The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

The island of Ireland is the fastest-growing area of the Rivers Trust movement, and as part of what is a major team expansion across the island, we are looking for a motivated and highly-organised person for an exciting and newly-created role as a Peatland Restoration Project Officer in the Moy & Killala Bay Catchment area of County Mayo.

The job holder will be working on a pilot for an EU-funded multi-partners Interreg NWE project called Buffer +. This role will lead on private landowner engagement, peatland restoration for testing of wet crops (paludiculture) and to demonstrate sustainable peatland use. The officer will be working with support from Rivers Trust colleagues across Ireland and the UK, and our delivery partner, River Moy Trust, as well as support this local trust to help build its capacity and impact.

The aim of the pilot is for the Moy Trust to work with private landowners within the local community to develop, test and showcase a range of wet crops and applied re-wetting techniques, demonstrating a range of potential benefits including improving water quality, increasing biodiversity, tackling climate change and generating income. The pilot site will demonstrate to famers in Ireland and NW Europe alternative land use and showcase crops that can be used for a range of new products. In addition, it will highlight the role grassroot environmental NGOs such as rivers trusts can play in supporting a transition to non-draining-based carbon agriculture on privately- owned peatland.

To achieve this, the job holder will be collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders including landowners, local community, government and the NGO sector across Ireland, the UK and Europe. There will also be the opportunity to work and share learning with colleagues on a parallel project in Inishowen, County Donegal, and with Rivers Trust colleagues across Ireland and the UK.

If you are motivated by the prospect of joining this ground-breaking project and a thriving movement, then please read on to look at who we're looking for.

As part of an EU-funding requirement, the successful candidate will need to live and in the Republic of Ireland and have the right to work in the country.

It's a 3-year full time role (37.5 hrs/week)with flexible working hours, time off in lieu and the option of a 9-day fortnight. The contract may be extended subject to funding. The role is home-based role, with regular travel, mostly within the River Moy Catchment, but also sometimes across County Mayo, and more infrequently across the island of Ireland, the UK and occasionally Europe. To manage this, you will need a full driving licence with access to your own reliable means of transport (expenses are paid for under our policy.)

We offer flexibility around working hours and time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities, backgrounds and circumstances.

The salary for this role will be €37,285 - €39,356 per year, dependent on skills and experience, plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

To apply, please send your CV and detailed cover letter highlighting how you meet all of the following criteria:

Key responsibilities include:

Identifying and developing opportunities for peatland restoration and paludiculture.
Connecting and engaging with landowners to raise awareness about the benefits of peatland restoration.
Negotiating with landowners for peatland restoration and paludiculture opportunities.
Assessing and reporting on peatland habitat condition, before, during and after restoration & wet crop testing.
Drawing up contractor specifications for restoration & wet crops works and oversee the contract tender process including all statutory permissions and Health and Safety requirements including CDM.
Liaising and collaborating with partners across Europe on peatland restoration & paludiculture techniques, monitoring and best practice.
Facilitating soil sampling at the pilot for soil health analysis at the pilot site in collaboration with BUFFER+ partner BioClear Earth.
Sharing of knowledge and experience with 20 other project partners across Europe.
Supporting the River Moy Trust in the delivery of its charitable objectives.
Contributing to the evaluation of, and reporting on, project outcomes.
Supporting other colleagues on the team in the delivery of projects, providing cover for absences, and transferring any specialist knowledge.
Ability to travel extensively within the Moy area in County Mayo to visit sites and colleagues, as well as less frequent travel across Ireland, the UK and occasionally Europe.
Home-based role with regular site visits and regular contact with trust member and colleagues in the Inishowen area in County Donegal.
Engagement with educational institutions to educate and promote peatland rewetting programs as well as other measures that improve water quality in the catchment area.
Ability to effectively collaborate with key governmental organisations in the environmental space as well as local authority employees with similar roles.
Everyone who works for the Rivers Trust is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture, and follow all Rivers Trust policies including on Health & Safety, EDI, IT, and GDPR.

Person Specification

Essential knowledge, skills, and experience

FETAC/QQI Level 8 or higher qualification in Ecology/Environmental or and/or Science Field.
Interpretation of data and report writing.
Strong IT skills (including Excel, MS Word and Outlook).
Strong cost and budget management.
Demonstrable experience of working with and negotiating with external stakeholders such as landowners to form conservation partnerships.
Proven ability of being able to persuade and influence a wide range of people.
Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.
An understanding of the importance of involving people from different groups, circumstances and communities in environmental issues, and the ability to engage with them.
Strong time management, organisational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently, work as part of a team and on own initiative.
Inquisitive and willing to learn new skills, committed to professional development.
Ability to effectively collaborate with key governmental organisations in the environmental space as well as local authority employees with similar roles.

Desirable criteria, only include these if you have them:

Possess a FETAC/QQI Level 8 or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering with, ideally, a minimum of two years’ post qualification experience relevant to the requirements of the role or
Possess a FETAC/QQI Level 8 or equivalent qualification in Sustainable Rural Development or Community Development with, ideally, a minimum of two years two years’ post qualification experience relevant to the requirements of the role or
an equivalent educational qualification with, ideally, a minimum of two years’ post qualification experience relevant to the requirements of the role.
Experience of practical delivery of project, working with external stakeholders such as contractors and agencies.
Technical expertise on peatland and ecological restoration.
An understanding or awareness of the issues surrounding climate change, biodiversity loss and relationship to restoration of peatlands and other habitats.

We have tried to anticipate everything we need for the job, but realise that people who might not meet all the criteria could still be great applicants - if you have any questions which will help you decide to apply and aren't answered on our website, please get in touch with Constanze O'Toole and she'll get back to you.

Please note we can only accept applications made through the link provided, and not sent by email or other methods.

Closing date: Thursday 23 November

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 29th November, via Teams, and successful candidate will be asked to start work as soon as possible.

Jobs in Mayo

Peatland & Paludiculture Officer (Moy)