Team Leader Northwest Connacht (Agri-environmental)

Team Leader Northwest Connacht (Agri-environmental) ACRES - West Connacht Co-operation Projects Introduction ACRES is the new national agri-environment scheme that is available to over 30,000 farmers throughout Ireland. The scheme will be delivered by the local ACRES West Connacht Project Team which runs the scheme across large areas of Galway, Mayo and parts of Sligo and Roscommon (see Figure 1). We are currently recruiting a team leader to work as part of the project team. The team leaders will play a key role in delivering this new results-based agri-environmental scheme where farmers will be rewarded and incentivised to provide positive environmental outcomes throughout the high nature value landscapes of West Connacht. The role would suit a person looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team working in the semi-natural landscape of West Connacht. Background Farmers participating in the Co-operation approach of ACRES have the assistance of a Local Co-operation Project (CP) Team, who assist with the implementation of the scheme at the local level. Wetland Surveys Ireland in partnership with the Pearl Mussel Project have been appointed to fulfil the roll of the local CP team in two of the eight CP zones (Northwest Connacht and South Mayo Connemara), collectively referred to as the West Connacht Co-operation Projects. Job Description ACRES West Connacht have a network of project officers located throughout the six local project areas (see Figure 1). The team leader will lead, manage, and coordinate the work of the local staff in delivering the objectives of the scheme. There is one position available, covering Northwest Connacht. Please indicate on your application which location you are applying for. The successful applicant will be leading a team of project officers. The team leader is a supervisory role that will report directly to the Project Manager. The Team Leader will keep the Project Manager updated on local issues and the operation of the local team. Location The team leader will be based in our Westport office and will be expected to travel to our Belmullet office and other local areas as required. Figure 1: Map showing the local areas within the West Connacht Cooperation Projects. Duties and responsibilities • Lead and manage the local team of project officers in supporting participant farmers. • Delegate work to local staff to ensure that a coordinated approach is taken to implementing the scheme across the region. • Ensure that necessary resources are allocated to each of the local areas to ensure supports are available to farmers and farm advisors. • Supervise project staff and monitor workloads being assigned. • Coordinate and deliver training events to farmers and farm advisors. • Organise and partake in community outreach events (e.g. school visits community groups etc). • Coordinate and partake in assessment of farmland habitats. • Coordinate and undertake farm visits to monitor farm implementation and success of actions. • Preparation of reports, training materials, and presentations as required. • Liaise with local and regional stakeholders and interested parties on the project. • Work closely with the wider project team. • Any other duties as assigned by the Project Manager. Requirements • A degree in agriculture, ecology, archaeology or a related discipline. • A full clean driver's licence. • Minimum of two years' experience in a leadership role. • Exceptional communication skills. • Ability to multitask and excellent attention to detail. • Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise are essential. • Positive can-do attitude and be willing to learn and contribute to the long-term goals of the company. • Be flexible and prepared to work in any required area. • Highly efficient and self-motivated; ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team. • Proven management and leadership skills. • Have a positive, enthusiastic, pragmatic, solution driven approach to work. • A willingness to actively participate as part of a wider multidisciplinary team. • An ability to manage their own workload, ensuring that work is carried out on schedule • Good computer skills, particularly in the use of Microsoft Office software. Qualifications and Experience - Desirable • Post-graduate qualification • Knowledge and experience relevant to ecology, archaeology, hydrology or related discipline. • Knowledge and experience relevant to agriculture policy and results-based payment schemes. • Strong knowledge of farmland habitats (peatland & grassland) and their indicator species. • Experience in the preparation and monitoring of farm plans. • Experience of providing agri-environmental advice and support to farmers. • Experience of using digital mapping and database systems. Salary and Employment Details The team leader will be employed on a full-time fixed term contract basis. The contract period is expected to run for 5 years, and may be extended annually there-after, subject to continuing funding and needs of the project. We foresee that there will be opportunities for career progression and promotion during the project. Salary: €44,000 to €49,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience (+ 4% employer pension contribution) Expenses: Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid monthly. Other details: Team leader will have the opportunity to contribute to a pension, the employer will make an annual contribution of 4% of salary per annum. Annual leave: 20 days per annum, increasing to 22 days after one year of service, further increasing to 24 days after three years of service. Training: Ongoing training and continual professional development opportunities available. How to Apply Please email cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees by Friday 11th of October 2024 to: Mary McAndrew Project Manager ACRES - West Connacht Co-operation Projects E-mail: I.T. & Communications