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Job description

Rivers Directorates supports DfIs role as the competent authority for the EU Floods Directive and is responsible for implementing its requirements. This requires a coordinated approach with other government departments and organisations. Rivers Directorates also works closely with colleagues in the Office. Please see employer website for full job details & person specification.

Responsibilities

• Primary investigation of flooding/drainage complaints/enquiries from the general public.
• Negotiation and mediation with the farming community to resolve drainage related disputes.
• Completing reports, budget forecasts, works contracts and drafting replies to members of the public, public representatives and providing background for media enquiries.
• Assessing compliance with, identifying and undertaking appropriate enforcement duties where required in accordance with the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973, including possible court attendances.
• Managing a rolling annual programme of watercourse inspection.
• Contributing to Business Planning through setting, monitoring and reporting on operational targets on a monthly basis.
• Assessment of potential agricultural benefit to be derived from proposed flood alleviation schemes and preparation of briefs for engineering colleagues to determine drainage standards for benefiting land.
• Representing Rivers Directorates individually or, when required, with engineering/administrative colleagues, at meetings with, the general public, public representatives, Ulster Farmers Union, Environmental or Community representatives, developers.
• Arranging access agreements for maintenance and new works schemes.
• Assessing and reporting on development proposals in areas where the Department’s interests could be affected.
• Other necessary duties from time to time in support of Rivers Directorates business objectives.
• Travel on official duty frequently and regularly throughout Northern Ireland, including travel to remote and rural locations, often inaccessible by public transport.
• Management of vegetation contracts.
• Organising and supervising the maintenance of minor watercourses and flood defences utilising contractors.
• Investigating land ownership as necessary in support of Rivers Directorates requirements and in establishing DfI title to land.
• Assessing compensation due as a result of disturbance to riparian land or property caused by Rivers Directorates works.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for applications: Hold at least a Level 3 National Certificate / Diploma in Agriculture or an equivalent qualification related to Agriculture.
• AND Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in the area of enforcement and policy interpretation.
• AND Have a minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience of negotiating with landowners / occupiers.
• AND Have a full, current driving licence enabling the licence holder to drive in Northern Ireland.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 26th September 2025 at 12 noon. Applications from females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.