Urgent Search: Project Officer

Project Officer Reports to: Chairmanand BoardofDirectors Responsiblefor: Lead in the coordination and collection of data in a pre agreed format with the NPWS, on game or related species, collating this data so that it is robust and usable for decision makers going forward. Lead in collecting and collating data on Species for the NARGC as required. Producing datasets and reports on the information collated, which must be produced annually, or as required. CollaborateandworkwithNARGCresearchprojects,andexternal projects with outside bodies and academic institutions. Location: BasedintheNARGCOfficeinMountmellick(Officemaymoveto another location in midlands area) Remote working as agreed and required. Working with other bodies or academic institution, at their location as agreed and required. The National Association of Regional Game Councils Job Description and Qualifications Asleadcoordinatorandorganiserinthisdatacollectionareayouwillbefurtherdeveloping the NARGC data collection systems to new levels. This will involve utilising our vast geographically dispersed memberships to assist you in counts, and data collection. These citizen science type initiatives have enormous potential, but they need coordination, guidance, training, and quality control audits, which will be all part of your job. YourjobwillinvolveliaisingwithandworkingwiththeNationalParks&WildlifeService (NPWS), other government departments and agencies, other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, other relevant stakeholders. You would need to have experience of, orworked in this area of species data collection, includingtheuseofup-to-datecollectionmethodsincludingharnessing thecapabilitiesof innovative technologies. Youneedtohaveeffectivecommunication,andorganisationalskills,motivatedandhavethe ability to drive initiatives independently. You need to understand the necessity for robust research and be innovative in pursuing research projects internally in the NARGC, and externally. Although the role will primarily involve organising research and data collection /collation, and producing reports to summarise the data collected where appropriate, the production of scientific peer-reviewed articles will also be encouraged. The motivation for creating this role is to facilitate good decisions around species internally in Ireland, and to fulfil Irelands obligations to the European commission management and to fulfil Irelands obligations to the European Commission under the Habitat and Birds directive (Article 12 mandatory reporting), and all the international organisations Ireland is aligned to or signed up with in this area, and you need to fully understand all those needs and obligations. This role would be ideal for someone who has an interest in the management of Game species, and has experience in national species surveys, and wishes to further develop their skills in leading projects in this field. The candidate must have their own transport, a full driving licence and their vehicle must be insured for business use in addition to their domestic use. The Job The Project Officer shall operate under the direction of the NARGC Chairperson, and report to, the Board of directors of the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC). The post is permanent, full time, with the standard entitlements. Minimum Qualifications & Experience An undergraduate degree in Ecology 0rnithology or related disciplines. Three (3) years relevant work experience, fieldwork and reporting on species management or conservation. A knowledge and awareness of health & safety legislation and regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application. Have good written and verbal communication skills. Be proficient in up-to-date IT systems, GIS ( ESRI, Argis, R python or similar) mapping systems. Beabletoleadateam, and workwithvariousotheragenciesasrequired. Be able to address meeting or gatherings and deliver a clear and coherent message. Be able to design and implement surveys and sampling methods, to capture accurate data with quality control built in, in both small and large areas, using both professional and volunteer personnel. Understand population modelling (e.g., occupancy modelling, survival analysis, Bayesian interference). Have knowledge of the European Directives ( Birds Directive article 12 reporting, Habitats Directive Article 17 Reporting). Familiarity with the IUCN traffic light Bird assessment system, EU Conservation status frameworks, AEWA. Desirable Skills OrnithologicalSurveyqualificationsandorexperienceinthoseareas. ProfessionalmembershipofIEEN,CIEEM,orsimilar Familiaritywith BiodiversityNetGain(BNG)principles HaveanMSCorPHDinstatistics,datascience,ecologywithQuantitativemethods,in conservation Biology, or related fields. Experienceinmanagingandanalysinglarge datasets,andthetrendsemergingfrom the data over longer periods of time. Experienceofcoordinatingandorunderstandingregionalscalespeciesfieldsurveys. Be innovative and determined in pursuing objectives. Databasemanagementexperience(PostgreSQL,Access,orcloud-baseddata management platforms) Experience of remote sensing and or the use of drone technology, and the add on benefits AI can add to this technology. Main Duties: The Project Manager duties will include but not be limited to the following: Direct reporting to the Chairman, and NARGC board. Work with NARGC officer, regions, clubs, members, government departments, other NGOs, and anyone or group that can complement the work. Manageandcoordinateasurveyteamofprofessionalsandvolunteers. Effective organisation and administration skills Use your Interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively at all levels both in writing and verbally with technical and scientific, and non-technical groups. Producereportsasrequiredtoaprofessionalstandard. Work with and or contribute to other related research work in this area. Hours of Work Location of work Fulltimeemployment,39hoursperweek,withstandardbenefits.Theworkingschedulewill be the standard Monday to Friday 9am 5pm in the NARGC office. Remote working will be required and agreed, and arranged flexibility around working hours and to some extent personal circumstances will be considered where appropriate. Probation Thefollowingprobationaryprovisionsshallapply: thereshallbeaperiodaftersuchappointmentstakeeffectduringwhichsuchpersons shall hold the position on probation. ThereshallbeareviewofperformanceafterSix(6)Months,andafurtherreviewafter 12monthsafterthemandatoryreportshavebeensubmitted.Ifthisissatisfactory,the probation period is then completed. The NARGC does however reserve the right to extend the probationary period beyond twelve (12) months if required, but not beyond eighteen (18) months from the date of commencement of the employment. If interested please submit your CV and a covering letter focusing on your relevant experience, qualifications, bearing in mind the job requirements and what additionally you might bring to the role and to the NARGC. Closing date: 10th of November 2025 Selection Process :After the closing date, all applications will be accessed, and you will be notified then of the next steps in the process. The NPWS funds this project. Skills: Ecologist Data analyist Species monitoring