Environmental Operations Manager

Trinity is Ireland’s leading university and is ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026). Founded in 1592, the University is steeped in history with a reputation for excellence in education, research, and innovation, which has been inspiring generations of thinkers for over 400 years. Thrive: Trinity College Dublin's Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030

Post ID: 039535

Post Summary:

A vacancy exists for an experienced professional in the position of Environmental Operations Manager within the Estates and Facilities (E&F) Department of Trinity College Dublin. The purpose of the role is to plan and manage the provision of high-quality environmental and sustainability services across all campuses for the students, staff and visitors of Trinity College Dublin and its wider Estate.

The Environmental Operations Manager will plan, develop, implement, and manage a demonstrably high-quality environmental and sustainability service that supports the organisational requirements of the University across all its campuses. The role will take responsibility for the leadership and management of the experienced team of approximately 2 staff and provide the necessary cohesive oversight and management of supplementary contracted waste, external drainage and pest control service provisions.

Post status: Permanent Contract

Hours of Post: 35 hours per week

Salary: This appointment will be made on the Administrative 2 Salary Scale ( €60,185 - €70,718 per annum) at a point in line with current Government pay policy. monthly/weekly payscales. (tcd.ie)

How to apply:

To assist the selection process, applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter (maximum one A4 page) that specifically addresses the following points:

Clearly outline relevant experience and how this experience has contributed to their knowledge.

Demonstrate, through past examples, their ability to work on their own initiative and to resolve problems.

Application closing date: 26th October - 12pm noon

Applicants who do not address these requirements in their cover letter will not be considered at the shortlisting stage.

Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system.

Please see the Job Description below for this position.

Informal enquiries about this post should be made to Hiring Manager David Marley, Campus Service Manager, E: [email protected]

Application queries about this post, please email the Recruitment Partner, Rachel Jones at [email protected] and include the Competition ID number in the subject heading.

Our Values - putting our words into action

Values matter. They are key to the success of our Strategic Plan. We centre our behavioural values around the importance of belonging. We recognise that the university will thrive by each of us respecting and caring for one another. We know we can achieve much more through working together. We know too that we must take responsibility for our actions and be accountable. We must, and will never stop, imagining. And through being nature positive we connect not just with the environment but with our ambitions for a sustainable future.

At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities, those who have followed non-traditional career paths, and those who have taken time out for reasons such as family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants, including those who have been displaced due to conflict or war.

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier university. We are an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality both within Trinity and across the higher education sector. Trinity is committed to supporting work–life balance and creating a family-friendly working environment.

Environmental Operations Manager x 1 Comp ID: 039539 Job Title: Environmental Operations Manager School/Department: Facilities Management, Estates & Facilities Department Job Category and Level: Professional, Administrative & Support: Admin 2 The Purpose of the Role

A vacancy exists for an experienced professional in the position of Environmental Operations Manager within the Estates and Facilities (E&F) Department of Trinity College Dublin. The purpose of the role is to plan and manage the provision of high-quality environmental and sustainability services across all campuses for the students, staff and visitors of Trinity College Dublin and its wider Estate.

The Environmental Operations Manager will plan, develop, implement, and manage a demonstrably high-quality environmental and sustainability service that supports the organisational requirements of the University across all its campuses. The role will take responsibility for the leadership and management of the experienced team of approximately 2 staff and provide the necessary cohesive oversight and management of supplementary contracted waste, external drainage and pest control service provisions.

The role will lead the development, planning and implementation of a modernised environmental and sustainability strategy for the department and be a key stakeholder in the environmental and sustainability strategy for the University. They will review and propose solutions for the development of team skillsets through appropriate training. They will manage the operation of the University’s Waste Management, Pest Control and Drainage external service provider contracts, in addition to leading or significantly contributing to multiple Green Flag, Wildlife and Habitats, Trees, Horticultural, Environmental and Sustainability initiatives. The role will develop and implement best business practice to improve effectiveness, enhance efficiency, increase productivity, and deliver demonstrable quality and value through a customer focused service.

