Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Environmental Protection Officer- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Working Life
Environmental Protection Officers ensure that rivers and lakes are of a suitable environmental standard to be used for recreation and encourage the growth and development of aquatic life. They also enforce laws that protect rivers and lakes.
Typical duties may include:
-Performing surveys of fish and insect life in rivers and lakes to determine pollution levels
-Identifying the source of pollutants
-Offering advice on the disposal and treatment of effluent
-Issuing licences to water users.
The work involves contact with a lot of different people such as scientists, farmers, landowners and customers who are fishing, as well as working with the fish stock. Water keepers/Water bailiffs work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
- Prepare, organise, and maintain inspection records.
- Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
- Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
- Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
- Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
- Verify that hasardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
- Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognised and proper safety protocols implemented.
- Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.
- Examine permits, licenses, applications, and records to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
Further Information
- Leakage Operative- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Environmental Protection Officer
Communication skills are essential for when you are dealing with the public and other professionals.
Sometimes it may also be necessary to be firm but polite with customers.
You must be able to work without close supervision and as part of a team.
Some knowledge of freshwater biology may be required, especially concerning the nutrition and breeding of fish and habitat requirements.
Physical fitness is crucial. Environmental Officers/Water keepers/Water bailiffs have to manage rough ground and are continually on there feet.
You will probably get your hands dirty and messy at times.
A commitment to biodiversity, ecology, and passion for the protection of the environment
Interests - Environmental Protection Officer
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Environmental Protection Officer
Staff will generally have a degree in a relevant field, such as environmental protection or environmental science.
To become an Environmental Officer it is necessary to hold a qualification approved by the Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency [See Eligibility criteria from EPA here]. Environmental protection Officers operate from offices of the EPA. EPA headquarters are located in Wexford with regional inspectorates in; Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Castlebar and Monaghan and smaller regional offices in Athlone and Limerick.
Environmental Protection Officers may also operate in compliance, awareness raising, and enforcement among the Local Authorities in Ireland see here.
Senior Grade EHO , Principal Grade EHO, Regional Chief EHO
See also: Working in Ireland as an EHO EHAI.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: environmental health, science, pre-university.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: environmental health, science, pre-university.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: environmental health, safety, environmental science.
B.Sc. Environmental Health Level 8 degree TU869
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: environmental health.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Environmental Health & Safety Officers also work in the private sector advising on safety & health compliance in a wide array of industries, in compliance with the HSA check here.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Environmental Protection Officer
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €44k - €69k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, roles, shift pattern, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Gov.ie/ Forsa / HSE / Talent/ Indeed
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Environmental Protection Officer
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.
There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Environmental Protection Officer
-
Waterways Ireland
- 2 Sligo Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, BT74 7JY
- +44 (0) 28 66 323 004
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI)
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Health and Safety Authority
- The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
- 1890 289 389
- [email protected]
- Click Here
