[Immediate Start] Fisheries Officer- Limerick Specified Purpose Contract

Inland Fisheries Ireland has an exciting opportunity available for a Fisheries Officer to join our team, which would be well suited to those who have an interest in protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

The role of Fisheries Officer is responsible for front line implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Fisheries Acts, Water Pollution Acts, Water Framework Directive & other relevant statutory provisions, to include the provision of comprehensive conservation, protection, improvement & development services, inland and at sea.

The role of a Fisheries Officer has two main areas of responsibility;

- Fisheries Protection and;
- Fisheries Conservation and Development.

As a Fisheries Officer you can expect to work collaboratively with an experienced team of Fisheries Officers, Assistant Fisheries Inspectors and Fisheries Inspectors on some of the below;

- Patrolling and engaging in surveillance activities to check for illegal fishing
- Enforcing the applicable bye-laws and regulations as required
- Contributing to habitat improvement schemes
- Developing and improving fisheries access and angling infrastructure
- Assisting and advising local anglers and other members of the public
- Participating in various community initiatives designed to educate and promote

This is predominantly an outdoors role and candidates should be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and on/near bodies of water. Please note that Fisheries Officers work a 39-hour week and this will include weekends, evenings, early mornings and late nights.

ABOUT US

Inland Fisheries Ireland are the environmental agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Vision: To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.

Mission: To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.

Values:

- We work collaboratively with professionalism
- We are open, transparent and accountable
- We act with respect and integrity
- We are committed to stewardship and sustainability

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fisheries Protection:

- Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to check for illegal fishing
- Undertaking investigative surveys of water quality & the health, spawning & movement of fish
- Detect and report pollution, take samples and gather information;
- Inspect commercial Salmon & Sea Trout licence holders;
- Inspect recreational anglers for licence and/or permit, checking compliance with regulations and bye-laws;
- Issue Fixed Penalty Notices if appropriate;
- Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence and provide reports for legal advisers, in line with the prescribed IFI prosecution procedure;
- Making improvements to habitats through work on streams and river banks
- Assist with general enquiries from the public;
- Communicating with external bodies, i.e. Clubs, Councils and Fishery owners
- Operate and maintain boats;
- Provide shore cover and/or act as a crew member for local IFI protection staff on RIB patrols in the area
- Maintain and upkeep vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment;
- Support team members in stake-outs at night /early morning.

Fisheries Conservation & Development:

- Contribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure;)
- Conduct research survey work;
- Monitor scientific data;
- Conduct electro-fishing and netting;
- Catch, measure, examine and release fish (assessing their health;)
- Communicate with & develop good relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as; An Garda Síochána, