Biodiversity Officer SDCC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will automatically disqualify. Opportunity starts here Come to SDCC to do your greatest work. Were forward-thinking and focused on diversity, inclusion and community. As an equal opportunities employer, were opening the doors to new careers, creating flexible ways of working and putting people at the heart of everything we do. Were the people responsible for local government in South Dublin County. Aside from the exciting range of opportunities to make a real difference in your community, SDCC is a great place to work. Working with us will give you the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of local government and to develop your career in a diverse work environment. At SDCC we provide plenty of opportunity for career progression with structured training, personal development, coaching and mentoring. We offer flexible working including blended working arrangements and a positive work environment. Read our accompanying Employee Value Proposition to find out more. Welcome to a team thats making a difference powered by people like you. Applications Applications will only be accepted through SDCCs e-Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 11th December 2025. The Role The Biodiversity Officer will promote, manage and co-ordinate biodiversity related activities in the county. South Dublin County Council have prepared and are implementing a Biodiversity Plan for the County and the role will include the on-going implementation of the Biodiversity Plan actions, monitoring / reporting of same and review and development of a new plan at the appropriate time. The role involves activation of local communities, businesses, schools, and all interested stakeholders and raising awareness of biodiversity in South Dublin County and requires an ability to engage with the public. The Biodiversity Officer will also be responsible for making funding applications and project delivery in relation to biodiversity. The Biodiversity Officer will be expected to work closely with other departments and officers within the council whose duties and roles overlap and can complement each other in the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. This will involve provision of assistance and advice to Management and Elected Members and collaboration with related officers including the Heritage Officer, Climate Action Team, Public Realm Team etc. The Biodiversity Officer shall perform such duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Job Duties and as may from time to time be assigned in relation to their employment and as may be appropriate to any particular function for which the Chief Executive is responsible. The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area. Salary €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). Hours of Work The successful candidates normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. SDCC reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time. Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days. Qualifications 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: 1.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. 2.Have at least five years satisfactory experience of scientific work in biodiversity, sustainable development goals, energy and climate action 3.Possess a high standard of technical training relevant to the areas of natural sciences and natural resources management. 4.Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge. Desirable Education, Training and Experience 1.Experience of working with community groups in the implementation of environmental supporting practices in the community. 2.Experience of developing and leading the implementation of biodiversity programmes or projects 3. 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: 1.Implement and review SDCCs Biodiversity Action Plan in parallel with the County Heritage Plan and with cross referencing to SDCCs Climate Action Plan and to the National Biodiversity Action Plan. 2. Work with the established Strategic Policy Sub Committee on Biodiversity 3.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; 4.Report on the progress of implementation and delivery of the National Biodiversity Action Plan to the responsible Government Department as required. 5.Advise the Local Authority on biodiversity related issues and the Authoritys obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity (conducting Appropriate Assessments is beyond the scope of this role); 6.Work with Local Authority staff to assist in advancing the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems and support ecosystem services within the Local Authority Area; 7.Assist Local Authority departments in integrating biodiversity into their actions, plans, projects and policies, for example through providing advice, training, supporting information dissemination; 8.Collaborate with SDCCs Heritage Officer on strategic biodiversity issues. 9.Promote new biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice; 10.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; 11.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; 12.Commission biodiversity related research, audits and surveys and provide data obtained to the NBDC and NPWS in a suitable format for reporting purposes. 13.Apply for and deliver biodiversity projects under the Heritage Council funding and National Biodiversity Action Plan and other sources available sources of funding. 14.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. 15.Provide support to local communities engaging in biodiversity projects and assist them in applications for funding to support their projects. 16.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. Additional Information Booklet OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE SDCC Careers Additional Information Booklet 2 SDCC is an equal opportunities employer. Canvassing will automatically disqualify. Recruitment Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of SDCC. We conduct interviews face to face or online through Microsoft Teams and this will be decided by SDCC. SDCC will not be responsible for any expenses a candidate may incur in attending for interview. Applicants should be prepared for interview any time after the closing date. A candidate who does not attend for interview when and where required by the Council will have no further claim to consideration. Interview results will be available on our website Rolling Recruitment Only applications received electronically through the Councils e-Recruitment system will be accepted. South Dublin County Council applies rolling recruitment to fill some critical post. The nature of rolling recruitment is that there is no closing date. This allows us to capture as many applicants as possible to fill these posts on an on-going basis. Competitions which are subject to rolling recruitment will close temporarily at short notice once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Shortlisted applicants will be brought forward for interview to fill existing vacancies, and the competition will be re-opened to new applications when required. Competitions that operate on a rolling basis will be clearly indicated in the advertisement. It is in your best interest, therefore, to submit your application as soon as possible. SDCC Careers Additional Information Booklet 3 Shortlisting SDCC reserves its right to shortlist applications. Shortlisting may include desktop shortlisting and / or preliminary interviews. Shortlisting will be on the basis of information supplied on the application form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled. For this reason, you should provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form and ensure you fully complete the competency questions where applicable. When providing examples to demonstrate your ability under a particular competency, you should ensure the example is appropriate in scale and scope for the requirements of the position you are applying for. Panels A panel may be formed on the basis of such interviews. The life of the panel will be for a period of one year from the date of its formation. