Assistant Scientist

The Assistant Scientist will work as part of multi-disciplinary teams within the Environment Department of Offaly County Council.

The role requires comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended, and the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977-1990, as amended, and the associated enforcement obligations of a Local Authority.

The Assistant Scientist shall operate under the direction of and report to the Senior Executive Engineer and must undertake those duties as assigned to them by their Supervisor. The Assistant Scientist shall also report to the Senior Engineer and Director of Services of the section to which they are assigned or any other person designated by the Director of Services.

The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours, as required.

Key general duties include:

• Work to enforce EU and national environmental legislation and policy with particular reference to the Waste Management Act and the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, as amended, and related legislation;

• Carry out investigations, audits and prepare reports on official complaints received from the public in respect of illegal waste or water pollution activities which may be in breach of EU and national legislation;

• Appoint and manage environmental consultants and contractors carrying out Risk Assessment, Intrusive Site investigations and Environmental Sampling;

• Prepare summary and indictable files for submitting to Legal Advisors and the DPP for the prosecution of offences in breach of environmental legislation. To attend District Court and Circuit Court representing Offaly County Council as expert witness for criminal proceedings;

• Participate in National Working Groups relating to waste, air, noise, water quality, wastewater treatment systems, as appropriate;

• To assist with profile-raising and awareness relating to waste prevention, recycling, illegal dumping, water quality issues through media and elsewhere through radio/TV interviews, press releases/articles, electronic media and talks, in line with the communications plan;

• Co-ordinate the data requirements for the RMCEI plan and NEMIS system;

• Carry out Health and Safety duties including toolbox talks, risk assessments, method statements and incident reporting;

• Supervise staff and ensure compliance with Offaly County Councils health and safety protocols and standards;

• Assist the Council’s H&S Co-ordinator in the implementation of Safety Management System;

• Assist the Council’s Energy Engineer in the implementation of the Energy Management System (ISO 50,0001) as it pertains to the section.

• Prepare tender requests for services and purchase of instruments and materials;

• Use Technology such as Drones, Survey Equipment, Overt and Covert CCTV to detect environmental breaches;

• Any other duties as may be assigned to the officer from time to time by the local authority and may include the duty of deputising for other officers of the local authority, when required, and such duties as may be assigned to them in relation to the area of any other local authority

• If assigned to the Waste Enforcement section duties will include:

• Assist the Waste Enforcement Team in the creation of team plans, workplans and procedures including the Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI) Plan and directions from the Regional WERLA Office;

• Carry out and assess Environmental Risk Assessments of Unauthorised Waste Disposal Landfills;

• Conduct site Monitoring, inspection and audits of Waste Facility Permit/Certificate of Registration Sits and preparation of reports;

• Review and validate Annual Return data submitted by Waste Collection Permit Holders to the National Waste Permit Office. To liaise with the EPA, NWCPO, WERLA on priority waste collectors;

• Review and validate the data provided by the Waste Facility Permit/ Certificate of Registration holders against the National Waste Permit Office returns;

• Assess and examine Waste Facility Permit /Certificate of Registration applications under the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007;

• Liaise with the National Waste Collection Permit Office in relation to permit queries and ensure waste collectors are compliant with their returns;

• Monitor and inspect Development Sites to assess Construction Environmental Management Plans and Waste Management Plans;

• Implement Environment legislation relating to Producer Responsibility Initiatives;

• Carry out inspections and audits relating to the Landfill Levy Regulations 2002, as amended;

• Carry out investigations, audits and prepare reports on official complaints received from the public in respect of Air and Noise Complaints, Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations, Air Pollution Act 1987, Solid Fuel Regulations 2022 and the EPA Act 1992;

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Air Quality Roadmaps for designated locations

• Oversee the management of Civic Amenity Sites and Bring Banks owned by Offaly County Council;

• Carry out investigations, audits and prepare reports on the Waste Regulations (non-exhaustive list) Commercial Food Waste Regulations, Household Food Waste Regulations, Household and Hazardous Waste, Mercury Regulations, Waste Planning, Assessment of Historic landfills;

• Assist in joint road checkpoints and reports.

If assigned to the Water Quality Team duties will include:

• Assist the Water Quality Team in the creation of team plans, workplans and procedures including the Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI) Plan.

