Biodiversity Officer

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties and responsibilities will be as assigned from time to time by local management having regard to the overall responsibilities associated with the position. The key responsibilities of the post include, but are not limited to:

• implementing and reviewing the Kerry Biodiversity Action Plan (2022 – 2027) in parallel with cross referencing to the County Climate Action Plan

• establishing a County Biodiversity Forum

• facilitating the implementation of government initiatives in relation to biodiversity and national plans and programmes that are developed to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan

• advising the Local Authority on environmental/biodiversity related issues and the Authority’s obligations in relation to protecting the environment/biodiversity

• Environmental Assessment of Plans, Projects, planning applications and Activities (conducting Appropriate Assessments is beyond the scope of this role);

• Environmental supervision of local authority projects located in environmentally sensitive areas

• Advising on environmental legislation and policy to ensure compliance

• advising the Local Authority on biodiversity related issues and the Authority’s obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity

• working with colleagues to assist in advancing the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and support ecosystem services within the Local Authority Area

• assisting other business units in integrating biodiversity into their actions and policies, for example through training, supporting information dissemination

• promoting new biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice

• working with Local Authority led projects and providing advice to colleagues on the management of ecological resources such as urban woodlands, wetlands, parks, verges, grasslands and open areas in a biodiversity-friendly manner

• raising awareness of biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystems services and issues affecting biodiversity in the Local Authority, including climate change with a broad range of groups

• commissioning biodiversity related research, audits and surveys and provide data obtained to the NBDC and NPWS in a suitable format for reporting purposes

• applying for and delivering biodiversity projects under the Local Biodiversity Action fund, Heritage Council funding, and other available sources of funding

• working closely with the County Heritage Office on a programme of public engagement for biodiversity through Field Clubs, Environmental Groups/NGOs, National Heritage Week, Summer Schools and other public events

• being an active participant/member in the County Heritage Forum, Creative Ireland team and Council Climate Action group

• organising and managing, in conjunction with local stakeholders, Biodiversity Week in the County

In addition, appointees will be required to:

• manage and ensure the satisfactory performance of any team members assigned

• assist in the provision of prudent financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation

• comply with Health and Safety legislation at all times

• ensure an efficient and effective response to all stakeholders

• prepare reports as required

• attend training as required

• participate in corporate activities and responsibilities appropriate to their grade

• undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility as may be required, or assigned, from time to time

• deputise for other employees of a higher grade as required

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

CHARACTER:

Each candidate must be of good character.

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.

CITIZENSHIP:

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

a) a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), or

The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

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

f) 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

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE, ETC.:

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

(a) hold a recognised degree (at least level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a subject relevant to biodiversity including but not limited to environmental science, ecology, earth/natural sciences, zoology, botany, or natural resources management, and

(b) after attaining the qualification referred to at (a) above, have at least five years relevant satisfactory experience of scientific work in biodiversity, sustainable development goals, biodiversity, energy, and climate action

(c) possess a high standard of technical training relevant to the areas of natural sciences and natural resources management; and

(d) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

The ideal candidate will also:-

• have experience of habitat survey and mapping, data management and analysis methods, using a variety of software including Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• be able to work within a multi-disciplinary team and also capable of working on his/her own initiative

• possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to engage with stakeholders

• possess good organisation and IT skills

• have a knowledge of health & safety legislation and safety regulations

• have an ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks

FORMAT OF THE COMPETITION

Following the closing date, Kerry County Council will examine all applications having regard to the eligibility criteria as set out above to determine validity of applications in the context of the different panels identified and overall suitability having regard to the essential skills required for the position.

Depending on the number of applications received, a shortlisting exercise may be carried out which may involve a desktop exercise based on information supplied on the application form and having regard to experience indicating suitability for the role of Biodiversity Officer. It is therefore in candidate’s own interests to provide a detailed and accurate account of their qualifications, experience and overall suitability for the position on their application form.

Where it is considered, by reason of the number and standard of applications received, that it would be reasonable not to progress all candidates to interview, only persons likely to attain a standard sufficient for selection and recommendation for appointment shall be called for interview. The number of candidates invited to attend for interview (either short listing or final) will be determined having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria set out above, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they possess the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these.

Please take note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by the candidates.

Delivering Results

• Plan and prioritise work and resources effectively

• Establish high quality service and customer care standards, particularly with local communities

• Make timely, informed, and effective decisions and show good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations

• Create opportunities or overcome obstacles by rethinking or reconceptualising practices or procedures, e.g., ensuring harder to reach communities participate in programme initiatives

Leading, Motivating, and Managing Performance

• Lead, motivate, and engage employees and local communities to achieve quality results and deliver on operational plans

• Effectively manage team performance

• Lead by example, demonstrating through your own behaviour a clear sense of quality service delivery

Personal Effectiveness

• Take initiative and seek opportunities to exceed goals

• Manage time and workload effectively

• Maintain a positive, constructive, and enthusiastic attitude to the role

Relevant Knowledge and Experience

• Have knowledge and understanding of local government structures, including service requirements

• Understand key challenges facing the local government sector and Kerry County Council

• Understand the role of the Biodiversity Officer

• Have knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

• Have good social media and communication skills

INTERVIEW

Candidates invited to participate in the interview process will be expected to demonstrate the key competencies outlined above and will be assessed and marked on the basis how they demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Kerry County Council will not be responsible for any expense, including travelling expenses, which candidates may incur in connection with their candidature. Candidates will be asked for details of any special requirements which they may have in attending for interview.

Candidates invited to attend for interview may be asked, at any stage of the recruitment process, to supply further documentation in relation to their academic qualifications, employment history, etc.

Any offer of employment will be subject to verification of information provided on the application form, pre-employment medical examination, reference checks, and Garda vetting if appropriate.

An applicant who is found to be ineligible at any stage of the competition will not be further considered. Provision of inaccurate, untrue, or misleading information will result in disqualification from the competition, withdrawal of employment offered, or dismissal.

Any attempt by a candidate himself or herself or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of Kerry County Council or person nominated by Kerry County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.

SALARY: €60,858 - €84,596 per annum - with annual increments payable subject to satisfactory overall performance, attendance, etc