Join our Team
ICBF currently employs over 120 people – and we are always growing. From IT development, infrastructure, geneticists, finance, customer support and so much more, see what opportunity awaits you with ICBF.
Current Vacancies
Join the ICBF HerdPlus team for a 15-16 week student placement and get first-hand experience of how genetics, data and technology are being used to support Irish beef and dairy farmers. From speaking directly with farmers to working with breeding and herd performance information, you’ll build practical skills and industry knowledge that will stand to you throughout your career.
ICBF is offering an exciting 15–16 week student placement with our HerdPlus team, based at our offices in Ballincollig, Co. Cork.
During your placement, you’ll work directly with farmers and colleagues across ICBF, gaining practical experience in cattle breeding, genetics, herd performance, agricultural data and customer support. You’ll also get the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects across the beef and dairy sectors.
What you’ll be doing
As part of the HerdPlus team, you’ll:
- Support farmers using HerdPlus services, reports and breeding tools
- Respond to farmer queries by phone and email
- Gain practical experience with breeding, genetics and herd performance information
- Assist with ICBF programmes and services
- Support data validation and quality assurance activities
- Work alongside colleagues across genetics, milk recording, genomics and customer support
- Contribute to projects and initiatives during your placement
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a student who is enthusiastic, willing to learn and has a genuine interest in Irish agriculture and cattle breeding.
You should be:
- Self-motivated and proactive
- A good team player
- A confident communicator
- Comfortable speaking with farmers by phone and email
- Competent with computers
- Keen to develop your knowledge of cattle breeding and the wider agricultural industry
Why choose ICBF?
ICBF works at the heart of Ireland’s cattle breeding industry, using science, genetics and data to help farmers make more profitable and sustainable breeding decisions. ICBF’s national cattle breeding database and work across genetic evaluations, farmer support and technology give students exposure to a wide range of areas within the agricultural industry.
The placement is designed to give you hands-on experience, practical skills and valuable industry knowledge that you can take forward into your studies and future career.
Location: ICBF, Link Road, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Duration: 15-16 weeks, January–Apr/May
Department: HerdPlus
Interested in joining us?
Submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected] by 30th October 2026.