The Biodiversity Officer is the main point of contact and leads the planning, management and delivery of biodiversity activities across the Council. The role includes advising on biodiversity projects, developing partnerships, supporting community groups and providing information on biodiversity in Donegal.
The Biodiversity Officer also provides information on biodiversity in Donegal to a wide range of regional, national and international groups and agencies. The Officer will negotiate, devise and implement projects in association with a wide range of local, regional, national and international partner groups and agencies.
The main work of the biodiversity officer will be divided into two strands:
- The development and implementation of a Local Authority Biodiversity Action Plan. This will include awareness raising and providing best practice methods and support to enable groups and individuals to implement their own projects.
- The second part of the role is to establish the responsibilities for the County Council as they relate to biodiversity and to prepare a work plan for this area. This will involve the introduction of appraisal projects, developing information bulletins on areas of biodiversity that certain departments are likely to encounter, or physical projects in parks and lands etc in the care of the Council.
The Biodiversity Office is based within the Planning, Communities and Culture Directorate of Donegal County Council. The Culture Division comprises the Library Service, the Arts Service, the Regional Cultural Centre, the Museum Service, the Archives Service, the Biodiversity Office and the County Donegal Heritage Office. The Biodiversity Officer will work closely with the Heritage Officer as part of a Heritage Team.
The Biodiversity Office and will contribute to the development and implementation of policies and strategies to promote Biodiversity in County Donegal and to work closely with senior management and elected members to deliver such services to the highest standard.
The Biodiversity Officer will work under the direction and control of the County Librarian or other Senior Officer designated by the Chief Executive or Director of Services as appropriate.
The key duties and responsibilities of the post of Biodiversity Officer will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Strategic Planning and Policy Development
- Lead the development, management and implementation of the County Biodiversity Action Plan, ensuring alignment with the County Heritage Plan and Climate Action Plan.
- Facilitate the implementation of national biodiversity policies, legislation and programmes (e.g. National Biodiversity Action Plan, All-Ireland Pollinator Plan).
- Provide expert advice to Donegal County Council on biodiversity matters and statutory obligations.
- Promote and develop biodiversity policies, initiatives and best practice guidance across the organisation.
Biodiversity Integration and Advisory Role
- Work collaboratively with Local Authority departments to embed biodiversity considerations into policies, plans and operational activities.
- Provide technical advice on the sustainable management of ecological assets (e.g. parks, wetlands, woodlands, verges, and open spaces).
- Support ecosystem restoration and enhancement initiatives, with Local Authority staff, and across the County.
- Deliver training and guidance to staff to strengthen organisational capacity in biodiversity best practice.
Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish and support a County Biodiversity Forum/Working Group within the wider context of the County Donegal Heritage Forum.
- Work closely with internal teams (e.g. Culture Division, County Heritage Forum, Creative Ireland, Climate Action) and external stakeholders to advance biodiversity objectives.
- Actively participate in cross-functional teams and initiatives, ensuring biodiversity is integrated across Council programmes.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with community groups, NGOs, agencies, and elected members.
Project Development, Delivery and Funding
- Identify, develop and deliver biodiversity projects aligned with local and national priorities.
- Secure and manage funding from sources such as the Heritage Council and National Biodiversity Action Plan programmes.
- Prepare funding applications and oversee project implementation and reporting.
- Commission and manage biodiversity research, audits, and ecological surveys.
Data Management, Research and Reporting
- Collect, manage and disseminate biodiversity data in appropriate formats to national bodies (e.g. NBDC, NPWS).
- Monitor project outputs and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
- Prepare reports, submissions, briefings and strategic documentation for senior management, elected members and external stakeholders.
- Public Engagement, Education and Communications
- Raise awareness of biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystems services and issues affecting biodiversity in the Local Authority, including climate change with a broad range of groups.
- Develop and deliver public engagement programmes including events, workshops and campaigns (e.g. Heritage Week, Biodiversity Week).
- Support communications and promotional activities in liaison with the Communications Section, including media and digital content.
- Provide clear and accessible information to the public and stakeholders on biodiversity initiatives and support.
- Financial and Administrative Management
- Manage the Biodiversity Office budget, including financial planning, expenditure, procurement and reporting.
- Oversee administrative processes associated with project delivery, funding and operations.
- Corporate and Organisational Responsibilities
- Carry out duties in accordance with Council policies and procedures (e.g. health & safety, data protection, sustainable development).
- Support the work of elected members, Strategic Policy Committees and Municipal Districts and other Council departments as required.
- Deputise for senior staff when required and undertake additional duties appropriate to the role.
The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Donegal County Council.
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Donegal County Council