The role will be an informed reviewer and advisor to the wider College community to enable and ensure high profile stakeholder plans and major events (i.e., Exams, Summer Business, etc.) by partaking in significant and collaborative engagement. This will include

for, but not be limited to, engagement with statutory bodies. This is a high visibility role requiring an individual experienced with the planning and delivery of high-quality environmental services in a comparable area with the personal and professional gravitas to lead the University’s team and all contracted services, to deliver services of the highest quality on a 24/7/365 basis commensurate with the University’s national and global standing. Context

Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s premier university, with a proud tradition of excellence stretching back to its foundation in 1592. The oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin sits at the intersection of the past and the future and is ideally positioned as a major university in the European Union. The Environmental Team, within the E&F Department of Trinity College Dublin ensures a high-quality service across all campuses for the students, staff, and visitors always across all the University’s Estate.

Acting as the key manager for environmental and sustainability services delivered by E&F, the Environmental Operations Manager will manage our environmental and sustainability service to over 20,000 students, 4,000 staff, and visitors (numbers for which are exceeding 1 million annually) within an Estate that now has over 165 buildings, on 13 sites across Dublin, with a total area of c. 335,000m2. There are 108 acres of land, c. 50 acres of which is at the heart of Dublin City Centre.

Whilst the role will be delivered primarily Monday to Friday as a 37-hour week, the environmental and sustainability service, in the main, is provided across the Estate, 7 days a week. As part of the management team for Campus Services, the Environmental Operations Manager will report directly to the Campus Services Manager and in their absence the Head of Facilities Management. They will deliver a full range of environmental and sustainability services in an integrated, seamless fashion to support all the activities of the Department across all the University’s sites.

The span of activities carried out by environmental and sustainability service makes it incumbent on the post holder to have a wide range of knowledge and experience. Liaising with managers and stakeholders within the directorate and across the College, it is vital that the Environmental Operations Manager has excellent communication and organisational skills. The Environmental Operations Manager will be innovative and flexible in their approach to provide the adaptability often required to respond to short notice requests.

A minimum of 10 years relevant experience is required with 5 years attained at a management / supervisory level.

Main Responsibilities

This is a list of the tasks, duties, and responsibilities for the role.

Strategic Direction

• Design, deliver and lead the environmental and sustainability strategy for Estates & Facilities, to support the core business of the University for students, staff, and visitors, delivering the highest standards of customer service, whilst maintaining an environmental and sustainability service to the estate. • Drive the delivery of the E&F Waste Action Plan and implement its objectives, updating it over time where necessary. • Evaluate risk and identify suitable sustainable solutions to maintain and continually improve the services provided by the Team to the campus and satellite sites and deliver supporting change programmes, as required. • Develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators to measure the performance and delivery of the service provision. Produce and present reports to consistently update on performance, incidents, risks, and concerns. • Manage the environmental and sustainability service budget and identify opportunities for efficiencies, savings and investments relating to multiple contracts collectively exceeding €1mil annually. • Act as a key member of relevant College Committees (i.e., Grounds & Garden Expert Advisory Working Group, Green Campus Committee, Circular Campus Working Group etc.). • Responsibility for the policing and management of the Habitats Maintenance Policy, including the development and implementation of Guidance Documents. • Collaborate with the Campus Services Manager in the development and implementation of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in collaboration with key stakeholders (including Director of Campus Infrastructure, Head of Facilities Management, etc.).

• Develop and update detailed policies and procedures for all aspects of the management of the environmental and sustainability service in line with current trends in professional services and all statutory legislation that affects the role. • Management of the Green Flag application and upkeep including the collection, analysis of the data (i.e., waste and recycling). • Support the University Sustainability Strategy and make tangible progress in the commitment to carbon reduction at all opportunities.

