Description Are you looking for a challenging and varied role where you will be an integral part of a team who are committed to making a positive impact on the agricultural industry? We are looking for a Higher Agricultural Officer to join our Rural Payments and Inspection Division (RPID) Portree Office and undertake a key management role, managing, developing and supporting a team of 3 Agricultural Officers. RPID teams manage the implementation of agricultural, environmental and rural policies, process applications for funding and provide high quality customer service. The Agricultural Officer team undertake a wide variety of duties, many of an outdoor nature, including visits to farms and crofts to carry out inspections. The team also undertake desk-based processing of claims and applications, and engage directly with customers as the primary point of contact for crofters and the rural community in the area. This position is primarily a management role, but it also includes the requirement to undertake some inspections as well, and carrying out site visits to diverse types of agricultural establishments, often over extensive and difficult terrain and in all weather conditions. Experience of crossing this type of land and a willingness to undertake these visits are prerequisites for this post. Responsibilities • Coordinate and manage the delivery of a number of RPID administered schemes within your area. This will involve organising and undertaking field inspections, delivering training and providing guidance and support to staff while quality assuring the work undertaken. • Monitor scheme progress and report on relevant issues as well as being responsible for quality control ensuring that a range of designated targets and standards are met. • Undertake assessment and evaluation of business investment proposals, scheme applications and claims. • Inspect cattle and sheep and associated records to confirm traceability, cross compliance and scheme eligibility requirements. Qualifications Qualifications Valid driving licence which entitles you to drive in the UK. Please confirm in your CV/Personal Statement that you hold this qualification. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Experience: Demonstrate a thorough and full knowledge of the Single Application Form and Basic Payment Scheme which includes all aspects of claim processing from application submission through to payment. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the LFASS and AECS Schemes. Demonstrate experience in the use of GPS equipment for carrying out Land Based Inspections. Behaviours: Making effective decisions - Level 3 Communicating and influencing - Level 3 Working together - Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 25 August 2025 however this may be subject to change. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. There is an expectation that you will be present in the Office at least 2 days per week. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.