An Creagán Peatlands Officer

Job description

A new Northern Ireland Peatlands Collaborative and Technical Network comprising a range of stakeholders is being formed. The Network will support DAERA in the delivery of the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy, helping maximise the contribution of peatlands to Northern Ireland’s net zero journey and help to halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity. An Creagán’s Peatlands Officer will work with the Peatlands Collaborative and Technical Network and Ulster Wildlifes Peatlands Team to develop and deliver peatland restoration and management projects in the Creggan area and the nearby landscape character areas. The post holder will help establish and maintain key and active engagement with landowners and farmers, to plan projects and to work on the management of peatland restoration and future management projects. You will support the collection and provision of monitoring and evaluation data from peatland operations to inform the performance of peatland restoration projects. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and innovative individual to provide critical support to deliver effective and large-scale peatland restoration in Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Engage & liaise with landowners to secure participation in peatland restoration for target sites in the Creggan area and surrounding landscape character areas.
• Plan and deliver fieldwork for the collection of scientific monitoring data, including water table depths, peat depths, and species-specific surveys for sites in the Creggan area and surrounding landscape character areas.
• Carry out risk assessments for on-ground works, fieldwork, and events to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Collection and management of ecological and hydrological data using GIS, to assist with the production of maps for restoration action plans, on-site contractors, and tender documents.
• Work closely with the Peatlands Collaborative and Technical Network on collation of data including hydrological information, weather data, peat depths for target sites.
• Organise and deliver stakeholder events and meetings around developing peatland restoration and raising awareness of peatlands in the Creggan area and surrounding areas.
• Develop procurement documentation associated with the programme of planned on-ground works.
• Assist with reporting and claims processes to project funders.
• No job description can cover every issue which may arise and subsequently the post holder may be expected to carry out other duties with those itemised above.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Third level qualification in a relevant subject AND at least 1 year’s relevant full-time experience (or equivalent part-time experience) or 3 year’s relevant full-time experience (or equivalent part-time experience).
• Knowledge of Northern Ireland agriculture and land use, particularly on peatlands and/or peat soils.
• Knowledge and understanding of NI’s biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as the management requirements associated with designated sites.
• Demonstrable experience of building & maintaining effective relationships with landowners/stakeholders as part of a project.
• Understanding of health and safety policies and procedures and risk assessments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally; effective presentation, report writing and the ability to converse with a diverse range of people at all levels.
• Effective organisational skills including the ability to plan, manage and prioritise workloads for self and others, meet deadlines, plan and organise meetings and events.
• High level of computer literacy with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Willingness and ability to work during the evening and at weekends where required.
• Access to transport for business purposes to allow the post holder to carry out the full requirements of the role.

Desirable Skills

• Experience and knowledge of peatland conservation.
• Experience of managing contractors to carry out capital site works.
• Proficient in the use of GIS software.

Further Information

Contract ends on 31 March 2028 (with potential to extend to 2033). This post is subject to a 3-month probationary period. 24 days leave per annum plus statutory holidays Other Benefits: Flexi-time system and onsite parking. An Creagán Peatlands Officer should be educated to third level in a relevant subject and be experienced in stakeholder management. The post holder will have experience liaising with various stakeholders to deliver projects, and working within project teams, supporting delivery of outputs on time and within budget. The post holder will be proficient in Microsoft Office with good all-round communication and organisational skills including writing documents and action plans. This post is supported through the DAERA Environment.