Biodiversity Officer

Job Title: Biodiversity Officer

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Job type: Permanent

Region: Ireland

Job Category: Biodiversity

Vicinity: Dublin South

Wages: €59,658 - €61,829 - €64,000 - €66,175 - €68,349 - €70,521 - €72,696 - €74,857 - €77,043 - €79,209 - €81,706 (1st LS1) - €82,929 (2nd LSI)

Posted date: 27th November 2025

Closing date: 11th December 2025

Location: South Dublin

Character Candidates will be of good character.

Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Essential Education, Training And Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

• Hold a recognised degree, Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications in a subject relevant to biodiversity e.g., ecology, earth/natural sciences, zoology, botany, natural resources management, environmental science.
• Have at least five years satisfactory experience of scientific work in biodiversity, sustainable development goals, energy and climate action
• Possess a high standard of technical training relevant to the areas of natural sciences and natural resources management.
• Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

Desirable Education, Training And Experience

• Experience of working with community groups in the implementation of environmental supporting practices in the community.
• Experience of developing and leading the implementation of biodiversity programmes or projects
• Experience in measuring and gathering data relating to biodiversity programmes/ projects and reporting on outcomes

Key Competencies / Skills

• Management and change
• Delivering results
• Performance through People
• Personal effectiveness
• Local government knowledge and understanding

Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post.

Duties

Duties Will Include But Are Not Limited To

• Implement and review SDCC's Biodiversity Action Plan in parallel with the County Heritage Plan and with cross referencing to SDCC's Climate Action Plan and to the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
• Work with the established Strategic Policy Sub Committee on Biodiversity
• Facilitate the implementation of government initiatives in relation to biodiversity and national plans and programmes that are developed to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan, such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan;
• Report on the progress of implementation and delivery of the National Biodiversity Action Plan to the responsible Government Department as required.
• Advise the Local Authority on biodiversity related issues and the Authority's obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity (conducting Appropriate Assessments is beyond the scope of this role);
• Work with Local Authority staff to assist in advancing the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and support ecosystem services within the Local Authority Area;
• Assist Local Authority departments in integrating biodiversity into their actions, plans, projects and policies, for example through providing advice, training, supporting information dissemination;
• Collaborate with SDCC's Heritage Officer on strategic biodiversity issues.
• Promote new biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice;
• Work with Local Authority led projects and provide advice to colleagues on the management of ecological resources such as urban woodlands, wetlands, parks, verges, wild flora grasslands and open areas in a biodiversity-friendly manner;
• Raise awareness of biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystems services and issues affecting biodiversity in the Local Authority, including climate change with a broad range of groups;
• Commission biodiversity related research, audits and surveys and provide data obtained to the NBDC and NPWS in a suitable format for reporting purposes.
• Apply for and deliver biodiversity projects under the Heritage Council funding and National Biodiversity Action Plan and other sources available sources of funding.
• Work closely with the County Heritage Office on a programme of public engagement for biodiversity through Field Clubs, Environmental Groups/NGOs, National Heritage Week, Summer Schools, Biodiversity Week and other public events.
• Provide support to local communities engaging in biodiversity projects and assist them in applications for funding to support their projects.
• Be an active participant/member in the County Heritage Forum, Creative Ireland team and Council- climate action team.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general guidance. South Dublin County Council may require you at its discretion to undertake other duties from time to time in addition to or as a variation of the duties of the position.