Team Management

• Provide effective leadership, management, and guidance to their team, ensuring that staff and contract partners receive adequate training, support, and direction to be competent in their roles and operate with the highest standards of professionalism and customer service. • Enable the team to fulfil their potential by effective communication and decision making, ensuring regular briefings, one-to-one meetings and team building sessions occur with action notes produced and delivered. • Develop and manage the implementation of environmental and sustainability policies, standard operating procedures, escalation procedures, reporting systems and training exercises. • Oversee the management of staff recruitment, regular staff reviews, performance, absence, human resource management and employee related matters. • Ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing awareness are maintained across the Team, especially in connection with the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and other key legislation. • In the absence of the Campus & Grounds Maintenance Manager, provide operational management guidance, cover and support.

Operational Leadership

• Build and manage effective relationships and collaborate with stakeholders in all matters regarding the University’s environmental and sustainability service. • Revise and update processes and services to continuously promote greater efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure best practice. • Create and manage an environmental and sustainability risk register, advising senior managers of current or potential risks and develop effective mitigation plans.

• Collaborate with the Campus Services Manager in the development and implementation of contingency planning and incident / emergency response management in collaboration with key stakeholders (including Director of Campus Infrastructure, Head of Facilities Management, Head of Business Continuity, Head of Safety etc.). • Understand trends, patterns and activities that may impact the delivery of the environmental and sustainability services of the university, • Maintain one’s own and the University’s awareness of any local issues or activities that impact the physical environmental and sustainability of the campuses, employees, students, or visitors, undertaking periodic risk management reviews and liaising with the external environmental and sustainability services as necessary to keep abreast of changing industry levels and ensure that the College’s processes and procedures are adapted accordingly. • Provide specialist expertise and technical knowledge to service managers, project managers and estates colleagues to improve the environmental and sustainability infrastructure etc. across the existing estate and on proposed new capital developments and refurbishments. • Liaise with key stakeholders including the Academic Registry, Premises Services, Commercial Revenue Unit, and any other necessary College Officers on issues relating to the hosting of significant events VIP visits, commencement ceremonies, ceremonial occasions, exams, The Trinity Ball and Summer Concert series. • To develop and Provide briefings and toolbox information talks to the University Community.

General

• Occasionally required to work weekends and evenings as required to support University activities and events (i.e., Exams, Summer Business, Trinity Ball, Trinity Summer Series, VIP visits, conferences, Commencements, etc.) Must have a degree of flexibility to work outside normal operating hours when required. • Coordinate all aspects of pollution control. • Responsible for the control of selected University environmental and sustainability stores and secure rooms, including issuing of the contents for specific purposes. • To develop and implement a culture (including policies and procedures) that promotes equality and values diversity and inclusion. • To work collaboratively with all E& F service managers in their development of tenders include for relevant environmental and sustainable targets and requirements.

• To assist with the development of tender packages for the above and a key stakeholder in the assessment team to develop, manage and procure materials, and services in line with public procurement rules. • To develop, procure and carry out the ongoing management in partnership with the University’s Procurement Office, Frameworks, Suppliers Panel etc. to provide the services and materials to the University including but not limited to Waste Management, Pest Control and Drainage Services. • Responsible for surveying, the asset register and audit management of the College wildlife habitats, • Implement the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act as it applies to the management of the Environmental and Sustainability Services delivered. • Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working. • Facilitate the implementation of government initiatives in relation to sustainability and biodiversity including national plans and programmes that are developed to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, such as the All- Ireland Pollinator Plan. • Work with the Sustainability Office and particularly the University’s Biodiversity Officer to assist in advancing the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems within the University. • Provide advice to colleagues on the management of ecological resources such as urban woodlands, wetlands, parks, verges, wild flora grasslands and open areas in a biodiversity-friendly manner. • Drafting of procedures and guidelines for the project and services managers within Estates & Facilities when their works may or will affect habitats and ecosystems. The Environmental Operations Manager will be expected to join the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges. • Takes pride in providing excellent customer service providing a helpful and courteous approach to students, staff, and visitors. • A commitment to continuous professional development and membership of appropriate professional bodies. • Deputise for colleagues as required and represent the manager or department at meetings and events. • Undertake other such tasks as may arise in general conformity with the foregoing duties, or like those which have traditionally been performed by environmental and sustainability services.

