Forest Environmental & QA Specialist

Role Objectives

• To lead the implementation of the internal audit function within Coillte forest in relation to Health and Safety, Environment and Quality standards. Ensure management systems, processes and audit function are continually improving the implementation of these standards.
• Responsible for delivering hydrological and environmental expertise to the successful management of Coillte Forest business while meeting best international practice.

Role Specific Terms

This is a permanent contract.  The role will be based in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.

Responsibilities

• Manage the co-ordination of Environment, Health & Safety and Quality Audits.
• Complete trend analysis and develop insights and strategies to improve performance & compliance.
• Prepare the monthly Internal Audit Key Performance Indicator reports.
• Lead the Quarterly Quality Assessor presentations to each Business Area Units (BAUs)ensure accurately interpretation of audit results and improvement opportunities.
• Provide specialist input into the Quarterly Risk Review, Safety Committee and Environment Management Plan Meetings.
• Develop and deliver on annual Quality Audit Plans.
• Responsible for ensuring our audit standards and protocols accurately reflect our obligations and commitment under FSC, PEFC and OHSAS 18001 standards, Forest Service and company compliance procedures and policies.
• Proactively review and develop QA audit protocols on a periodic basis based on feedback from QAs, audit verifiers, BAU and senior Coillte Forest Management.
• Develop and implement effective management strategies and programmes to ensure on-going protection of the water environment in compliance with the EU Water Framework and Habitats Directives and Certification Standards.
• Identify and address key information gaps on best forest management practices in the forests hydrology.
• Support delivery on environmental programmes/projects in conjunction with other key environmental regulatory stakeholders and/or universities.
• Champion and communicate the awareness of protecting the aquatic environment to BAU staff.
• Provide a hydrological and environmental advice and associated environmental areas to Coillte
• Proactively become a ‘key influencer’ on a national scale on the best forest practices and measures to be adopted to ensure compliance with the Water Framework Directive on the Coillte estate.

Engagement with Operations

• Provide compliance support on quality, Environmental, Health & Safety issues to staff in the Business Area Unit (BAU).
• Develop capacity of BAU staff, particularly new members, to deal with routine quality, Environmental and Health & Safety issues.

 External Focus: Customers, Contractors, Stakeholders

• Foster excellent relationships with BAU, Contractors and external stakeholders and effectively promoting the Coillte brand.
• Liaise with external environmental, non-governmental agencies and certification auditors on compliance with environmental protection and quality management standards.

People & Culture

• Promote a safe working environment for the team and visitors.
• Act as a role model for the Group’s values.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Coillte Forest strategy.

Behavioural Competencies

• Leadership: A highly credible individual with effective leadership, communication and negotiation skills. Ability to lead and influence beyond direct authority.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Attention to Detail: Good ability to deliver accurate and timely data and information.
• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and networking skills to build and develop effective relationships with Coillte Forest staff, regulators and stakeholders.
• Teamwork: Good team player who can make an important contribution to the wider Stewardship, Risk and Advocacy Team.
• Decision-making: Solution oriented with good business acumen and sound judgement.
• Time Management: Capacity to manage a varied brief and effectively prioritise.
• Managing Change and Ambiguity: Openness to change and the capacity to deal comfortably with risk and uncertainty.
• Execution Excellence: The capacity to reduce complexity, simplify, organise and create structure.
• Multi-Tasking & Organised: A highly organised individual that can manage a complex workload, work to tight deadlines prioritising and executing operational initiatives. Ability to work calmly under pressure and within a small dynamic team.

Professional Competencies

• Education and Experience:Relevant environmental/science/forestry qualification (at least HETAC Level 8) with a good understanding of water hydrology or related area plus 5 years relevant experience. Experience in project management with a proven track record of delivering on objectives. Possess a good knowledge environmental compliance and auditing. Demonstrate an ability to positively engage and negotiate with environmental regulators and non-government agencies alike.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge and experience to promote a safe-working environment and ensure compliance with environmental, regulatory and quality standards.
• Advocacy / PR: Knowledge of advocating sustainable forest management positions with an array of stakeholders and key influencers.

Our Values

• Respect
• Simplicity
• Empowerment
• Outward Looking
• Responsible