Job Description

We have a fantastic opportunity for you to join our client, Northern Ireland Civil Service, based in Belfast as a full-time Higher Scientific Officer.
Our client is Northern Ireland's Leading Public Sector Employer.
Start Date: ASAP
Administrator Pay Rate: 18.48
Main job duties:
The job role sits within the Marine Conservation Advice team in DAERA's Marine and Fisheries Division.
The Marine Conservation Advice team is responsible for the provision of advice in relation to protected habitats and species and is a statutory consultee in the planning and marine licensing processes. One such area is offshore renewable energy, and the Department's contribution to achieving the UK Net Zero target; this is also outlined in the NI Environmental Improvement Plan under Strategic Environmental Outcome 4 (through the support of offshore renewable energy development while protecting the marine environment).
This post will support this work by:

• providing robust advice and guidance for offshore wind farm development while minimising adverse impacts on protected ornithological features.
• Development of appropriate ornithological standards and documentation to aid the assessment process for offshore wind proposals.
• Development of NI appropriate compensatory measures for offshore wind proposals.
• Identification of species specific knowledge gaps and leading on engagement with key external stakeholders to identify options for addressing these gaps, potentially including the development and management of external evidence gathering contracts.
• Review of ornithological surveys and methodology provided with offshore wind applications to provide appropriate advice.
• Assist in the finalisation of the Seabird Conservation Strategy including review of consultation reports and drafting of synopsis report

Essential Criteria:
A Degree (or equivalent/higher qualification) in Zoology, Biology, Ecology or other related Marine or Environmental Science subjects.
AND
2 years' experience gained within the last 8 years in a paid, voluntary or academic capacity associated with the conservation or assessment of our seabird and waterbird species, such as in one or a combination of the following:
1. Producing and / or reviewing ecological assessments/reports;
2. Conducting ecological surveys of seabirds, particularly those found in the UK inshore area;
3. Conservation management.
*Relevant scientific discipline: give the subject of qualification and date awarded (the date awarded is the date on which you were notified of your result by the official awarding body). If you believe your qualification is relevant to the role in question, the onus is on you to provide details of modules studied and project work undertaken etc. so that a well-informed decision can be made. Post degree qualification experience can also include relevant post graduate study or post doctorate experience.
Desirable Criteria:
MSc in a relevant* scientific discipline.
Ability to interpret ornithological characterisation surveys and reporting.
Strong literacy skills and experience in writing technical documents for public use.
Experience in assessing impacts of wind turbines (offshore and onshore) on ornithological species.
Strong communication skills and experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders
Experience in drafting tenders and project management.
*Relevant scientific discipline: give the subject of qualification and date awarded (the date awarded is the date on which you were notified of your result by the official awarding body). If you believe your qualification is relevant to the role in question, the onus is on you to provide details of modules studied and project work undertaken etc. so that a well-informed decision can be made. Post degree qualification experience can also include relevant post graduate study or post doctorate experience.
**An AccessNI will be required**
RecCoBelfast