The principal duties and areas of responsibility of the Biodiversity Officer may include but are not limited to the following:
Prepare, manage and implement a Local Authority Biodiversity Action Plan in parallel with the
County Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy and with cross referencing to the County Climate Action Plan and County Development 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 the Local Authority on biodiversity related issues and the Authority’s obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity;
Work with Local Authority staff to assist in advancing the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and support ecosystem services in within the Local Authority Area;
Assist Local Authority departments in integrating biodiversity into their actions and policies, for
example through training, supporting information dissemination;
Promote new biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice;
Work with Local Authority 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 ecosystems 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
NBDC and NPWS in a suitable format for reporting purposes.
Apply for and deliver biodiversity projects under the Heritage Council funding and National
Biodiversity Action Plan and other sources available sources of funding.
Work closely with the County Heritage Office on a programme of public engagement for biodiversity through Field Clubs, Environmental Groups/NGOs, National Heritage Week, Summer Schools and other public events.
Be an active participant/member in the County Heritage Forum, Creative Ireland team and Council climate action group.