Biodiversity Officer

General Information

County Leitrim, located in the Northwest of Ireland, has a growing economy, picturesque landscape, vibrant communities, and a strong arts and cultural sector.

Leitrim County Council’s vision is to build an economically strong, creative, and inclusive county, making Leitrim the best place to live, work, invest, and visit.

Key to achieving our priorities and objectives is a skilled and committed workforce, supported by enabling technologies, efficient work processes, and learning and development opportunities.

We are committed to the training, support, and encouragement of our staff and offer benefits across family-friendly initiatives, personal development, and staff wellbeing.

The Role

The Biodiversity Officer will promote, manage, and coordinate biodiversity-related activities throughout the county.

The Biodiversity Officer will play a pivotal role in the preparation, ongoing review, and implementation of the Leitrim Biodiversity Action Plan.

The role involves engaging local communities, businesses, schools, and other stakeholders, raising awareness of biodiversity across County Leitrim, and working collaboratively with the public as part of the Leitrim County Council team.

The Biodiversity Officer will also be responsible for:

• Drafting and implementing future biodiversity plans.
• Preparing funding applications.
• Delivering biodiversity-related projects.

The Qualifications1. Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health indicating a reasonable prospect of providing regular and efficient service.

3. Citizenship

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

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), comprising the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
• A citizen of the United Kingdom.
• A citizen of Switzerland under the EU–Switzerland agreement on the free movement of persons.
• A non-EEA citizen who is the spouse or child of an EEA, UK, or Swiss citizen and holds a Stamp 4 visa.
• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or an eligible family member with a Stamp 4 visa.
• A non-EEA citizen who is the parent of a dependent child who is a citizen and resident of an EEA Member State, the UK, or Switzerland and holds a Stamp 4 visa.

4. Education and Experience

Each candidate must, on the closing date for applications:

• Hold a recognised Level 8 degree (or higher) on the National Framework of Qualifications in a subject relevant to biodiversity, including but not limited to:
• Have at least five years' satisfactory post-qualification experience in scientific work relating to biodiversity, sustainable development goals, energy, climate action, or related fields.
• Possess a high standard of technical training relevant to natural sciences and natural resource management.
• Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

Applicants must submit:

• Confirmation of their recognised Level 8 qualification from the awarding body and/or Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
• Certified translations of any foreign-language qualification certificates.

Applications received without the required documentation will be deemed ineligible.

Candidates must also:

• Hold a current valid, unendorsed Category B driving licence (or EU equivalent).
• Have access to their own motor vehicle.
• Submit a copy of their driving licence with their application.
• Advise if they do not have access to a vehicle.

The Ideal Candidate Shall Have

• A career history demonstrating relevant scientific experience for the Biodiversity Officer role.
• Experience in habitat management, ecological surveying and mapping, data management, and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other software.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Ability to build networks and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and ICT skills.
• Good knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations, and guidelines.
• Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities.
• A proven track record of delivering results.
• An understanding of Local Authority services and structures in Ireland, or the ability to acquire this knowledge quickly.

Competencies for the Post

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate evidence of competence in the following areas within their application.

Management & Change

• Translate strategy into operational plans and outputs.
• Think and act strategically.
• Demonstrate innovation and creativity.
• Understand the political context of the organisation.
• Develop and maintain productive stakeholder relationships.
• Build technical and professional networks.
• Implement safe systems of work in line with the Safety Management System.
• Manage organisational change and overcome resistance to change.

Delivering Results

• Contribute to operational planning.
• Develop team plans aligned with priorities.
• Plan and prioritise work effectively.
• Understand relevant legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Analyse information logically.
• Understand the context and impact of decisions.
• Make timely and well-balanced decisions.
• Promote quality service delivery.
• Evaluate outcomes and implement improvements.

Performance Through People

• Lead, motivate, and engage individuals and teams.
• Lead by example.
• Empower staff to deliver operational objectives.
• Communicate effectively and actively listen.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Present ideas clearly to individuals and groups.
• Build positive internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrate strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Personal Effectiveness

• Demonstrate an understanding of the Biodiversity Officer role within a Local Authority.
• Demonstrate relevant specialist knowledge, training, and experience.
• Keep up to date with developments, trends, and best practice.
• Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Take initiative and seek opportunities to exceed objectives.
• Demonstrate resilience and persistence.
• Manage time and workload effectively.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Health and Safety legislation and its workplace application.

