Join our Team!

ICBF currently employs over 100 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.

Do you relish a challenge and wish to be part of a top-class team? Are you an innovative team player with the drive and dedication required to help shape the future of the Irish beef and dairy industry?

If yes, then the HerdPlus Graduate Programme at ICBF may be the right fit for you!

Applications are now open for the 2024 HerdPlus Graduate Programme. Successful candidates will be offered an exciting opportunity to join our world-leading organisation for a twelve-month period commencing in Summer/Autumn 2024.

Our core strength at ICBF is our people, and the HerdPlus Graduate Programme is a key element in expanding our high-calibre talent base. ICBF employs approximately 100 people and has over 25 years of history in Ireland. We currently have over 24,000 dairy and beef farmers subscribed to HerdPlus, our comprehensive breeding information service.

What’s on offer?

We are looking for two graduates to join our hard-working and innovative team in our newly opened, state-of-the-art offices in Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Throughout the programme, you will learn and develop a broad skillset in an open, supportive, and collaborative environment. You will work directly with farmers and industry experts to deliver results that will make a positive impact on our farmers and the wider agricultural sector. You will get the opportunity to work alongside a top-class team on a variety of projects across the beef and dairy sectors. Our graduate programme has recently been short-listed for the Best graduate training Programme in the Education Awards 2024.

Our aim is that you will gain invaluable experience over the twelve months, which will enable you to excel in your career. Based on your performance during the programme, you may be offered a long-term position within the organisation.

Our ideal candidate must:

  • Be self-motivated
  • Be a team player
  • Have excellent communication skills
  • Have a good telephone manner
  • Have good computer skills
  • Hold a 3rd level degree in Ag. Science or equivalent
  • Have a keen interest in cattle breeding

If you are interested in making a difference in the Irish agricultural industry, then we would love for you to apply to this year’s Graduate Programme.

Please email you cover letter and CV to [email protected]

ICBF is an equal opportunities employer.

The closing date is Monday, 29th April 2024.

Salary

Competitive

We are looking for one graduate to join our hard working and innovative team in our state of the art offices in Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Throughout the programme, you will learn and develop a broad skillset in an open, supportive and collaborative environment. You will be working directly with farmers and industry experts to deliver results that will make a financial impact for our farmers and the wider agricultural sector. You will get the opportunity to work alongside a top-class team on a variety of projects across the sheep sector. You will also get to spend some time collaborating with the array of experts in our Genetics and IT teams within the Sheep Ireland and ICBF company. Sheep Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

Applications are now open for the Sheep Ireland Graduate Programme 2024. Successful candidates will be offered an exciting opportunity to join our world leading organisation for a twelve-month period, commencing in Summer 2024.

Why us?

Are you passionate about the future of Irish sheep farming? Do you have a keen interest in genetics, performance recording, and sustainable agriculture? Join the Sheep Ireland Graduate Programme and kick-start your career in the dynamic world of sheep farming.

About Sheep Ireland

Sheep Ireland is the leading provider of information-based genetic and genomic services. Our core strength at Sheep Ireland is our welcoming and collaborative culture and the Sheep Ireland Graduate Programme is a key element in expanding our high calibre talent base. Sheep Ireland is the leading organisation dedicated to genetic improvement in the Irish sheep industry. We work closely with farmers, breeders, and industry stakeholders to enhance the genetic potential and overall performance of Irish sheepflocksWe areworld leaders in sheep genomic evaluations, working closely with experts in research. We are making a significant impact on the genetic progress of the national flock. Here at Sheep Ireland, we are all about helping sheep farmers to increase their profits by using sustainable genetics by harnessing data-driven insights to power sheep farms’ success. Farmers are making better, smarter decisions and bringing growth and efficiency to a whole new level.

Programme Overview

Our graduate programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and professional development in sheep genetics, data analysis, and agricultural research. As a graduate trainee, you will work alongside industry experts and contribute to cutting-edge projects aimed at advancing genetic improvement and sustainability in the Irish sheep farming sector.

Key Features:

  • Experience in key areas such as genetic evaluation, performance recording, market development, and sustainability initiatives.
  • Mentorship from experienced professionals and opportunities for skill development and career advancement.
  • Involvement in innovative research projects and collaborative partnerships with leading agricultural organisations and research institutions.
  • Exposure to a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities, providing a comprehensive understanding of the sheep industry and its challenges and opportunities.
  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals, fellow graduates, and stakeholders across the agricultural sector.

