Join to apply for the Ecologist role at Waterways Ireland
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Ecologist
REPORTS TO: Senior Ecologist / Head of Environment and Heritage
LOCATION: Flexible: Dublin, Scarriff, Carrick-on-Shannon, or other RoI Waterways Ireland office; Location to be decided with successful candidate.
SUMMARY OF ROLE
To meet our statutory remit, Waterways Ireland is looking for a Project Ecologist to join our Environment and Heritage team. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive ecological services and specialist advice on a diverse range of projects undertaken by the team, particularly with regard to the delivery of capital and maintenance project requirements.
The role offers an opportunity for a professional ecologist to work on 1000 km of navigable waterways throughout the island of Ireland utilising the various skills they may have acquired through formal training and professional experience. Prospective candidates will be expected to have excellent report writing skills, be well organised with meticulous attention to detail while also being able to manage a varied and full workload.
While the focus of this role is on ecology, there is also the requirement to support the range of environmental and heritage projects undertaken by the organisation.
KEY FUNCTIONS
1. Undertaking ecological background research, desk studies, fieldwork and biological data collection and interpretation to best practice guidelines and methodologies.
2. Compiling Ecological Impact Assessments and Habitats Directive Assessment reports on the likely impacts of proposed capital and maintenance projects and recommending appropriate mitigation measures.
3. Commissioning ecological assessments as required, managing external consultants, and reviewing outputs.
4. Supporting the Environment and Heritage Section in conducting/overseeing environmental and heritage studies.
5. Delivering fit for purpose project outputs within set deadlines to support the engineering and technical teams in project delivery.
6. Preparation of habitat maps using GIS software.
7. Interacting with a range of statutory and non-statutory stakeholders and the public and representing Waterways Ireland on various committee/fora as required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Project managing ecological surveys, ecological impact assessments and other ecology projects from inception to completion, including interaction with Waterways Ireland personnel, statutory bodies, consultants, the public and other project stakeholders.
2. Scoping, planning, and undertaking ecological surveys in freshwater and terrestrial environments, including biological data collection and interpretation.
3. Preparing written ecological reports, impact assessments, management plans, etc. as the output of field survey effort, including mapping, data collation, etc.
4. Preparation of Ecological Impact Assessments and Appropriate Assessment reports.
5. Commissioning specialist ecological assessments/surveys and monitoring outputs (e.g., badger, otter, bats, ornithology, habitat restoration / rehabilitation, woodland management planning, etc.)
6. Consultation with relevant stakeholders in the North and South including central government departments, planning authorities, Northern Ireland Environment agency, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and other regulatory bodies.
7. Preparation of project habitat maps using ArcGIS.
8. Organisation, prioritisation of own work.
9. Attending relevant meetings and contributing to them.
10. Identifying IT and office equipment needs.
11. Any other environmental/ecological duties as may arise.
OTHER
Deal with any matter as requested by Senior Management / Chief Executive and assist with queries forwarded to Waterways Ireland. Represent Waterways Ireland at meetings / functions both during and outside normal working hours. Comply with and actively promote Waterways Ireland policies and procedures on all aspects of equality. Complete all training as required by Waterways Ireland within specified timeframes. The above list is not exhaustive, and you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities for the effective and efficient performance of the role. The organisation operates within a changing environment, and you will be required to be flexible and adapt to these changes and to develop your role as a result going forward.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Applicants must clearly demonstrate both in their application form and at interview how they meet the Eligibility, Essential & Desirable Criteria.
ELIGIBILITY:
1. Possess a degree in Ecology, Botany, or Natural Sciences, or other related fields that give the candidate the necessary skills to fulfil the role (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications).
2. Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience relevant to this post that gives the candidate the necessary skills to fulfil the role.
3. Successful candidates will be required to travel, it is therefore essential that applicants have a full current driving licence and access to a form of transport which will permit the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
1. Strong ecological experience in waterways and adjacent environments with good knowledge and understanding of the ecology of aquatic systems and wetland habitats and their flora and fauna.
2. Highly developed ecological survey skills in one or more disciplines with a high level of competence in other ecological areas.
3. Excellent report writing skills with specific experience in the preparation of Ecological Impact and Appropriate Assessment reports.
4. An excellent understanding of the EU Habitats, Birds and EIA Directives in so far as they relate to project-based ecological impact assessments.
5. Knowledge of environmental legislation applicable to N. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
6. Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently, with a range of stakeholders.
7. Ability to use GIS software in the preparation of habitat mapping.
8. Competency in using the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
1. Specialisms in different fields of ecology.
2. Post-graduate qualification in ecological area.
3. Experience in the technical review of Ecological Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment reporting.
4. Experience in monitoring and managing the implementation of environmental and ecological mitigation during construction / works phase on site.
SENIORITY LEVEL
Entry level
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time
JOB FUNCTION
Business Development, Consulting, and Strategy/Planning
INDUSTRIES
Recreational Facilities
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