Our Client, A Large Public Sector Organisation based in Coleraine, require a Biodiversity & Habitat Management Officer to join their team. Role : Biodiversity & Habitat Management Officer Location : Coleraine Hours of work : 37hrs per week Monday - Friday Hourly Rate : 1 -12 weeks £17.64 13 weeks £19.35 MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Contribute to the delivery of the NI Biodiversity Strategy including continued implementation and review of the LBAP and its associated Habitat and Species Action Plans (HAPs and SAPs). Co-ordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of Council BIP (Biodiversity Implementation Plan). Assist the Coast and Countryside Manager to ensure that the Council complies with the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011 in relation to Council functions and proposed capital projects ensuring Council adheres to its duties for biodiversity and natural habitat remit. With input from the Coast and Countryside Manager, develop and maintain the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) network, to ensure participation across the whole Council area contributing to the Destination Management model through task and finish groups. Identify, develop and manage new sites as biodiversity parks/spaces to raise awareness of the value of such sites and contribute to the visitor experience. Co-ordinate, develop and deliver a range of biodiversity projects and events to raise awareness of the Borough's biodiversity and habitat to provide enhanced visitor experience. Promote such events in consultation with Councils PR Department. Contribute to the development of beach management plans as part of the wider Coast and Countryside Service. Provide advice on the management of Invasive Alien Species both within Council, on behalf of Council for other agencies including the private sector and to members of the public when required. Take a strategic lead on the development and delivery of an 'Invasive Alien Species Strategy' for the Council which collates existing information on the extent of Invasive Alien Species. Investigate, survey and manage the control of Invasive Alien Species on Council owned and managed property in accordance with the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011. Provide advice and assist with management of trees and woodland within Council's estate. Develop a management plan to actively address any depletion of woodland, within Council's estate and seek opportunities for providing additional wooded areas where relevant and of benefit to the wider community and within the bio-diversity remit. Monitor and provide mitigating measures if possible for threats to the health of our woodland species including 'ash dieback'. Provide advice and support with respect to Council planning applications in respect of Habitat Regulatory Assessments (HRAs). Act as a lead Officer for the completion of Habitat Regulatory Assessments (HRAs) for Council projects where relevant and when instructed to do so by the Coast and Countryside Manager. This may require working on behalf of the Council or external organisations. Prepare and submit assent and consent applications for work to be undertaken on designated sites managed by Council. In agreement with The Coast and Countryside Manager be responsible for the procurement of services, materials and equipment to ensure the delivery of Biodiversity and Habitat projects. In conjunction with Council's Funding Unit make application for external funding from any appropriate sources to deliver biodiversity projects, including those which deliver actions for; the Biodiversity Implementation Plan (BIP), Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), Northern Ireland priority habitat and species action plans, and other projects. Establish effective financial reporting, assessment and record keeping arrangements to ensure full compliance with all financial and audit requirements within Council policy and procedure, to monitor and profile expenditure and comply with conditions when making claims and payments from external funders. By its nature the post will require flexible working to meet the needs of the service. Attend meetings of the Council and any relevant working groups and prepare and present reports as required. Undertake the duties outlined above in a way which will enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the Council. Undertake any other duties as deemed appropriate to the achievement of the purpose and function of this post. Essential Criteria A degree level qualification or above AND Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, at least two years experience in a general management role involved in ecology / nature conservation / environmental sciences or countryside management to include each of the following: dealing with biodiversity and habitat management issues responsibility for project management and delivery relating to biodiversity responsibility for practical site management management of protected sites ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team OR Alternatively, consideration will be given to candidates who do not possess the required educational qualification but can demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, at least four years' experience in a general management role involved in ecology / nature conservation / environmental sciences or countryside management to include the areas outlined in (a) to (e) above. Knowledge of relevant environmental legislation Knowledge of specific designations and types of habitats Interested in this role please forward CV to or call for further information Skills: Biodiversity habitat Management environmental Benefits: Holidays