Writing an Effective Ag Job Description

With current labour shortages, farmers need to know a well-planned job description is an important aid to their staff recruitment. While a job description is primarily used to attract suitable candidates to a vacancy, it should also be used as a guideline of what to look for when making a selection.

Here are some points to include:

• Describe the position. What is the purpose of the job? Include a position title. Clearly describe each major activity or responsibility in a separate sentence and preface each with an action word.

• Responsibilities and special requirements? Who does the employee report to? Who reports to the employee? For example, does the employee liaise with rural service suppliers? Special requirements may include HT license, seasonal variations to job function, hours of work, live-in, time off.

• Describe the person. What skills, qualifications and experience must they have to perform their duties. Clearly identify the criteria a prospective employee must satisfy.