About the Role

We're hiring a Programme Officer I (Level 3) Team Lead—a key leadership role at the heart of the Environmental Protection Agency. Based in EPA Headquarters in Wexford this position offers a unique opportunity to shape how we work and deliver results that matter.

 This role is part of a recruitment campaign that will create a panel of candidates for current and future vacancies, based either in our Headquarters in Wexford or at the EPA Regional Inspectorate in Dublin.

We have an immediate opening in the Research Programme, within the Office of Evidence and Assessment. The successful candidate will take on a management role in the Research Operations and Impact Delivery team, reporting to a Senior Manager. 

What the role involves:

• Manage the EPA’s €13m annual research budget and €42m in ongoing project commitments, ensuring strong governance across 200+ projects
• Oversee and improve the EPA Grants Management System and expand access to EPA research data and resources
• Lead procurement and management of external contractors supporting the Research Programme
• Handle day-to-day programme administration, including queries, compliance (AIE/FOI/GDPR), audits, and policy development
• Support the tracking and communication of research impact using key metrics and indicators
• Lead, motivate and develop staff to deliver high performance
• Manage workplans, budgets, and projects to support EPA goals
• Drive strategic planning, cross-team collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies, procurement, and health & safety
• Oversee reporting, quality assurance, and customer service standards
• Engage with stakeholders and represent the EPA effectively
• Support the development of EPA policies, systems, and impact reporting
• Plus much more...

Salary Scale: *€73,961 to €90,198 (PPC Rate) per annum includes provision for two Long Service Increments after three and six years respectively on the maximum of the scale for permanent staff.

What we do?

At the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we're not just about policies and permits — we're about making a real difference. As an independent public body, our mission is to safeguard Ireland’s environment and the health of its people.

We take our mandate from key environmental legislation, but our purpose goes far beyond the law. From tackling pollution and managing waste, to protecting the public from harmful radiation, we are at the forefront of Ireland’s environmental challenges and solutions.

Our work spans:

🌱 Regulating industries to ensure environmental compliance
📊 Providing trusted data and scientific insights to guide national decisions
📣 Advocating for a clean, safe, and sustainable environment

We believe in the power of collaboration — working with communities, policymakers, and businesses to promote lasting environmental change.

What are we responsible for?

The EPA’s purpose is to protect, improve and restore our environment through regulation, scientific knowledge and working with others. Our vision for Ireland is that we live sustainably in a healthy environment that is valued and protected by all.

Our purpose reflects our three core roles – as an environmental regulator, as a key source of trusted scientific evidence and knowledge, and as a voice for the environment through our leadership and advocacy and our commitment to collaborating and partnering with others to deliver better environmental outcomes.



Our Responsibilites Include:

• Licensing
• National Environmental Enforcement
• Waste Management and Chemicals in the Environment
• Water Management
• Climate Science & Climate Change
• Environmental Monitoring & Assessment
• Environmental Research and Development
• Radiological Protection
• Guidance, Awareness Raising, and Accessible Information
• Partnership and networking

The EPA offers a broad range of benefits, such as hybrid working, flexible hours, and a focus on continuous learning. We prioritise your wellbeing, professional development, and creating a positive workplace, ensuring you feel part of Ireland’s environmental future.

Bringing Diverse Expertise Together

A team members come from varied professional backgrounds including Engineers, Accountants, Lawyers, Administrators, Economists, Hydrologists, Scientists, Geologists, Physicists, Chemists, and Microbiologists. We succeed because of our diverse workforce and continuously work to promote diversity throughout the organisation.e live sustainably in a healthy environment that is valued and protected by all.

Work Life Balance

Ensuring you have the opportunity to thrive at the EPA is hugely important to us, which is why we provide comprehensive supports to help you advance your career while managing your personal responsibilities.

Going Green with the EPA

Contributing to Ireland’s sustainable future is a priority for us which is why we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our work. Our green team programme aims to measure and reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), energy consumption, and pollution.