000505 Inspector / Scientific Officer III (Level 5) - General

Our client the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are currently accepting applications for the position of Inspector/Scientific Officer III (Level 5) - General.

Overview of the Role:

The EPA is recruiting to fulfil the role of Inspector/Scientific Officer III (Level 5) General. The appointee will be assigned a technical role reporting to a line manager within their assigned team.

Successful Candidates will work as part of a professional multi-disciplinary team and will learn how to develop and implement EPA policies in relation to the functions of the work area to which they are assigned. The EPA has a commitment to learning and development and has a suite of supports available which will assist the successful candidates with their professional development.

The EPA is an equal opportunities employer and diversity is important to us. We acknowledge the value of diverse experiences, qualifications and perspective. We recognise that a workforce that reflects society makes a positive contribution to the workplace and the work that we do.

We are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic, ambitious and committed with the potential to manage high level responsibilities. The key responsibilities of an Inspector relate to a wide range of matters particularly concerning the EPA's licensing and/or enforcement functions and will involve desk work, site activities and direct dealings with licensees and the public.

The duties of a Scientific Officer relate primarily to all aspects of gathering, assessing and reporting on environmental quality including research, liaising with and co-ordinating relevant activities with other organisations at local, national and international levels and developing information systems for dissemination of environmental information.

The EPA will form a panel from this recruitment campaign from which future Inspector/Scientific Officer III (Level 5) vacancies may be filled.

Duties of the Inspector may include the following:

1. Processing licence applications including EIA and AA (Industrial, Waste, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Waste Water Discharge Authorisations and Dumping at Sea Combustion Plant and Green House Gases (GHG) activities or equivalent);
2. Assessment of end-of-waste applications;
3. Assessment of by-product notifications;
4. Preparation of national end of waste and by-product decisions;
5. Assessment of historic landfill authorisation applications;
6. Enforcing licence conditions and/or regulations in sectors such as Industry, Waste, Waste Water, Drinking Water and Radiological Protection including participating in legal proceedings;
7. Monitoring, inspecting and auditing of EPA licensed and unlicensed facilities and writing reports on findings;
8. Assessment of scientific and technical reports including assessment and interpretation of environmental data, Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statements (NIS);
9. Assisting in the development of processes and guidelines for the implementation of the Industrial Emissions Directive;
10. Responding to and investigating environmental incidents and complaints;
11. Assisting in the preparation of guidelines and procedures for water management plans and for the management operation and maintenance of water treatment, wastewater and waste management facilities;
12. Undertaking research, preparing reports and investigating and reporting on environmental incidents.

Duties of the Scientific Officer may include the following:

1. Gathering, assessing and reporting on environmental quality, including research;
2. Analysis and presentation of environmental data in formats suitable for environmental assessment and management purposes and as an input to national/international policy;
3. Liaising with and co-ordinating relevant activities with other organisations at local, national and international levels including the European Environmental Agency;
4. Assisting in the development of integrated environmental information systems suitable for access by members of the public;
5. Dealing with the European Environment Agency.

Common Duties for both Inspector and Scientific Officer may include:

1. Acquiring a clear and detailed understanding of relevant statutory provisions;
2. Dealing with the general public and various external stakeholders;
3. Contributing to the development and delivery of annual Office Work Programmes;
4. Working effectively and efficiently as part of a team in a high-paced environment adhering to deadlines;
5. Assisting in the generation of environmental and/or management information;
6. Adhering to and supporting the development of safety protocols;
7. Participating in internal and external expert groups and committees;
8. Undertaking such other appropriate duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Essential Requirements:

1. Candidates must have on or before 4pm on Tuesday 14th January 2025:
2. An appropriate third level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or higher) in Science or Engineering.
3. Demonstrate using specific examples, the following:
1. Gathering research, assessing, and interpreting the information and experience communicating the results in a clear and concise manner.
2. Strong ICT skills with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ability to learn new systems.
3. Ability to work and deliver as part of a team to meet objectives.
4. Driving Licence - Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence.

Desirable Requirements:

1. Work experience, preferably in a regulatory or environment role.

In addition to the specific requirements set out above, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they possess the competencies identified for effective performance at Level 5.

Eligibility to Compete and Certain Restrictions on Eligibility

1. Eligible candidates must be:
1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway;
2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK);
3. A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons;
4. A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 or a Stamp 5 visa.

Selection information note for the post

The EPA will use the essential and desirable criteria to shortlist candidates and scoring will be based on the information contained in the application form for the role of Inspector/Scientific Officer III (Level 5) General.

Applicants must demonstrate, by reference to specific achievements in their career to date that they possess the qualities, skills and knowledge required for the role Inspector/Scientific Officer III (Level 5) General as identified in the 'Essential requirements'.

The EPA will convene an expert board to carry out the competitive stages of the selection process to the highest standard of best practice.

Required Competencies

1. Team Player
2. Customer and Stakeholder Focus
3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
4. Delivery of Results
5. Analysis and Decision Making
6. Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-development

How to apply:

Application Forms and Candidate Information Booklets are available from the careers section on the EPA website

Please note that cover letters and CVs are not required and should not be submitted. Only applications submitted by email on the official EPA application form for this competition will be accepted. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date and late applications will be ineligible for consideration. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have allowed adequate transmission time for receipt of your application. Applicants must ensure they retain a copy of the email submitted, including the date and time in case of any queries. Canvassing is prohibited.

Application forms must be completed and sent to .

Important Note: Closing Date for Applications is 4.00pm on Tuesday 14th January 2025.