Job Description

Our client is looking for a Scientific Officer to join their team in Belfast (Marine conservation advice casework officer)
Rate of Pay: 16.45 per hour Weekly Pay
Start Date: ASAP
Location: It is envisaged that some element of home working and / or remote working may be possible in line with the NICS Hybrid Working policy and business need. The permanent office location is: Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9ED
Hours: 5 days each week, totalling 37 hours. DAERA operates a flexi working system, with usual working hours between 8am and 6pm, with core hours of 10am to 12noon, and 2pm to 4pm which must be covered.
Duration: 6 months
Role Details:
The post holder will need to take full cognisance of national and international conservation requirements under relevant legislation to provide appropriate marine and coastal nature conservation advice on a range of consultations (the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended) and the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002).
To support and assist the Marine conservation advice casework Higher Scientific Officerby:

• Responding to the NIEA Planning Response Team on planning consultations within agreed timeframes. This will involve assessing applications for potential impacts on marine nature conservation interests and providing robust and proportionate responses. Liaison may be required with other colleagues within DAERA, council staff, and if necessary, site visits. This may also involve attending pre-application discussion meetings with applicants, agents and/or the Planning Authority and attending Planning Committee meetings to support HSO/SSO in presenting our consultation responses.
• Assisting in the provision of marine nature conservation advice to Marine Licensing Branch on plans/projects which are being considered for a Marine Licence. This will include responding to pre-application enquiries, EIA scoping opinions, full applications including Habitats Regulations Assessments and advising on whether conditions can be discharged, to ensure all marine nature conservation issues have been identified and that appropriate mitigation is in place.
• Assisting in the provision of scientific advice to NIEA - Conservation Designations and Protection Unit on ASSI consents and/or assents to ensure all marine nature conservation issues are identified and that appropriate mitigation is in place.
• Assisting in the provision of marine nature conservation advice to local, national and transboundary government departments on policies and plans by commenting on SEAs, Local Development Plans and other similar consultations.
• Ensuring that marine protected species are protected during any plans or projects taking place in or near the marine environment. This will apply to species protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). This will involve providing advice to applicants and raising awareness with stakeholders.
• Assisting with the marine wildlife licensing process in order to determine all licence applications meet the agreed timeframe. Work in tandem with the Marine Licensing Branch to develop and enforce wildlife conditions under the Marine Licensing system. Carry out joint visits with Marine Licensing colleagues where required. Ensure that those who have been issued with a wildlife licence are compliant.
• Assisting with marine mammal stranding record management.
• Assisting with Carlingford Lough bird surveys or other survey activities, when required.
• General administrative duties.

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 marine ecosystems, such as in one or a combination of the following:
1. Producing and / or reviewing ecological assessments/reports;
2. Conducting ecological surveys of marine habitats and wildlife, particularly those found in UK waters;
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.
Access NI will be required for this role
Desired Criteria:

• Knowledge of the marine environment, including Marine Protected Areas, habitats and species, and associated potential impacts and key environmental issues.
• Strong literacy skills and experience in writing technical documents for public use.
• Ability to collaborate and effectively communicate scientific advice to internal and external colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong decision-making and an understanding of when to seek guidance.
• Good time management skills.
• The candidates must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil their duties.