Description

Role: An Creagán Peatlands Officer

Salary: £31,719 Access to employer’s contributory pension scheme – maximum 3% per annum.

Hours: Full-time hours – 37.5 hours per week.

Location: An Creagán Offices 186 Barony Rd, Omagh Co.Tyrone BT79 9AB. There will be occasional travel throughout the UK and Ireland.

Contract: Contract ends on 31 March 2028 (with potential to extend to 2033). This post is subject to a 3-month probationary period.

Leave: 24 days per annum plus statutory holidays

Reporting to: An Creagán Manager and Ulster Wildlife

Other benefits: Flexi-time system and onsite parking.

OVERVIEW

A new Northern Ireland Peatlands Collaborative and Technical Network comprising a range of stakeholders is being formed. The Network will support DAERA in the delivery of the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy, helping maximise the contribution of peatlands to Northern Ireland’s net zero journey and help to halt and reverse the decline of biodiversity.

An Creagán’s Peatlands Officer will work with the Peatlands Collaborative and Technical Network and Ulster Wildlifes Peatlands Team to develop and deliver peatland restoration and management projects in the Creggan area and the nearby landscape character areas.

The post holder will help establish and maintain key and active engagement with landowners and farmers, to plan projects and to work on the management of peatland restoration and future management projects.  You will support the collection and provision of monitoring and evaluation data from peatland operations to inform the performance of peatland restoration projects.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and innovative individual to provide critical support to deliver effective and large-scale peatland restoration in Northern Ireland. 

TASKS AND MAIN DUTIES OF THE POST

• Engage & liaise with landowners to secure participation in peatland restoration for target sites in the Creggan area and surrounding landscape character areas.
• Procure and manage peatland restoration contracts on the ground and ensure delivery to time, budget and environmental conditions
• Plan and deliver fieldwork for the collection of scientific monitoring data, including water table depths, peat depths, and species-specific surveys for sites in the Creggan area and surrounding landscape character areas.
• Carry out risk assessments for on-ground works, fieldwork, and events to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Collection and management of ecological and hydrological data using GIS, to assist with the production of maps for restoration action plans, on-site contractors, and tender documents.
• Work closely with the Peatlands Collaborative and Technical Network on collation of data including hydrological information, weather data, peat depths for target sites.
• Organise and deliver stakeholder events and meetings around developing peatland restoration and raising awareness of peatlands in the Creggan area and surrounding areas.
• Develop procurement documentation associated with the programme of planned on-ground works.
• Assist with reporting and claims processes to project funders.