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the Council that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panel, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise. Acceptance of Offer SDCC will require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a reasonable period as determined by SDCC. If they fail to take up appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council will not appoint them. Pre-Employment Checks For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for successful candidates to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by SDCC. Appointment will not proceed without SDCC obtaining two satisfactory references from responsible persons known to but not related to the candidate. A responsible person should be a person under whom the candidate has serviced in employment, or in the case of relevant voluntary work a person who has held a supervisory position. At least one of references must be from a current employer. Garda Vetting will be sought prior to appointment in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau Act 2012 2016. A candidate who is found to be ineligible at any stage of the competition will not be further considered. Provision of inaccurate, untrue, or misleading information will lead to disqualification from the competition, withdrawal of employment or dismissal. Citizenship Critical Skills Occupations Candidates must, by the date of submission of application form, have a Critical Skills Employment Permit (stamp 1G). Candidates should ensure that the post they are applying for is included in the Critical Skills Occupations List Non-Critical Skills Occupations Candidates must, by the date of submission of application form, be: A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa. SDCC Careers Additional Information Booklet 5 In the case of relief positions advertised by the Council, a person awarded a stamp 2 Visa (student visa) is allowed to work to a maximum of 20 hours work per week. Blended Working SDCC is committed to supporting a flexible and balanced working environment. In line with this commitment, we operate a Blended Working Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Under this policy, successful candidates may apply to work remotely up to two days per week, provided that the role is deemed suitable for blended working. Applications for blended working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements and the needs of the service. Please note that blended working arrangements cannot commence until six months of continuous employment have been completed. This ensures adequate time for onboarding, training, and integration into the team and organisational culture. Probation Where a person is appointed to South Dublin County Council, the following provisions will apply: a) there will be a period after appointment takes effect, during which such a person will hold the position on probation. b) such period will be one year, but the Chief Executive may, at his discretion, extend such period. c) such a person will cease to hold the position at the end of the period of probation unless during this period the Chief Executive has certified that the service is satisfactory. d) the period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks notice as per the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts. e) there will be assessment(s) during the probationary period. SDCC Careers Additional Information Booklet 6 Officers who have already completed a probationary period with another Local Authority will not be obliged to serve probation with South Dublin County Council. Salary / Wages Entry point to a salary / wages scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In accordance with Departmental Circular letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy. Duties In accordance with Section 159(3) & (4) of Local Government Act 2001 an employee of the local authority shall perform the duties of the office and give the local authority under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative, technical, or management nature as are required for the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties and to exercise such powers, duties and functions as may be delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive from time to time including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by the local authority and such duties as may be required in relation to the area of any local authority. The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level. SDCC Careers Additional Information Booklet 7 Residence Holders of the office will reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof, as determined by South Dublin County Council. Outside Employment Employees may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties. Superannuation Contribution The provisions of the Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) Scheme 1998 may apply. Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority as follows: 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children). Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. The provisions of the Spouses and Childrens / Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme will continue to apply. New entrants will be admitted to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme with effect from the date of appointment. The scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement gratuity, death gratuity and survivors benefits. To qualify for a pension the successful candidate must have served a minimum of two years employment in a Local Authority. Employees may not engage in private practice or be connected with any Holders of the office will reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof, as determined by 2025 Rates and Thresholds Local Government Superannuation Scheme members €0.00 to €34,500 0% €34,500 to €60,000 10% Over €60,000 10.5% Single Public Sector Pension Scheme members €0.00 to €34,500 0% €34,500 to €60,000 3.33% Over €60,000 3.5% Retirement Age There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 65 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy. The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. The Council may refer staff to a medical advisor at any time to determine fitness for carrying out the duties to which they have been assigned. Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.