Principal Terms and Conditions

The position is whole-time, permanent, and pensionable.

A panel will be established from which permanent Biodiversity Officer vacancies arising within 12 months may be filled.

1. Duties

The Biodiversity Officer will provide services to:

• Leitrim County Council.
• Other Local Authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive is responsible.
• Other Local Authorities or bodies with which agreements exist.

Under the direction of the Chief Executive or designated officer, the Biodiversity Officer will provide technical, administrative, executive, supervisory, advisory, and ancillary services as delegated.

The post holder may also deputise for other officers.

The Biodiversity Officer will report to the Climate Action Coordinator or another officer designated by the Chief Executive.

The role includes driving organisational change initiatives while building biodiversity capacity across Local Authority partnerships.

Principal duties include:

• Prepare, manage, and implement the Local Authority Biodiversity Action Plan alongside the County Heritage Plan and Local Authority Climate Action Plan.
• Establish a County Biodiversity Working Group.
• Support implementation of Government biodiversity initiatives and the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
• Support implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
• Advise Leitrim County Council on biodiversity matters and statutory obligations.
• Support Council departments in protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
• Integrate biodiversity into Council policies and activities.
• Promote biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice.
• Advise on ecological management of woodlands, wetlands, parks, verges, grasslands, and open spaces.
• Raise public awareness of biodiversity, natural capital, and ecosystem services.
• Commission biodiversity research, surveys, and audits.
• Submit biodiversity data to the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
• Apply for biodiversity funding through the Heritage Council, National Biodiversity Action Plan, and other funding sources.
• Work closely with the County Heritage Officer and Climate Action Unit on public engagement programmes.
• Support National Heritage Week, Climate Action Week, Summer Schools, Field Clubs, Environmental Groups, NGOs, and National Biodiversity Week.
• Participate in the County Heritage Forum and Climate Action Committee.
• Assist the Council with Appropriate Assessment responsibilities.
• Coordinate implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan while supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role as assigned by Leitrim County Council.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and may change over time.

2. Salary

Salary Scale (analogous to Executive Engineer, effective 1 June 2026):

• €60,858
• €63,071
• €65,286
• €67,505
• €69,722
• €71,938
• €74,157
• €76,362
• €78,591
• €80,801
• €83,348 (LSI 1)
• €84,596 (LSI 2)

New entrants will normally be appointed at the minimum point of the salary scale.

Salary is fully inclusive and subject to Government policy.

3. Residence

The successful candidate must reside within the district in which duties are performed or within a reasonable commuting distance.

Leitrim County Council reserves the right to assign employees to any department or Council premises now or in the future.

4. Probation

All appointments are subject to probation.

For permanent appointments:

• Probation will normally last one year.
• The Chief Executive may extend the probation period.
• Confirmation of appointment depends upon satisfactory performance.
• Ongoing performance assessments will take place during probation.

Employment may be terminated by either party during probation by giving one week's notice.

5. Health

Successful candidates must undergo a medical examination by a medical practitioner nominated by the Local Authority before appointment.

6. Annual Leave

Annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum.

The leave year follows the calendar year.

7. Working Hours

Normal working hours are 35 hours per week.

The role requires flexibility and may involve evening and weekend work.

The Council reserves the right to alter working hours.

Working time will be recorded in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and associated Regulations using the Council's clocking system.

8. Superannuation

All new entrants to pensionable public service employment from 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

Contributions include:

• 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration.
• 3% of pensionable remuneration.

Benefits are based on career-average earnings and coordinated with the State Pension.

Other pension contribution arrangements apply depending on PRSI class and applicable Local Government Superannuation Schemes.

9. Retirement Age

For members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme:

• Normal retirement age aligns with eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory).
• Compulsory retirement age is 70 years.

Employees appointed before the Single Scheme are subject to the provisions of the Public Service Superannuation legislation, including compulsory retirement age provisions where applicable.

10. Pension Abatement

Applicants receiving a Civil or Public Service pension may have that pension reduced (abated) during re-employment in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

By applying, candidates acknowledge that pension abatement provisions may apply.

11. Driving Licence / Travel

The successful candidate must:

• Hold a current, full, unendorsed Category B driving licence.
• Drive a motor vehicle in the course of their duties.
• Provide and maintain a suitable vehicle.
• Ensure their insurance policy covers business use and indemnifies Leitrim County Council.

Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid in accordance with nationally agreed rates.