Land Based Specialist (Equine)

Northern Ireland Civil Service; North East; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Land Based Specialist (Equine) role in Northern Ireland, primarily based at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus, with potential work across DAERA locations. The post requires an Honours Degree in a related field, and a minimum of one year post-qualification experience in the equine industry.

A valid NI driving licence is essential for site duties and travel. DAERA/CAFRE will support education programme development, knowledge transfer, and innovation activities to sustain the equine sector.

Qualifications

• Honours Degree (2.2) or equivalent in Equine-related subjects.
• Minimum of one year of post-qualification experience in the equine industry.
• Full, current driving licence valid in Northern Ireland and access to transport to meet the post requirements.
• A closely related subject is defined as having at least 50% of technical modules similar to the listed degrees.
• The panel will accept experience gained during a relevant Master’s degree as part of one year’s post-qualification experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver CAFRE education programmes to ensure the sustainability of the land-based (equine) industry through DAERA policy implementation.
• Develop and deliver knowledge transfer and Innovation programmes.
• Other duties in line with DAERA needs; may include driving a Department minibus or other vehicle.
• The above list is not exhaustive and duties may evolve with business needs.

Education

Honours Degree (2.2) or equivalent in Equine Studies/Equine Management/Equine Science/Equine Business/Veterinary Science/Veterinary Physiotherapy

Job description

Closing Date for Applicants:
Friday 2nd October 2026

Grade III – Equine

Location: This post will be based primarily in CAFRE, Enniskillen Campus and, if necessary, in other DAERA locations across Northern Ireland.

Reference: IRC326460

The primary role of Agri-Food and Land Based Specialists is to interpret, analyse and present technical information to students and industry personnel in a form that meets their needs. Agri-Food and Land-Based Specialists will normally work within a specific discipline in CAFRE i.e. Agriculture, Food, Horticulture or Equine. However, post holders may be assigned to other posts in DAERA including regulatory or policy development functions which require the post holder to have the relevant Honours degree.

The main duties and responsibilities include:

The development and delivery of education programmes provided by CAFRE, to ensure the sustainability of the land based (equine) industry through the implementation of DAERA policy.

The development and delivery of knowledge transfer and Innovation programmes

Other duties in line with the needs of DAERA, including:

Driving a Departmental vehicle - for posts based in CAFRE campuses the successful candidate(s) may be required to drive a Department minibus or other vehicle.

The above list is not exhaustive but provides an indication of the main duties of the posts. The emphasis on particular duties will vary over time according to business needs.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have, by the closing date for applications:

At least an Honours Degree (2.2 classification), or an equivalent qualification in Equine Studies, Equine Management, Equine Science, Equine Business, Veterinary Science, Veterinary Physiotherapy, or a closely related subject*.

A minimum of one-year, full-time equivalent, relevant post-qualification experience working in the equine industry **

A full, current driving licence enabling the licence holder to drive in Northern Ireland and access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full.

* A closely related subject is defined as one where at least 50% of the technical modules are similar in content to those in the Degrees referred to above.

** The panel will accept experience gained during the completion of a relevant Master’s degree (or higher) as part of one years’ post-qualification experience

Completed application forms must be submitted no later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 2nd October 2026.

The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.

Land Based Specialist (Equine) Northern Ireland