Green Restoration Ireland Cooperative is looking for a suitably qualified, committed and enthusiastic person to fill this role.

Responsibilities

• Implement and achieve the deliverables of the Farm Carbon EIP Project,
• Develop the project pipeline for peatland restoration and farm habitat management work across Offaly and other counties at different scales, ensuring a fair deal to farmers delivery of community benefits with a focus on existing peatlands in the project, 
• Demonstrate and communicate the benefits of healthy peatland landscapes and peatland and woodland restoration, and highlight the win-wins for wider society and specific land use activities,
• Enlist local communities and landowners at an early stage and support communities in overcoming any dependencies on unsustainable peatland use,
• Carry out surveys (ecological, biodiversity, drone etc.) to prepare sites for rewetting,
• Provide support for farmers who manage peatland and woodlands sustainably, ensuring the right level of public funding to overcome any market failures,
• Apply a nature-based solution approach to tackle the nature and climate emergency and will prioritise “gold standard” near-natural and naturally functioning peatland restoration,
• Gathering field data as required to establish a baseline of existing field conditions,
• Preparing Project Design Documents for offsetting projects,
• Preparing and communicating all relevant information to group members and the wider network,
• Data review and preparation of reports,
• Ongoing liaison with farmers to identify and address any concerns that arise,
• Researching, keeping up to date with developments and assisting the Project Manager in relation to completion of tasks,
• Assisting in the completion of any tasks you may reasonably be requested to do to help fulfil the objectives of the EIP Project,
• Your work will support national priorities to fight climate change and biodiversity loss and deliver conservation priorities for species and habitats, climate, flood control and water quality.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Experience of working to project management frameworks, principles and processes,
• Experience of ecological survey work,
• Experience of managing a number of projects simultaneously, preferably ecological restoration projects,
• Experience of using digital mapping and database systems,
• Demonstrable experience of working with and negotiating with external stakeholders such as landowners to form conservation partnerships,
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally,
• Strong time management, organisational skills and attention to detail,
• Strong knowledge and experience in biodiversity, environmental legislation and agriculture policy,
• Interpretation of data,
• Strong cost and budget management,
• Strong IT skills (including Excel, MS Word and Outlook),
• Proven experience of being able to persuade and influence a wide range of people,
• 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,
• Qualification in Ecology / Environment &/or Science Fields.

Desirable

• An understanding or awareness of the issues surrounding climate change, biodiversity loss and relationship to restoration of peatlands and other habitats
• Awareness and understanding of conservation and research funding opportunities and mechanisms
• Technical expertise on peatland and ecological restoration and knowledge of Peatland Codes
• Experience of practical delivery of projects, working with external stakeholders such as contractors and agencies
• Project Management Qualification or appropriate training.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV.

Please send your CV and cover letter to admin@greenrestorationireland.coop