Skills Certification Schemes (CSCS) cards or equivalent or training certificates as described in a minimum of three of the following:

First Aid

Manual Handling

Abrasive Wheels Training

Chainsaw Safe Handling and Maintenance

Confined Space

Welding (ARC/TIG/MIG)

Managing Safety in Construction

Slinger/Signaller

Teleporter

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP)

Other relevant training

Desirable Requirements

A Level 7 qualification (machinery related)

Wide experience of operation of agricultural tractors and equipment

Qualification in welding

Fleet management experience

Driving licence in category BE

Competencies

Skills and experience working with Agricultural equipment

Experience and Knowledge of an Agricultural Environment

Team working, Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Delivery of ResultsHealth and Safety

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