Personal Attributes

The role-holder will require the following knowledge, skills, and attributes for successful performance in the role.

Qualifications

• A Level 8 QQI qualification in Environmental Science or equivalent with 5 years attained at an appropriate management / supervisory level, or • A Level 7 QQI qualification combined with 10 years relevant vocational management experience – essential. • Full clean driver’s license – essential.

Knowledge

• Demonstrable knowledge of priorities, policies, and procedures with a structured organization – essential. • Demonstrable knowledge of environmental, sustainability and biodiversity technologies in similar organisations – essential. • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, e-mail, and the web, with high standard of accuracy in both written and numerical work – essential. • Demonstrable knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations and risk management – essential. • Demonstrable knowledge of procurement, project management and multi- stakeholder planning within large multi-faceted organisations with a proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively – essential. • Demonstrable knowledge of developing campus and grounds maintenance SOPs and maintenance development plans – essential. • Demonstrable knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations and risk management – essential.

Experience

• Have experience of habitat survey and mapping, data management and analysis methods, using a variety of software – essential. • 10 years relevant experience with at least 5 years attained at an appropriate management / supervisory level within large multi-faceted organisations – essential.

• Demonstrable experience of managing either an in-house or contracted team (though ideally both) and their related contractual relationships and documentation – essential. • Experience of delivering change programmes from design to implementation from design to implementation – essential. • Experience of developing an organisational strategic environmental and sustainability management plan, including the development of polices and operating procedures Experience of developing an organisational strategic environmental and sustainability management plan, including the development of polices and operating procedures – essential. • Experience of project management and multi-stakeholder planning within large multi-faceted organisations – essential. • Experience of legislative and governance issues related to horticulture, environmental and sustainability and related operational services in the Third Level sector – desirable. • Experience in event planning and management – desirable.

Skills

• Skilled in strategic operational planning, development, and delivery in the achievement of high-quality environmental and sustainability services – essential. • Proven ability to manage confidential, difficult, or sensitive matters – essential. • Proven ability to think quickly and to problem solve, making decisions that lead the way – essential. • Proven ability to manage and improve large and complex operational budgets – essential. • Ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively – essential.

Personal attributes

• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with excellent verbal and written communication skills - essential

Trinity Competencies

In Trinity there are 6 Core Competencies that are applicable to all roles across a range of professional, administrative and support jobs, unlike specialist or technical skills which may be job specific. They provide a common language for describing performance and the

abilities/attributes displayed by individuals. They focus on ‘how’ tasks are achieved, not ‘what’ is achieved.

Below is a summary definition of the 6 Core Competencies.

Competency Summary Definition 1 Agile Leader Sees the big picture and harnesses opportunities to achieve the University’s goals. Creates clear direction for the future and how to get there. 2 Unlocks Potential Energised, capable and confident to take ownership and responsibility for their development and goals. Motivates, supports, and develops people to perform to the best of their ability. 3 Service Ethos Finds ways to increase stakeholder and customer satisfaction. Builds relationships, is proactive and delivery focused to anticipate, meet & exceed expectations. 4 Builds Trusted Relationships Communicates in a clear and respectful manner, building trust and commitment for mutually beneficial outcomes. 5 Decision-making Confidently makes timely decisions based on knowledge, evidence, and sound judgement. 6 Achieves Results Delivers results by setting direction, planning, executing, and evaluating impact.

