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Job description

The vacant post is located within the Natural Environment Division under the business unit Regional Operations. Natural Environment Division Northern Ireland has a rich and varied biodiversity and geodiversity that is almost unparalleled. The outstanding landscapes that result play a major role in defining the region’s tourism product. NIEA, through its Natural Environment Division, is responsible for protecting, conserving and enhancing these assets which it does through a variety of statutory and non-statutory means. These include the protection and management of designated sites and other earth heritage areas/sites, promoting geodiversity and biodiversity conservation and public access in the wider countryside, gathering the evidence and/or commissioning research to increase our knowledge and understanding of the natural environment: Regional Operations is primarily responsible for the management and maintenance of NIEA Country Parks and Nature Reserves from a range of operational office locations across Northern Ireland, to ensure their ongoing conservation, favourable management and facilitate their safe and sustainable enjoyment and access by the visiting public. Peatlands Park is comprised of 266 hectares of cut-over bog, active raised bog, and bog woodland, the vast majority of which is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and also as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), taking in two National Nature Reserves within park grounds, Mullenakill bog and Annagarriff wood. The park offers a range of naturally inspired opportunities for outdoor recreation and the promotion of the conservational importance of peatlands habitat and biodiversity, taking in an estimated 200,000 visits from the public annually. The park includes mutiple designated pathways and boardwalks, and education building, a natural themed playpark and a recreational railway (currently not in operation). The responsibilities of the vacant post will also require contribution to the management of the suite of Nature Reserves within Regional Operations Central Region, which includes; Brackagh Bog, Brookend, Rea’s Wood, Belshaw’s Quarry and Tolan’s Point. These sites are managed specifically for biodiversity in compliance with established conservation objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage the presentation, maintenance and safe public access of Country Parks and other assigned properties where relevant.
• Manage visitor access to Country Parks and assigned properties.
• Facilitate agreed uses, events and activities at Country Parks and assigned properties within their geographical area, as required and in agreement with the Regional Operations Headquarters Team.
• Undertake the lead Premises Officer duties required for assigned properties, assets and buildings, supported by their staff.
• For further details please see the Candidate Information Booklet (CIB).

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• An ONC/D or BTEC National Certificate/Diploma, or equivalent or higher qualification, in a subject the primary content of which is related to at least one of the following topics listed in the CIB.
• AND 2 Years’ experience in the management of nature conservation sites for public access and/or habitat management, to also include respective staff line management and financial resource management.
• OR 4 GCE/GCSE ‘O’ Levels, grades A-C, in separate subjects which must include English, Mathematics and one Science subject.
• AND 3 years’ experience in the management of nature conservation sites for public access and / or habitat management.
• AND Experience undertaking or assisting with ALL the areas of work listed in the CIB.
• AND Have a full Category B driving licence, valid for Northern Ireland that will enable the candidate to carry out the duties of the post in full.

Desirable Skills

• An objective evaluation of the breadth and depth of information provided by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 1b or 2b depending on the route you apply under.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 23rd January 2026 at 12 noon. Applications from young people (under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcome 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: IRC320571)