Scientific Officer III

Our client the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are currently accepting applications for the position of Scientific Officer III (Level 5) â Laboratory Services.

Overview of the Role:

The EPA is recruiting people to fulfil the role of Scientific Officer III (Level 5) - laboratory Services.

Initial assignment from this competition will be to the Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring in Monaghan. A panel will be formed form from this competition from which future Scientific Officer III (Level 5) Laboratory Services posts in the EPA Regional Inspectorates in either Kilkenny or Monaghan may be filled. The general area of work embraces various aspects of environmental monitoring with a view to preventing and controlling pollution and minimising waste.

The Monaghan post will cover the north-east, border and north-west areas of the country, while the Kilkenny post would cover a large portion of field work in the south, south-east and south-west of the country. Both roles will include field work and elements of laboratory work. This field work includes water and wastewater sampling, auditing of EPA licensed facilities, and liaison with licensees.

The successful candidate 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 applicants who are enthusiastic, ambitious and committed with the potential to manage high level responsibilities.

Reporting Arrangements: The appointee will report to a Scientific Officer or other designated officer.

The key responsibilities will include:

Specialist duties:

• Undertaking environmental sampling of surface water, effluents, groundwater, sea water, marine biota, food etc.
• Analysis of samples of water and other media using a range of environmentally relevant wet chemistry techniques, modern analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Auditing of EPA licensed facilities.
• Assisting OEE in their enforcement work, up to and including participating in legal proceedings.
• Assisting in the operation of quality management systems and laboratory accreditation requirements including quality assurance procedures and activities.
• Set-up and routine maintenance of equipment, and development and validation of analytical methods.
• Routine use and maintenance of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Collating data for the European Union (EU) and national reports as required.
• Participating in the technical writing and review of analytical documentation.
• Liaising with government departments and other external Stakeholders.

General Duties:

• Contributing to the development and delivery of annual Office Work Programmes.
• Working effectively and efficiently as part of a team in a high-paced environment adhering to deadlines.
• Assisting in the generation of environmental and/or management information.
• Adhering to and supporting the development of health and safety protocols.
• Acquiring a clear and detailed understanding of relevant legislation.
• Dealing with the public and various outside bodies.
• Participating in internal and external expert groups and committees.
• Undertaking such other duties as maybe assigned from time to time.

Essential Requirements:

Candidates must have on or before 4pm on Wednesday 17th April 2024:

1.An appropriate qualification in Science. While a degree (NFQ Level 8 in Science with Chemistry as the main subject) is desirable, consideration will also be given to other candidates with suitable experience and/or qualifications.

2.Demonstrate the following:

• Willingness and aptitude to learn new skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy maintaining consistently high-quality standards.
• Excellent organisational skills and time management skills.

3.Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, managers and customer/stakeholders.

4.Ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously, organise own workload and effectively manage competing priorities.

5.Demonstrated ability to ensure the accuracy and quality of own work.

6.A current full Driving Licence valid for driving in Ireland.

Note: This role may involve an element of driving to locations some distance from base and may require some nights to be spent away from home

Selection information note for the post

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

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 Scientific Officer III (Level 5) Laboratory Services as identified in the âEssential requirementsâ.

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

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

Required Competencies

• Team Player
• Customer and Stakeholder Focus
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Delivery of Results
• Analysis and Decision Making
• 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 www.epa.ie.

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.

Closing Date for Applications is 4.00pm on Wednesday 17th April 2024.

Application forms must be completed and sent to epa@cpl.ie.