Qualifications
The Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage has declared the qualifications for Assistant Scientist National Agricultural Inspection Programme will be as set out below:

Education, Experience, Training, etc.
Each candidate must on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the office:

(a) Hold an honours degree (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Science;

(b) Have at least two years satisfactory experience of scientific work; and

(c) Possess a high standard of technical training and experience;

The Assistant 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.

Desirable Skills & Experience
It is the desirable that candidates have comprehensive 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.
• 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 organisational skills and possess the drive to deliver the required results.
• Strong information and communication technology skills.
• Good understanding of environmental policy, regulation and legislation.

• Carry out inspections of farm holdings as required by the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters).
• To generate, maintain and collate data on the inspections of farm holdings.
• To complete annual returns to the EPA on the inspections of farm holdings.
• Collaborative with other agencies, including LAWPRO, ASSAP, Teagasc, DAFM, Dairy Sustainability Initiative, DHLGH and EPA.
• Engage with farmers to identify and manage risks to water quality arising from their farming operations.
• To support/organise/deliver local dissemination events to catchment farmers such as farm walks and meetings and media outputs.
• Prepare cross-compliance reports for cross-reporting of non-compliances to DAFM.
• Prepare enforcement notices and files for enforcement proceedings.
• To represent the local authority as an expert witness and deliver evidence at enforcement proceedings.
• To assist with profile-raising and awareness relating to water quality issues through media and elsewhere through radio/TV interviews, press releases/articles, electronic media and talks.
• Co-ordinate the data requirements for the RMCEI plan and NEMIS system.
• Carry out Health & Safety duties including toolbox talks, risk assessments, method statements and incident reporting.
• Use technology such as drones, survey equipment, sampling equipment, water chemistry meters, data recording devices and internet data sources.
• Assist the local authority environment team in the creation of team plans, workplans and procedures.
• Perform actions to meet objectives under Ireland’s River Basin Management Plan.
• Respond to water pollution incidents.
• Respond to pollution queries and complaints by the public.
• Any other duties as may be assigned to the officer from time to time by the local authority and may include the duty of deputising for other officers of the local authority, when required, and such duties as may be assigned to them in relation to the area of any other local authority.
• The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours.

Application forms and further particulars including qualifications, duties and competencies for this post are available on our website at http://www.wicklow.ie
 

The holder of the office will be required to hold a valid Irish/EU full driving licence for class B vehicles or a licence acceptable to NDLS for exchange, free from endorsement and disqualification