Agile Leader Unlock Potential Service Ethos Trusted Relationships Decision -maker Achieves Results Agile Leader Unlock Potential Service Ethos Trusted Relationships Decision -maker Achieves Results The Selection Process in Trinity The Selection Committee (Interview Panel) may include members of the Academic and Administrative community together with External Assessor(s). The University’s selection methods may consist of any or all of the following: Interviews, Presentations, Psychometric Testing, References and Situational Exercises. Information supplied by candidates in their application (Cover Letter and CV) will be used to shortlist for interview. Given the degree of co-ordination and planning to have a Selection Committee available on the specified date, the University regrets that it may not be in a position to offer alternate selection dates. Communications Applications will be acknowledged by email. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within 2 hours of submitting your application online, please contact [email protected] immediately and prior to the closing date/time. All communication with applicants will be by email. By submitting your application electronically, you are declaring that the information you are supplying is factually correct. Trinity College Dublin reserves the right to withdraw any offer of employment or if you have commenced employment, to terminate your employment should any of the information provided in the application be found to be false or misleading. Information for applicants2

2. Information for applicants 2 Eligibility Applications from non-EEA citizens are welcomed. However, eligibility is determined by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and further information on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List and the Ineligible Categories of Employment are set out in the Regulations. https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Eligibility/. Non-EEA candidates should note that the onus is on them to secure a visa to travel to Ireland prior to interview. Non-EEA candidates should also be aware that even if successful at interview, an appointment to the post is contingent on the securing of an employment permit. Qualifications and Brexit Applicants should note that for qualifications acquired in the UK from 1st January 2021, mutual recognition of professional qualifications (MRPQ) between the EU and the UK no longer applies. Full list of the regulated professions and competent authorities can be accessed here https://www.education.ie/en/The-Education-System/Qualifications-Recognition/Contact-List-Mutual-Recognition- of-Professions.pdf More information is available on the Irish Government website gov.ie - Further and Higher Education and Brexit (www.gov.ie) UK nationals, irrespective of where they acquired their qualifications, and EU citizens with qualifications acquired in the United Kingdom will need to have their qualifications recognised in the relevant Member State on the basis of each country’s existing individual rules applicable to the qualifications of third-country nationals as of the end of the transition period. Pre-Employment Medical It is the policy of the University to conduct pre-employment medical screening/full pre-employment medicals. Equal Opportunities Policy Trinity is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to employment policies, procedures and practices which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community. On that basis we encourage and welcome talented people from all backgrounds to join our staff community. Trinity’s Diversity Statement can be viewed in full at https://www.tcd.ie/diversity-inclusion/diversity-statement.

2. Information for applicants 3 Pension Entitlements This is a pensionable position and details of the relevant Pension Scheme will be provided to the successful applicant on receipt of the completed Pre-Employment Declaration form. Applicants formerly employed by the Irish Public Service that may previously have availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme of Incentivised early retirement or enhanced redundancy payment should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes. Such queries should be directed to an applicant’s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance. Garda Clearance Police vetting may be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for a post. Applicants will be required to complete and return a Garda Vetting form should they come under consideration for appointment. In some cases, they may be requested to complete the form on the day of interview. This form will be forwarded to An Garda Síochána (Irish Police) for security checks on all Irish addresses at which they have resided. An Garda Síochána will make enquiries with the Police Service of Northern Ireland with respect to addresses in Northern Ireland. If an applicant is not successful in obtaining the post for whatever reason, this information will be destroyed. If an applicant, therefore, subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again. If an applicant has resided in countries outside of Ireland for a cumulative period of 3 years or more, it is mandatory for them to furnish a Police Criminal Records Check/ Police Certificate from those countries stating that they have no convictions recorded against them while residing there. Applicants will need to provide a separate Police Criminal Records Check/ Police Certificate for each country in which they have resided. The Police Criminal Records Check/ Police Certificate must be dated after the date the applicant left the relevant country. Applicants should provide documentation in the English and/or Irish language. Translations must be provided by a registered translation company/institute in the Republic of Ireland. Only original version documents will be accepted. Applicants should be aware that any information obtained in the Garda Vetting process can be made available to the employing area.