Community Water And Wetland Scientist

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Cabragh Wetlands Centre Community Water Job Specification

Job Title: Community Water and Wetland Scientist

Reporting to: Board of Cabragh Wetlands Centre CLG

Line managed by: Secretary of Cabragh Wetlands Centre CLG or other designated person

Location: Cabragh Wetlands, Thurles Co. Tipperary.

Nature of Post: Temporary Part-time

Hours of Work: An average of 20 hours per week, normally not less than 10 or more than 35 in any one week. Attendance may be required on any day, including weekends, depending on the needs of the company. Where more than 30 hours are worked in any one week, the time shall be taken off in lieu within the following month and with the agreement of the line manager.

About the Organisation

Cabragh Wetlands Centre manages approximately 30 hectares of land at present at Cabragh and Fertiana on the Holycross Road in Thurles and has access to another 7.24 hectares. Most of this land comprises a wetland habitat in the River Suir catchment and all of its land is within a Special Area of Conservation.

The land is largely part of the former landholding of The Irish Sugar Company. Following the closure of the factory, a number of environmentally-concerned locals acquired the initial property with the purpose of conserving it as a wetlands and of using it as a facility for passive recreation and education for the community of Thurles and the wider county of Tipperary.

A substantial Visitor and Education Centre has also been constructed on the site, as well as a storage shed, bird hides, a car-park and walkways. The building extends to approximately 359m2 and incorporates meeting/teaching rooms, kitchen and dining area, toilets and offices.

The Goals and Objectives of Cabragh Wetlands Centre are as follows –

1. To support communities in Tipperary and beyond in learning how to live sustainably

2. To protect and enhance the habitats of which it has control

3. To carry out works to enhance the facilities of the wetlands and the centre for educational, recreational and conservation purposes

4. To maximise the potential of its facilities in terms of the provision of activities and experiences which will address all of the key focuses of the facility.

The Role

The main purpose of the job is to assist the Board and volunteers in continuing the Lisnagonoge Community Water Quality Project, and to establish and develop a local community wetlands network.

Duties & Responsibilities

The principal duties and responsibilities of the position are to continue the work of the Lisnagonoge Community Water Quality Project and to evaluate the enablers and barriers involved and to establish, develop and make operational a local community wetlands network. Specific tasks associated with the position include but are not limited to the following –

· Familiarise themselves with the ethos and goals of Cabragh Wetlands with regards to environmental management and water quality in particular

· Carry out a survey of the Thurles and Templemore Municipal District to identify 20 smaller-scale wetland areas.

· Identify the ownership of the wetlands in question.

· Engage with the landowners to identify their intentions with regard to the wetlands and their understanding of their importance

· Organise a number of network meetings and the running of those meetings

· Carry out of surveys of the relevant wetlands to assess their habitat status and ecological value. This will need to be done during a number of seasons.

· Prepare reports and evaluations of the project and its likelihood of success.

· Carry out additional water-quality assessments at a number of points along the course of the Lisnagonoge waterbody

· Identify any significant threats both existing and planned to the quality of water in the waterbody

· Develop a plan for engaging with stakeholders in consultation with LAWPRO and the Board of the company and such other stakeholders as the company may identify

· Lead the engagement with stakeholders on the basis of the agreed plan

· Prepare a report on the project identifying its strengths, weaknesses and potential as a model for sub-catchment engagement

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A third-level qualification in an environmental topic in which habitat assessment and ecological recording were significant components
• Excellent report-writing and data-management skills
• Proven knowledge and skills in interpersonal engagement and people management;
• Excellent administrative and communication skills including the making of presentations to groups
• A knowledge of IT systems including MS Office and MS Outlook or equivalent and proven IT skills
• A knowledge of social media
• Good organiser and project manager
• Ability to work with committees
• Ability to work on own initiative

Desirable

• Familiarity with Cabragh Wetlands and commitment to its ethos
• Familiarity with environmental issues and those associated with water and/or wetlands in particular
• Experience of engagement with landowners and/or community groups on environmental issues

Conditions of Employment

• Permission to work unrestrictedly in Ireland until the end of the contract
• Full driving license with access to a vehicle
• Availability to work some flexible hours.
• Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Salary

Remuneration will be at the rate of €24 per hour paid to the employee’s bank account in arrears every four weeks on the basis of actual hours worked and net of PAYE, PRSI, USC and pension contribution. Pension payments will also be made to the national scheme MyFutureFund.

Travel and subsistence will be paid for at Civil Service rates.

Contract

Temporary Fixed term contract, subject to successful completion of a probation period. The contract will commence as soon as possible and cease on the 31st December 2026.

Pay: €24.00 per hour

Work Location: In person