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Job description

Thank you for your interest in a Scientific Officer (ScO) post within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has responsibility for the environment, food, farming, fisheries, forestry and sustainability policy plus the development of the rural sector in Northern Ireland. The work of the Department touches the daily lives of everyone in Northern Ireland by delivering cross cutting activities that protect and enhance our natural environment, address the challenge of climate change and support sustainable agri-food and fishing sectors and our rural communities. DAERA relies on science to help achieve its strategic outcomes. Science is used to inform policy development, meet statutory obligations, measure outcomes, provide advice and information, regulate activities, and manage risks to society and support rural areas. Science evidence will be critically important in informing DAERA’s response to key strategic challenges, including transition from the EU, climate change and sustainable economic growth, and will be essential to finding the right solutions to deliver the net zero requirements, while also protecting and enhancing air and water quality and biodiversity. As a Scientific Officer in DAERA you will have the opportunity to be part of delivering DAERA’s work to protect and enhance the environment for future generations, assist the sustainable development of the environmental, agri-food, fishing and forestry sectors and deliver knowledge transfer and education programmes as essential components of successful policy delivery programmes across DAERA. If you believe you have the skills and experience to tackle these posts, we would be delighted if you would take the next step and complete and submit the application form.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and undertaking sampling, scientific surveys, fieldwork and laboratory work on a range of materials and products
• Mapping, recording, and monitoring environmental data
• Conducting and designing relevant laboratory studies and/or species identification in support of monitoring and assessment programmes of natural heritage, marine and transitional waters and freshwater sites
• Utilisation and management of scientific data and records and preparing data to support reporting, modelling, statistical and other analytical processes
• Preparation of scientific and casework reports, management plans, and technical reviews which will enable appropriate courses of action to be undertaken to support good environmental outcomes
• Provision of evidence based scientific advice and guidance to colleagues, customers and stakeholders
• Undertaking investigations and assessments of environmental impacts
• Some specific responsibilities are listed below for each category can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A minimum of GCE GCSE O levels, grades A - C in English Language and Mathematics.
• GCE GCSE O Level in Double Award Science or 2 Science subjects to include Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Geography.
• A minimum of one year’s full time equivalent practical work experience in a paid capacity, in a relevant sciences role.
• Further information regarding full time equivalent and relevant sciences roles can be found on pages 15 to 16 of the Candidate Information Booklet.

Desirable Skills

• In addition, applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview, the following shortlisting criteria will be used in the order listed:
• An HNC/D or equivalent/higher qualification in a relevant scientific discipline
• An objective evaluation of the breadth and depth of information provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 2. This will be completed on a scored basis.
• All applicants will be listed in merit order and the highest scoring applicants will proceed to interview.
• You should therefore ensure that you submit sufficient information as part of eligibility criterion 2 to enable the panel to assess this criterion should it be necessary to do so.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 7th November at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, 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.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC319568)