Scientific Officer – Belfast

Working Pattern: 5 days per week (37 hours per week)
May include some evening and weekend work.

Job Duties:

The post holder will be part of a busy operational team, primarily working with planning authorities and DfI, providing advice and recommendations on planning consultations after completing an assessment. Reporting to a Higher Scientific Officer, the key responsibilities include:

• Preparing scientific reports/casework in the field of ecology/natural environment to support good environmental outcomes.
• Assessing planning consultations to ensure compliance with planning policies and environmental law, providing robust advice to planning authorities and/or DfI.
• Attending and contributing to internal/external briefings and meetings.
• Contributing to the division’s business plan and ensuring timely and high-quality work.
• Promoting a health and safety culture by reviewing and maintaining awareness of risk assessments and adhering to safe working practices.
• Assisting colleagues in ensuring team outputs meet legislative and regulatory requirements, customer demands, and operational standards.
• Conducting fieldwork, which may involve working over arduous terrain, in industrial sites, and along watercourses.

Qualifications:

A degree (or equivalent/higher qualification) in a relevant scientific discipline.*

Experience:

2 years’ experience (within the last 8 years) in a paid, voluntary, or academic capacity associated with the conservation or assessment of natural terrestrial heritage (ecosystems, habitats, species, earth science, or landscapes). This experience should include one or more of the following: Producing ecological assessments/reports, conducting ecological surveys, including mapping, recording, and monitoring of scientific data, and conservation management.

*Relevant scientific discipline: Include the subject of qualification and date awarded. If your qualification is relevant to the role, provide details of modules studied and project work undertaken. Post-degree qualifications can include postgraduate or postdoctoral experience.

Desired Criteria:

• MSc in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Previous experience in a planning consultancy role, producing ecological reports for planning applications.
• Understanding of Northern Ireland planning policy, procedures, legislation, and case law.
• Flexi-time
• Car parking facilities
• Basic Access NI background check required

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