Offer Description
The Department of Planning at UCC is accepting applications for the role of Research Assistant(s) for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded research study related to planning, landscape character and landscape sensitivity.
The study is anticipated for an approximately 18-month duration commencing on 31st March, with the research assistant joining the team as near as possible to the project start date.
The study ('Determining environmental impacts on landscape - understanding landscape sensitivity in assessment of strategic plans and programme') explores the scope for the effective incorporation of landscape values, sensitivity, and capacity for change into decision-making and strategic assessment at different scales in Ireland.
It examines how a system for a deeply values-based classification of landscape sensitivity can be developed nationally, for both urban and rural landscapes, to improve assessment of environmental impacts on landscape of plans and programmes.
The outputs will inform the development of future national planning statements, actions and measures, and will include sample maps, guidance documentation, and toolkits.
This will be used to provide a consistent approach to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) monitoring of national plans and programmes for landscape and cumulative effects and to identify data required for this.
This study involves working with core members of the teaching team at the Department of Planning, as well as the running of workshops with stakeholders and key users of the landscape.
The successful candidate(s) will primarily report to project-lead, Dr Karen Ray, and will have the responsibility of conducting core research into current best practice for classification of and decision-making around landscape sensitivity, gathering and managing data, creating digital maps and graphics, writing reports and briefing notes for policy makers, presenting at national (and possibly international) forums, and contributing to overall management of the project.
Applications are invited from candidates with a strong academic background, a demonstrable interest in planning, landscape and heritage matters and specialist knowledge and / or competency in the field of landscape values and landscape sensitivity.
Depending on the suitability, profile and availability of candidates, the department will consider appointing either two part-time research assistants or a single full time research assistant.
The project is aligned with the Sustainability Institute, UCC.
Project Title:
Determining environmental impacts on landscape - understanding landscape sensitivity in assessment of strategic plans and program
Post Duration:
18 Months, Full-Time Post
The key duties and responsibilities include:
To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
To provide assistance in conducting research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of a research project.
To coordinate and perform a variety of independent and team activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation and some interpretation of information/results.
To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing technical reports including conclusions and recommendations and briefing notes for policy makers.
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To coordinate the development of forms, questionnaires and the application of qualitative and quantitative research techniques; write procedures manuals for data collection and coding.
To present information on research progress and outcomes to others responsible for the research project.
To provide guidance as required to any support staff and/or research students assisting with the research project, as agreed with the Principal Investigator/Grant holder.
Ideally to contribute to the publication of findings.
To confer with the Principal Investigator in developing plans for research projects and to discuss the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.
To perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
To undertake the creation of sample material, including maps and graphics, for use in workshops and reports.
To assist in the coordination and running of workshops with stakeholders and a diverse range of users of the landscape.
Where appropriate, to contribute to the presentation of findings at national and possibly international forums.
Specific Requirements
A graduate qualification in a field of discipline relevant to the area of investigation i.e. BSc or MSc - An honours degree in a field or discipline relevant to the area of investigation, i.e. planning, heritage, geography and/or landscape (Essential).
Some research experience is desirable.
Good report writing and presentation skills
Previous laboratory experience and practices are desired.
Good analytical skills and computer skills.
An ability to work independently to a tight schedule, an ability to work independently and to follow direction of the project leader while working to a tight schedule (Essential).
Capability of working effectively within a team to achieve results.
Evidence of excellent organisational and communication skills.
High levels of initiative are encouraged.
A demonstrable capacity for engaging, at a high level, with the challenge of aligning landscape values and landscape sensitivity with planning practice (Essential).
Competency in the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and good technical skills for the creation of digital maps and graphics (Essential).
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