Job Description

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.

Grade - B2

Advert type - Level Transfer

Duration - Permanent

Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer

Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

These posts sit within the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) – Inverurie Area Office which is part of the Agricultural & Rural Economy Directorate within DG Net Zero.

As an HAO you will perform a key management role within the RPID Inverurie office, managing, developing and supporting a team of up to 5 Agricultural Officers. You will receive support from a Senior Agricultural Officer and be part of a team focused on delivering a range of RPID administered schemes.

The post holder will be responsible for leading, supporting and providing guidance to staff and customers on a wide range of casework ensuring payment and inspection targets are met as set out in the Annual Business Cycle.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and develop a team of staff involved in agricultural related casework, ensuring that we get the best out of our people. This also includes assessing performance and training requirements and taking responsibility for Health and Safety.
• Coordinate and monitor progress of a number of RPID administered schemes for the local area. This will involve organizing field inspections, delivering training, and providing guidance and support to staff in the assessment of applications/claims, whilst also quality assuring the work undertaken.
• Carry out inspections for livestock, capital grants and other RPID related duties, and work with local delivery partners and stakeholders to deliver our work.

Person Specification

Valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK

Behaviours Being Tested

Professional / Technical Skills: -

1. Connections and communication – Practitioner level

Experience

1. Practical experience of working in agriculture, land management or a related rural discipline, and an understanding of the challenges facing the agricultural industry in Scotland to reach net zero targets.
2. Experience of working with RPID administered schemes including carrying out inspections, and the assessment of applications and claims to deliver RPID support payments to farmers and other land managers.

Behaviours

1. Working together – (Level 3)
2. Developing self and others (Level 3)

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide

Working Pattern

These posts are based in Thainstone Court, Inverurie and in line with our current ways of working, our team follows a hybrid working approach, but this post is customer facing role and as a result you will be expected to be either dealing with customers and stakeholders on site or in the office.

This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.

Further Information

Further information about this opportunity is available from Fiona Stoopman - fiona.stoopman@gov.scot

How to Apply

Please submit your Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team.

Vacancies close at 11:59pm on the 12th July 2026

Interviews

Interviews will be scheduled for w/c 13th July 2026

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.