Job Opportunities

Applications are CLOSED for this position.

We currently have a vacancy for a Peatland Restoration Project Officer (Inishowen Area)

DETAILS

To apply, please send your CV and detailed cover letter highlighting how you meet all of the following criteria via our careers site. 

NOTE:  Only applications made via our careers site will be accepted.

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The island of Ireland is the fastest-growing area of the rivers trust movement, and as part of what will be a major team expansion across the island of Ireland, we are looking for a motivated and highly-organised person to join our team and fill a newly-created Peatland Restoration Project Officer role.

The job holder will be working on a pilot for an EU-funded multi-partners Interreg NWE project called Buffer +. This role will lead to community engagement, peatland restoration for blue-services and exploration of tourisms potential in this pilot project in the Donagh-Moville catchment, County Donegal. The officer will be working with support from Rivers Trust colleagues across Ireland and the UK, and our delivery partner, the Inishowen Rivers Trust.

The aim of the pilot is for the Inishowen Rivers Trust to work with the local community in relation to management of peatland mountain commonage. It will provide flood alleviation solutions via drain blocking and increased water retention in peatland to reduce the overall flood risk to the village of Clonmany. These measures will also improve water quality by reducing erosion, sedimentation, capturing unabated runoff, and improve drinking water.  In addition, the officer will explore new and novel revenue models (e.g. tourism potential) for peatland habitat.

To achieve this, the job holder will be collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders including landowners, local community, government and the NGO sector across Ireland, the UK and Europe. There will also be the opportunity to work and share learning with colleagues on a parallel project in the Moy area, County Mayo, and with Rivers Trust colleagues across Ireland and the UK.

If you are motivated by the prospect of joining this ground-breaking project and a thriving movement, then please read on to look at who we are looking for.

 

As part of an EU-funding requirement, the successful candidate will need to live and in the Republic of Ireland and have the right to work in the country.

This is a full time role (37.5 hrs/week) , expected to last 3-years, with flexible working hours, time off in lieu and the option of a 9-day fortnight. The contract duration may be extended subject to funding. The role is a home-based role, with regular travel, mostly within the Inishowen area, but also sometimes across County Donegal, and more infrequently across the island of Ireland, the UK and occasionally Europe. To manage this, you will need a full driving licence with access to your own reliable means of transport (expenses are paid for under our policy.)

We offer flexibility around working hours and time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities, backgrounds and circumstances

 

The salary for this role will be €37,285 - €39,356 per year, dependent on skills and experience, plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

To apply, please send your CV and detailed cover letter highlighting how you meet all of the following criteria via our careers site:

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Identification and development of opportunities for peatland restoration for drinking water protection and tourism.
• Connecting and engaging with landowners to raise awareness about the benefits of peatland restoration.
• Negotiating with landowners for peatland restoration, drinking water protection and tourism opportunities.
• Assessment and reporting on peatland habitat condition, before, during and after restoration.
• Draw up contractor specifications for restoration works and oversee the contract tender process including all statutory permissions and Health and Safety requirements including CDM.
• Liaison and collaboration with partners across Europe on peatland restoration & techniques, monitoring and best practice.
• Facilitation of biodiversity monitoring at the pilot site in collaboration with BUFFER+ partner project partner BeeOdiversity and collaboration with local Beekeepers.
• Sharing of knowledge and experience with 20 other project partners across Europe.
• Contributing to the evaluation of, and reporting on, project outcomes.
• Supporting other colleagues on the team in the delivery of projects, providing cover for absences and transferring any specialist knowledge.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with key governmental organisations in the environmental space as well as local authority employees with similar roles.
• Ability to travel extensively within the Inishowen area in County Donegal to visit sites and colleagues, as well as less frequent travel across Ireland, the UK and occasionally Europe.
• Home-based role with regular site visits and regular contact with trust member and colleagues in the Inishowen area in County Donegal.
• Engagement with educational institutions to educate and promote peatland rewetting programs as well as other measures that improve water quality in the catchment area.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with key governmental organisations in the environmental space as well as local authority employees with similar roles.

Everyone who works for the Rivers Trust is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture, and follow all Rivers Trust policies including on Health & Safety, EDI, IT, and GDPR.

Person Specification

Essential knowledge, skills, and experience

• FETAC/QQI Level 8 qualification in Ecology/Environmental or and/or Science Field.
• Interpretation of data and report writing.
• Strong IT skills (including Excel, MS Word and Outlook).
• Strong cost and budget management.
• Demonstrable experience of working with and negotiating with external stakeholders such as landowners to form conservation partnerships.
• Proven ability of being able to persuade and influence a wide range of people.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.
• An understanding of the importance of involving people from different groups, circumstances and communities in environmental issues, and the ability to engage with them,
• Strong time management, organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently, work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Inquisitive and willing to learn new skills, committed to professional development.

Desirable criteria, only include these if you have them:

• FETAC/QQI Level 8 or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering with, ideally, a minimum of two years’ post qualification experience relevant to the requirements of the role or
• FETAC/QQI Level 8 or equivalent qualification in Sustainable Rural Development or Community Development with, ideally, a minimum of two years two years’ post qualification experience relevant to the requirements of the role or an equivalent educational qualification with, ideally, a minimum of two years’ post qualification experience relevant to the requirements of the role.
• Experience of practical delivery of project, working with external stakeholders such as contractors and agencies.
• Technical expertise on peatland and ecological restoration.
• An understanding or awareness of the issues surrounding climate change, biodiversity loss and relationship to restoration of peatlands and other habitats.

We have tried to anticipate everything we need for the job, but realise that people who might not meet all the criteria could still be great applicants - if you have any questions which will help you decide to apply and aren't answered on our website, please get in touch with Constanze O'Toole (constanze.otoole@theriverstrust.org) and she'll get back to you.

Please note we can only accept applications made through our careers site, and not sent by email or other methods.

Closing date: Thursday 23 November

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 29th November, via Teams, and the successful candidate will be asked to start work as soon as possible.

 

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