JOB DESCRIPTION
Introduction to the Role:
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 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.
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.
Qualifications:
Each candidate must, on the date of appointment to the office
- Hold an honours degree (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant science discipline.
- Hold a current full driving license in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License on the latest date for the receipt of completed applications.
The Graduate Scientist will be required to undertake training as provided by the local authority, and specifically in the area of Catchment Science and Management, and farm inspections skills.
Specific Knowledge Required
The role requires some knowledge and understanding of the:
- 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.
Existing knowledge and or experience in Catchment Science and Management and farm inspection skills will be an advantage.
Other required Knowledge
It is essential that the ideal candidates have:
- Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
- Ability to build networks and successfully influence key internal and external stakeholders.
- 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.
- Have 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.
Human Resources Department