Environmental Awareness Officer

The Role

Mayo County Council is advertising for the creation of a panel for the position of Environmental Awareness Officer from which future relevant temporary and permanent vacancies may be filled. The successful candidate will assist the Council with its waste management obligations, climate action and environmental goals through education, awareness campaigns, administration of funding, advocating for conservation and sustainability.

The Environmental Awareness Officer will promote and support good environmental management and climate friendly practices in homes, schools, communities, tidy towns and commercial and industrial sectors. This involves delivery and development of initiatives, campaigns and education programmes, public information sessions, newsletters, website content, social media, radio interviews, policy and administration of funding.

The role will require the successful candidate to hold an in depth knowledge of Local Government legislation and the science underpinning environmental policies. Furthermore, the role requires a clear understanding of local government structure and services, and its key stakeholders and relationships.

The Environmental Awareness Officer will sit within the Environment and Climate Change section of Mayo County Council.

The successful candidate will be required to travel throughout the administrative area of the authority and beyond, and duties may involve working out of normal office hours. This is a whole time specific purpose contract position until 30 June 2029.

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

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

Education Training Experience

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

a hold an honours degree level 8 in the Irish National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent professional qualification in science, communications, teaching or environmental studies

b have at least three years satisfactory relevant experience

c possess a high standard of relevant experience

d possess a high standard of administrative experience

In the event that an offer of employment is made, the candidate will be required to submit original copies of all relevant education qualifications to meet the requirements of the education training experience section

Skills and Experience for the Role

The ideal candidate must demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following:

a a good level of relevant competence and experience in areas of environmental sustainability such as environmental awareness, waste management, sustainable development goals, biodiversity and climate action

b strong interpersonal organisational and communication skills and a proven track record in management of public and media events, workshops, launches, exhibitions, environmental training and awareness

c operation of information and communication technology systems and standard office software packages

d relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level

e ability to work within a team effectively including multi disciplinary teams

f experience of compiling preparing and presenting reports presentations and correspondence

g good planning operational and project management skills

h effective financial and budget management skills

Desirables

a experience in communications and networking with the ability to organise public information sessions and produce newsletters, website and social media content and carry out radio interviews at national and local level

b experience of community environmental related work advising community groups on planning funding and organisational structures

c experience of working innovatively with the public and communities to deliver projects and interventions

d good communication presentation and interpersonal skills and ability to work with local representatives and the public

e competency or fluency in the Irish language

Required Documents

Candidates must upload the following documents in the attachments section of the application portal:

a full unendorsed Category B driving licence or other photo identification if licence not held

b certificates for all declared qualifications

c translations of any documents not in English or Irish

d comparability statement from Quality and Qualifications Ireland for qualifications not awarded in the Republic of Ireland

Citizenship

Candidates must be one of the following at the date of job offer:

a citizen of the European Economic Area

b citizen of the United Kingdom

c citizen of Switzerland

d non European Economic Area citizen who is a spouse or child of an eligible citizen and holds a stamp 4 visa

e person awarded international protection or eligible family member with stamp 4 visa

f non European Economic Area citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen and resident in an eligible state with stamp 4 visa

Particulars of the Post

Position

The post is a full time specific purpose contract until 30 June 2029. A panel will be formed from which temporary appointments may be made. The post is pensionable and whole time based on a 35 hour week

Salary

The salary scale is €57,895 to €68,367 with long service increments at higher points. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale unless otherwise determined in line with Government pay policy

Duties

The duties include providing executive administrative and management services under the direction of the Chief Executive or nominated officer. The post holder may be required to act for higher level staff if qualified to do so.

Principal duties include:

a promoting Mayo County Council environmental and climate policies including waste management, litter management, circular economy, climate action and related plans

b supporting environmental communication initiatives across waste, litter, air, water, climate action and flood risk management

c liaising with public private and voluntary sector organisations in relation to environmental education

d delivering publicity briefings information seminars workshops and events

e promoting environmental awareness in schools through direct engagement with teachers and students

f providing information to the public on environmental sustainability and legislation

g promoting good environmental practice in homes schools communities and industry

h supporting recycling information and awareness activities

i assisting with financial management of capital and operational expenditure

j supporting funding applications and community projects including engagement with Public Participation Networks

k providing information on waste management legislation and environmental regulations

l any other duties as assigned by Mayo County Council

Competencies

Candidates must demonstrate competency and skills in the required areas and provide practical examples within their application form