Who We’re Looking For:

  • Graduates or final-year students with a degree in 3rd level Agriculture, Ag. Science or equivalent in a related field.
  • Enthusiastic individuals with a genuine interest in sheep farming, genetics, and agricultural innovation.
  • Strong analytical skills and a passion for data-driven decision-making.
  • Excellent computer skills, particularly in Excel
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic industry.

Benefits

  • Gain invaluable experience over twelve months
  • Possibility of a long-term position within the organisation based on your performance during the programme
  • Elements of travel nationally and internationally
  • Further training and support opportunities exist for those who wish to continue their education
  • Competitive salary benefits package

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter via our online application process available here:  Apply for Sheep Ireland Graduate Programme job at ICBF | HireLocker.com

Closing date is Friday 19th April 2024.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Irish Sheep Farming!

For more information, visit www.sheep.ie  or contact us on [email protected] or 023 882 0451

For updates and insights into the world of sheep genetics and agriculture follow us on:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCbvOCLLuuD4MOqrUScyM_yQ

Salary

Competitive

Sheep Ireland is the leading provider of information-based genetic services. We are based in Ballincollig, Co. Cork and have more than ten years of history in the Industry. Sheep Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

Position Overview:

You will play a vital role in driving innovation, sustainability, and profitability in the sheep farming sector through data-driven analysis, strategic insights, and collaborative partnerships. Your role would involve analysing various aspects of sheep breeding to provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability in sheep farming. By leveraging your analytical skills to support genetic improvement and performance optimisation you can contribute to the success and sustainability of Sheep Ireland’s efforts to enhance the genetic improvement and productivity of the Irish sheep farming industry.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Technical and Farm Management Software Support
  • Genetic Evaluation and LambPlus Programme Support
  • Data Management and Analysis
  • Reporting and Communication
  • Technology Integration and Adoption
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Technical Competence – Excellent computer skills
  • Analytical – Ability to interpret data for valuable insights
  • Communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Problem solving – Strong critical thinking, ability to identify challenges and opportunities
  • Project Management – Plan and execute projects in a timely manner with successful outcomes
  • Teamwork and Collaboration – Ability to work effectively as part of a team by collaborating with geneticists, researchers, software developers, and other stakeholders to achieve progress in sheep farming and genetic improvement
  • Continuous Learning Mindset – Willingness to stay updated through continuous learning, professional development, and participation in industry events, conferences, and training programs
  • Possess self-initiative and motivation with attention to detail
  • Previous experience working in a sheep-related industry will be an advantage

Qualifications:

  • Hold a 3rd level degree in an Agriculture related discipline (or equivalent experience)
  • A Masters in Agricultural Science will be an advantage

Benefits:

  • Employees receive a competitive salary benefits package
  • Opportunities to travel both nationally and internationally
  • Working closely with national and international experts in the field of sheep genetics
  • Further training and support opportunities exist for those who wish to continue their education.  

About us

Sheep Ireland manages the national sheep breed improvement program and aim to drive genetic improvement, enhance performance recording and support breeding program management to promote profitability and sustainability within the Irish sheep farming sector. Through these efforts, we want to empower sheep farmers, improve the quality and efficiency of sheep production systems, and contribute to the overall success and profitability for Irish sheep farmers. This is achieved through the collection and analysis of performance data, including traits such as growth rate, carcass quality, maternal ability, and disease resistance, to identify superior animals for breeding purposes. Sheep Ireland are world leaders in sheep genomic evaluations having one of the world’s largest sheep genotype databases and work closely with experts nationally and internationally in research and development. We work closely with breed societies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to develop and implement effective breeding strategies. In this exciting era of cutting-edge genomic analysis, we use innovative technologies and advanced breeding techniques to facilitate the genetic improvement of Irish sheep breeds by providing tools, resources, and information to sheep farmers and breeders. Ultimately, we aim to support the long-term viability, resilience and success of the Irish sheep farming industry.

To further develop our impact on the Sheep Industry, we are looking for a person to join our team. This full-time position is based in our office in Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter via our online application process available here: Apply for Agri Business Analyst Sheep Ireland job at ICBF | HireLocker.com

 Closing date is Friday 12th April 2024.

Contact Information:

For inquiries or further information please contact Sheep Ireland, Link Road, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.

Website:www.sheep.ie               

Telephone: 023 882 0451

WhatsApp: 083 2063734             

Email Address: [email protected]

Social Media: ‘X’ – twitter.com/SheepIreland, Facebook: www.facebook.com/SheepIreland/, Instagram: sheepirelandofficial, YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/SheepIreland

Salary

Competitive