• Carry out Statutory Septic Tank inspections under the EPA’s National Inspection Plan and use EPA Apps for uploading of Septic Tank and incident inspections;

• Perform Farm inspections and cross compliance reporting of offending farms as required by the GAP Regulations and/or support GAP NAIP assigned colleagues;

• Engage with farmers to identify and manage risks to water quality arising from their farming operations;

• Review planning applications regarding water quality issues and compliance;

• Assist with the Statutory Water Framework Directive sampling programme and ensure that it is completed to a high standard;

• Perform moderate to complex sampling investigations for river assessment work and water pollution incidents.

Any other duties as may be assigned to the officer from time to time by the local authority and may include the duty of deputising for other officers of the local authority, when required, and such duties as may be assigned to them in relation to the area of any other local authority.

The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours.

The Assistant Scientist will be required to undertake training as provided by the local authority, from time to time.

KEY COMPETENCIES

1. Management and Change

Political Awareness

• Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the local authority.

Safety, Health & Welfare at Work

• Fully implements safe systems of working in accordance with the Corporate Safety Statement for their area of work.

2. Delivering Results

Problem solving and decision making

• Can pinpoint the critical information and can address issues logically Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions.

Operational Planning

• Contributes to operational plans and develops team plans in line with priorities and actions for their area of operation, having regard to corporate goals, operational objectives, available resources

• Establishes high quality service and customer care standards

• Organising work programmes and implementing solutions.

Managing Resources and achieving efficiencies

• Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used efficiently to deliver on operational plans

• Drives and promotes reduction in costs and minimisation of waste.

Ensuring Compliance

• Abides by the laws, regulations and policies and procedures affecting your employment and the discharge of your duties.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

• Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services, which are linked to the corporate priorities, with a focus on continuous improvement

• Evaluates the outcomes achieved against operational plans, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

3. Performance Through People

Leading and Motivating

• Leads, motivates and engages others to achieve quality results.

Managing Performance

• Empowers and encourages people to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

• Has effective verbal and written communication skills

• Has good interpersonal skills.

4. Personal Effectiveness

Resilience and Personal Well-Being

• Remains calm under pressure and can separate personal issues from work issues

• Values the well-being of staff and others by managing stress levels and work-life balance.

Integrity & Public Service Values

• Is honest and trustworthy in all dealings.

Personal Motivation and Initiative

• Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles

• Does more than is required or expected, anticipating situations and acting to pre-empt problems

QUALIFICATIONS

1. CHARACTER

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. HEALTH

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. CITIZENSHIP

Candidates for any of the above panels must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

4. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE ETC.

Each candidate must on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the office:

(a) Hold an honours degree (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant science discipline.

And

(b) have at least two years work experience in the natural waters science area;

And

(c) possess a high standard of technical training and experience.

And

(d) Hold a current full driving license in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License on the latest date for the receipt of completed applications.

REQUIREMENTS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

It is essential that the ideal candidates have:

• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with customers and stakeholders;

• Ability to build networks and successfully influence key internal and external stakeholders;

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with experience in the preparation of technical reports and the delivery of presentations to a varied audience in various formats

• Ability to pinpoint the critical information and address issues logically;

• An ability to prepare and present technical reports;

• Ability to deal with complex and confrontational situations;

• Effective investigational skills and the ability to respond to complaints;

• Excellent organisation skills and possess the drive to deliver the required results;

• Strong Information & Communication Technology (ICT) skills;

• Good understanding of environmental policy, regulation and waste management / water quality/pollution principles;

• Experience of interpreting and implementing policy and legislation;

• Suitable experience relating to the control and supervision of staff.

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate, through their application form and at the interview stage, the following:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Waste Management Acts, 1996, as amended;

• Experience of enforcing waste legislation and implementing local authority obligations under the National/Regional Waste Management Plan;

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977-1990, as amended;

• Experience of enforcing Water Pollution legislation and/or implementing local authority obligations under the Water Framework Directive, River Basin Management Plan, and Good Agricultural Practice for the protection of waters regulations;

• Familiarity with river catchment management and assessment;

• Budgetary Management Skills;

• Have good knowledge and awareness of the statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation and the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The Post:

The post is temporary, whole-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate vacancies that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post of Assistant Scientist is: €46,802 -€72,609 (LSI 2)

Duties:

The duties of the post are to give to the local authority, and

a) such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 and 2014, is Chief Executive, and

b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority, or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and supervision of the Chief executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body herein before mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him/her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. The post holder may be required to work outside his/her normal job description from time to time.

Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remuneration will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time.

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014 as amended will prevail.

Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of the Offaly County Council Probation Policy will apply.

Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5%, of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme. Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay, pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (ie. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Retirement:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 65 years.

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