Local authorities have responsibility under the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations for the monitoring of waters to determine the extent and trends of pollution arising from agriculture and to carry out inspections of farm holdings for the purposes of the regulations.

Recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports show water quality is declining in Ireland and that at current levels of progress, Ireland will fail to meet the EU and national goal of restoring all waters to good or better status by 2027.

Agriculture is a significant contributor to this declining water quality and Local Authorities in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are putting in place an enhanced inspection programme of farm holdings to protect, reverse trends and improve water quality in Ireland.  These inspections are to be carried out under the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations, and the National Agricultural Inspection Programme (NIAP).
 

Education/ experience, etc.:
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

1. hold an honours degree (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in relevant science discipline, and
2. have at least two years’ work experience in the natural waters science area
3. possess a high standard of technical training and experience

• European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations
• Water Framework Directive
• Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977-1990
• Water Quality and agricultural impacts

• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders
• Ability to build networks and successfully influence key internal and external stakeholders
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with experience in the preparation of technical reports and the delivery of presentations to a varied audience in various formats
• Ability to pinpoint the critical information and address issues logically
• An ability to prepare and present technical reports
• Ability to deal with complex and confrontational situations
• Effective investigational skills and the ability to respond to complaints
• Excellent organisation skills and possess the drive to deliver the required results
• Strong information and communications technology skills
• Good understanding of environmental policy, regulation and legislation
• Good knowledge and awareness of the statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation and the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace

Further information is available in the Candidate Information Booklet available on our website.