000438 Scientific Officer I (Level 3) Climate Adaptation Scientist

Our client the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are currently accepting applications for the position of Scientific Officer I (Level 3) Climate Adaptation Scientist.

Overview of the Role:

The successful candidates will fulfil the role of Scientific Officer I (Level 3) Climate Adaptation Scientist. The EPA is expanding its Climate Services Team and is recruiting for the position of Climate Adaptation Scientist (Level 3). The successful candidate will provide expertise, analysis and insight on climate change risk, adaptation and resilience in Ireland. The person will also have a management role and will be a valued member of a multidisciplinary team of technical experts in the areas of climate change impacts, risk and adaptation and resilience planning and monitoring.

The Key Responsibilities of a Scientific Officer I (Level 3) Climate Adaptation Scientist:

• Continued development of the EPA Adaptation Team including contributing to/delivering the preparation of the annual work programme concerning Climate Ireland and building on the National Climate Change Risk Assessment to disseminate findings and engage with stakeholders, facilitate future iterations of the NCCRA.
• Delivering Climate Ireland as the national adaptation platform to inform National, Sectoral and Local adaptation planning, including providing datasets, information, guidance, research findings and training.
• Developing a community of adaptation practice in Ireland through the Climate Ireland Adaptation Network.
• Delivering Ireland's first National Climate Change Risk (NCCRA) to characterise, quantify and prioritise climate risk across all sectors.
• Leading technical work to provide evidence to support setting technical adaptation targets.
• Providing structured support to various sectors for sectoral adaptation plan development.
• Developing a communications strategy for EPA adaptation and dissemination of outputs to a variety of audiences.
• Integrating climate resilience and adaptation priorities across EPA work areas to optimise co-benefits for the environment and public health, focusing on water quality and quantity (Water Programme), Environmental Licensing, and incorporating climate change risk into emergency preparedness.
• Engaging with Government Departments, National & Regional Authorities and Agencies, and Local Authorities and CAROs working towards climate resilience.
• Supporting national climate change governance structures including providing analysis to support the development of the annual Climate Action Plans.
• Developing relationships, and collaborating with communities and voluntary groups, NGOs, media and other stakeholders.
• Synthesising and providing audience-appropriate scientific and environmental data and analyses, including developing and tracking national indicators.
• Representing Ireland on the EEA Eionet Climate Impacts and Vulnerabilities Group.
• Providing advice in relation to national and international climate policy and initiatives.
• Advising on the formulation, implementation, operation and impact of policy options for adaptation and resilience and commissioning further studies and research on adaptation, and related environmental issues.
• Representing the EPA/State where appropriate at National, EU and International level.

General duties may include:

• Developing and delivering annual work programmes, including monitoring and evaluating progress and performance; managing staff and contractors; budget preparation, management and control.
• Developing and maintaining a clear understanding of relevant legislation and policy.
• Analysing and interpreting complex environmental information, writing reports and presenting work to a variety of audiences.
• Participating in EU, National and/or other expert groups and committees.
• Undertaking such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Essential Requirements:

Candidates must have on or before 4pm on Friday 8th November 2024:

1. An appropriate degree (NFQ Level 8) in a relevant science or engineering discipline (e.g., climate, earth or environmental science, civil engineering, chemistry, physics, geography, geology, oceanography, meteorology, ecology).
2. A minimum of five years relevant work experience to include the following: Experience in (at least one of) the following areas:

• earth and/or climate systems
• climate impact risk assessment
• climate adaptation planning
• climate scenario development and analysis

and should include experience in climate impacts and adaptation/resilience planning in at least one of the fourteen adaptation planning sectors in Ireland:

• Biodiversity
• Water Quality
• Communication Networks
• Electricity and Gas Networks
• Flood Risk Management
• Built Environment and Planning
• Transport Infrastructure
• Water Services Infrastructure
• Built and Archaeological Heritage
• Health
• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Seafood
• Tourism

1. A demonstrated record of leadership including prioritising and delivering objectives, planning, and organising resources, motivating staff to common goals, and creating a culture that values teamwork and collaboration.
2. Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience of engaging with a variety of stakeholders to communicate complex messages in plain English.

Required Competencies:

• Team Leadership
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Customer and Stakeholder Focus
• Management & Delivery of Results
• Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making
• Specialist Knowledge/Expertise and Self-development

How to apply:

Application Forms and Candidate Information Booklets are available from the careers section on the EPA website

Please note that cover letters and CVs are not required and should not be submitted. Only applications submitted by email on the official EPA application form for this competition will be accepted. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date and late applications will be ineligible for consideration. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have allowed adequate transmission time for receipt of your application. Applicants must ensure they retain a copy of the email submitted to including the date and time in case of any queries.

Canvassing is prohibited.

Application forms must be completed and sent to .

Important Note: Closing Date for Applications is 4.00pm on Friday 8th November 2024.