The National Biodiversity Data Centre is pleased to announce a vacancy for a Communities & Engagement Pollinator Officer. This post is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) was published in 2015 to build upon grassroots support and provide a framework through which all sectors could come together to better protect pollinators for future generations. A 16-member steering group provide oversight of the Plan with implementation coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The Plan is voluntary, but has been endorsed by more than 100 governmental and non-governmental organisations across the island of Ireland and has seen continually increasing levels of interest and support since publication. To build on the success of the first phase, a new and more ambitious Plan has been published for 2021-2025.
Pollinators play a key role in our ecosystems. Actions to protect them benefit biodiversity generally and provide a vehicle for direct community engagement. Existing work on delivery of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has demonstrated that there is a huge interest to understand more about pollination and wild pollinators, and where support has been provided, it has empowered local communities through bottom-up active citizenship to improve the quality of their local environment.
Thanks to the generous support of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the National Biodiversity Data Centre is looking to employ an Officer on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. The role will involve overseeing a specific programme of work to support Local Authorities and community-led initiatives to safeguard Ireland’s pollinators.
THE POST
The Communities & Engagement Pollinator Officer will support and oversee successful implementation of the Local Authority and local community actions in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025. The post is funded by National Parks and Wildlife Service and is facilitated by the Heritage Council. The post holder will be working with the team at the National Biodiversity Data Centre, under the direction of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Chair and Project Manager, Dr Úna FitzPatrick.
Key deliverables would include, but are not restricted to:
- Continue to support and grow the network of AIPP Council partners, including organising and running knowledge exchange events
- Encourage Tidy Towns groups to become more pollinator friendly, including providing administrative support for the Local Authority Pollinator Award in the National Tidy Towns competition
- Promote and grow the Plan by supporting other existing community groups and identifying new networks to target
- Develop and publish new evidence-based guideline documents as necessary e.g., guidelines for pollinator-friendly management of hospital grounds
- Oversee the provision of comprehensive and freely available online resources for Local Authorities, local communities and schools at pollinators.ie
- Regularly promote the AIPP through mainstream and social media, including organising dedicated awareness raising campaigns on pollinators
- Contribute to general National Biodiversity Data Centre duties as required
DETAILS
Duration: The appointment is initially for a 12-month period. There is the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory progress and availability of funding.
Location: This is a full-time post based in the National Biodiversity Data Centre, Waterford. While Covid-19 restrictions apply, the successful candidate will be largely working remotely.
Travel: The post will involve travel across Ireland.
Salary: The salary is €36,500 (gross) per annum.
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements
- MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant field
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
- Track record in project delivery
- Keen knowledge and interest in Ireland’s biodiversity
- Experience of engaging with local communities
- Full clean driving license – travel will be necessary to promote the Plan
Desirable requirements
- Knowledge and experience of pollinators
- Proven track record in communication (reports, articles, web, social media)
- Experience of building partnerships and delivering multi-stakeholder programmes
TO APPLY
To apply, please complete the application form below and send together with a one-page Curriculum Vitae to the National Biodiversity Data Centre at admin@biodiversityireland.ie. Please mark your applications: Project Officer (Pollinators). The closing date for applications is 17:00hr Sunday 5th December 2021. It is anticipated that shortlisted candidates will be invited for a remote interview on Tuesday 14th December 2021.
