The Heritage Council is currently recruiting for a biodiversity officer to help it achieve the aims set out in its latest strategic plan.
The biodiversity officer will have responsibility for the development and implementation of biodiversity policy at local, regional and national level, particularly in relation to land use and habitat restoration.
The successful candidate will work with the high nature value (HNV) farming technical group to develop and progress policies for this type of farmland.
The technical group was convened by the Heritage Council as part of its ongoing HNV farming Ireland work.
They will also represent the Heritage Council on the national landcover and land use mapping programmes.
Biodiversity officer
The biodiversity officer will work to maximise the impact of the emerging local authority biodiversity officer programme, as well as leading biodiversity policy development for the Heritage Council.
This will include helping to develop and roll out a biodiversity training programme for local authority staff and contractors, building on a template created by Clare County Council.
“This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on conserving Ireland’s natural heritage,” the council said.
Candidates must hold a third level qualification (at least level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in biodiversity conservation, ecology or a related discipline.
They should have a minimum of three years’ professional experience in biodiversity conservation and policy development, or a closely related field.
They must have a strong understanding of Irish, EU and international legislation, regulations and policies impacting on biodiversity, particularly in relation to land use management and habitat restoration.
Candidates should also have established skills in research, data collection, and analysis to inform policy development and conservation strategies.
The full time position, which is based at the Heritage Council headquarters in Co. Kilkenny, comes with a salary scale of €36,086 to €69,393.
The closing date for the submission of applications is April 22, 2024.
Heritage Council
Meanwhile, the Heritage Council is currently inviting tenders from researchers to undertake a study of the direct economic impact of the heritage sector in Ireland.
The contract, which is worth €85,000 excluding VAT, will run for five months and must be concluded by Friday, September 6, 2024, when a final report should be ready.
The council said that the analysis should identify the contribution through gross value added (GVA) and employment in all segments of the heritage sector.
It should also look at the “spillover impacts” of the sector through tourism and rural and urban regeneration.
The closing date for the receipt of tenders is April 19, 2024.