Biodiversity Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent or temporary vacancies for the position of Biodiversity Officer in Monaghan County Council shall be filled. The successful candidate shall report to the Director of Services, or any other person designated by the Director of Services in the discharge of his or her duties.

The role

The Biodiversity Officer will promote, manage and coordinate biodiversity related activities in the county. The Biodiversity Officer will play a pivotal role in the preparation, ongoing review and implementation of the Biodiversity Plan. The role involves activation of local communities, businesses, schools, and all interested stakeholders and raising awareness of biodiversity in County Monaghan and requires an ability to engage with the public as part of a team within Monaghan County Council. The Biodiversity Officer will be responsible for drafting and implementing any future plans in relation to biodiversity and will also be responsible for making funding applications and project delivery in relation to biodiversity.

Duties and responsibilities

The Biodiversity Officer shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the council and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The duties of the post include but are not limited to the following:

Prepare, manage and implement a Local Authority Biodiversity Action Plan in parallel with the County Monaghan Biodiversity and Heritage Strategic Plan and with cross referencing to the County Climate Action Plan Establish a County Biodiversity Forum Facilitate 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 Advise Monaghan County Council on biodiversity related issues and the Authority’s obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity, noting that conducting Appropriate Assessments is beyond the scope of this role Work with Monaghan County Council staff to assist in advancing the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and support ecosystem services within the Local Authority Area Assist Monaghan County Council departments in integrating biodiversity into their actions and policies, for example through training and supporting information dissemination Promote new biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice Work with Monaghan County Council led projects and provide advice to colleagues on the management of ecological resources such as urban woodlands, wetlands, parks, verges, wild flora grasslands and open areas in a biodiversity friendly manner Raise awareness of biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystem services and issues affecting biodiversity in the Local Authority, including climate change, with a broad range of groups Commission biodiversity related research, audits and surveys and provide data obtained to the National Biodiversity Data Centre and National Parks and Wildlife Service in a suitable format for reporting purposes Apply for and deliver biodiversity projects under Heritage Council funding, National Biodiversity Action Plan and other sources of funding Work closely with the County Heritage Officer on a programme of public engagement for biodiversity through field clubs, environmental groups, non governmental organisations, National Heritage Week, summer schools and other public events Be an active participant in the County Heritage Forum and Council Climate Action Group Assist the Council in fulfilling its remit with regard to Appropriate Assessment including providing in house advice to Council departments, carrying out certain Appropriate Screenings, engaging consultants Facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan taking consideration of the European Union Biodiversity Strategy 2030 Undertake any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post as may be required Take instructions from and report to an appropriate officer as may be assigned from time to time by the council

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and may be subject to change. The post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the post and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or designated officer as assigned from time to time by Monaghan County Council.

Essential qualifications for the post

Character Candidates shall be of good character

Health Each candidate shall 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 citizen of the European Economic Area, or a citizen of the United Kingdom, or a citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the free movement of persons, or a non European Economic Area citizen who is a spouse or child of an European Economic Area or United Kingdom or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa, or a person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa, or a non European Economic Area citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of and resident in an European Economic Area member state or the United Kingdom or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

Education, training and experience Each candidate must hold a recognised degree at least level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications in a subject relevant to biodiversity including environmental science, ecology, earth or natural sciences, zoology, botany or natural resources management After attaining the qualification, candidates must have at least five years relevant satisfactory experience of scientific work in biodiversity, sustainable development goals, biodiversity, energy and climate action Candidates must possess a high standard of technical training relevant to natural sciences and natural resource management Candidates must have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge

Driver licence The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the European Union model driving licence

Desirable skills Experience of habitat survey and mapping, data management and analysis using Geographic Information Systems Ability to work within a multi disciplinary team and also on own initiative Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders Good organisational and information technology skills Knowledge of health and safety legislation and regulations Ability to manage deadlines and multiple tasks Track record of delivering results Understanding of local authority services and structures in Ireland or ability to quickly acquire same

Non Irish qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland to establish comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Overseas qualifications must be accompanied by a translation document.

Competencies for the post

Strategic management and change Ability to think and act strategically Ability to translate strategy into operational plans Understanding of organisational and political context Ability to build professional networks Ability to manage and implement change

Delivering results Focus on quality outcomes and continuous improvement Ability to organise service delivery to required standards Ability to make effective decisions Ability to manage resources Ability to evaluate outcomes and implement improvements

Performance management and communicating effectively Strong communication skills Ability to engage stakeholders Ability to maintain accurate records Ability to work in a team environment

Personal effectiveness Up to date knowledge of developments in the field Professional competence in the subject area Self confidence and resilience Ability to work under pressure Integrity and professionalism Self motivation and commitment to high quality outcomes

Principal terms and conditions

The competition Monaghan County Council invites applications for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and temporary vacancies may be filled. The post is whole time, permanent or temporary and pensionable.

Salary The salary scale is as follows Sixty thousand two hundred and fifty five euros to eighty thousand and one euro per annum with incremental points and long service increments as applicable Entry point will be in accordance with Department circulars. New entrants will enter at the minimum point of the scale

Probation A probation period of twelve months applies and may be extended. Appointment will be confirmed subject to satisfactory performance

Hours of duty Normal hours of work will be thirty five hours per week. Flexible working arrangements may apply. Duties may require work outside normal hours

Annual leave Annual leave entitlement is thirty days per annum

Health Successful candidates must undergo a medical examination as required by the local authority

Superannuation Membership of the appropriate local government pension scheme is compulsory. Contributions will apply in accordance with relevant pension scheme rules

Retirement Retirement age and conditions will apply in accordance with public service superannuation legislation and government policy