Follow this link for full information: https://era.org.mt/era_career/assistant-environment-protection-officer-environmental-assessment/

Qualifications

A minimum of Bachelors Degree [MQF Level 61 with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits in Biology, Geography, Environmental Conservation, Planning & Management, Earth Systems or comparable qualification as recognized by NCFHE;

Alternatively in case of no First Degree, a Masters Degree [MQF Level 7] with a minimum total of 90 ECTS credits in Biology, Geography, Environmental Conservation, Planning & Management, Earth Systems or comparable qualification as recognized by NCFHE.

Job specification duties

The Officer shall assist in the coordination, participation and assessment of plans and projects, so as to integrate environmental considerations in decision-making processes and contribute to the overall aim of environmental protection, conservation and improvement.

Administration

1, Assist in the preparation, interpretation, implementation and application of environmental assessment objectives and procedures, work plans and performance monitoring programmes;

Develop capability in environmental assessment functions, and assist other colleagues accordingly;
Assist In the development and application of tools and mechanisms for effective environmental assessment, including GIS-based systems for analysis of relevant environmental issues.

Assessment processes and procedures

Assist and participate in the effective delivery, day-to-day management and coordination of environmental assessment of plans and projects; and promote better Integration of environmental considerations into decision-making through relevant environmental assessments;

2, Assist in multiple and/or tiered environmental assessments as appropriate ensure seamless and concerted follow-up of cases spelling across different assessment streams / teams;

Research, review and advise on emerging environmental issues, policies, procedures, legislation, Conventions, Protocols and EU documents, related to environmental assessment, including Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Appropriate Assessment (AA), environmental screening, and other plan-level or project-level assessments; and to contribute to the drafting of recommendations and positions on such matters; and to participate in related national, EU and

International fora and working committees, as appropriate;

Assist in the development of guidance documents, plans, policies and programmes relevant to the assessment of environmental Issues, and ensure that they are kept updated and relevant whist ensuring conformity with established standards and practices;

5, Implement the necessary assessment functions in a technically-competent, coordinated, comprehensive and consistent manner;

Apply technical knowledge, 5ki115 and professional judgement; and act as a team player with other staff and across teams, in order to attain effective environmental assessment;
Analyse, review, streamline and update environmental assessment methods, standards, procedures and practices to contribute towards improved effectlveness and coordination of such assessments;
Contribute to the mapping of environmental assessment processes and related decision-making procedures; and to the development and updating of standard operating procedures and flowcharts.

Technical Assessment

Record and assist in the process consultations on draft plans and proposed projects including cases related to SEA, EIA, AA and environmental screening, in an effective and timely manner;
Carry out systematic, integrated and technically-competent evaluations of possible environmental impacts, implications, alternatives and solutions in relation to draft plans and proposed projects. In particular:

a. Review draft policies, plans, programmes, applications, reports, studies, drawings and other relevant documentation;

b. Take into consideration all relevant strategic, site-specific and detailed environmental issues; environmental policies, legislation, regulations and standards; environmental sensitivity of affected sites/areas. including their context, topographical and environmental characteristics, protected and designated areas and important environmental features and concerns;

c. Carry out site inspections, on-site surveys, research and statistical analysis as appropriate; and compile evidence including taking of photographs or measurements; Interpret cartographic, photographic, archival and other relevant Information, the physical environment, site characteristics and topographical features; Review and analyse site/case histories, including comparison of aerial photos, base maps, enforcement cases, permits, previous responses, etc.;

d. Identify and analyse environmental impacts, issues and implications (including those of a cumulative, synergistic, direct, indirect, consequential, permanent, temporary or unclear nature) and their expected significance, magnitude, duration, timing* geographic range and area of influence, as may be relevant and proportionate;

e. Consider possible alternatives, and pre-emptive, mitigatory or compensatory measures to avoid, reduce, offset, remedy or reverse environmental impacts or to facilitate follow-up action;

f. Liaise with other colleagues and teams and engage with environmental specialists, experts, stakeholders and the public as appropriate; and carry out consultations and participate in meetings, communications and public hearings as appropriate;

g. Provide technical guidance and prepare specifications or Terms of Reference for any required submissions including detailed environmental studies, revised drawlngs, works method statements, and post-assessment monitoring;

h. Coordinate integrated responses and recommendations in a timely, effective, comprehensive and honest manner; and

Maintain records and carry out statistical and information/data analysis related to environmental assessment.

Adopt a strategic approach to plan-level environmental assessments, including SEA consultations and other consultations on draft plans, legislation, strategies, policies and programmes, and advise on their possible significant environmental issues and impacts; and
Participate in strategic environmental monitoring and strategic auditing of environmental assessments to determine: their effectiveness in influencing decisions and addressing environmental issues; conformity with requirements, standards, procedures and legal obligations; and any required improvement.

Presentation, reporting and decision making

Analyse, report and present outcomes of environmental assessments in a robust, honest, structured and technically-Justified manner to inform and explain the basis of decisions and recommendations;
Report and follow-up the Authority's position and recommendations;
Prepare and deliver effective reports and presentations on environmental assessments, including recommendations and actions to be taken forward in relevant decisions or other appropriate fora; and
Report the outcome of environmental assessments, including recommended actions and suggested conditions to enable follow-up and coordination of other regulatory functions of the Authority.

Aepo (environmental Assessment)

Job Description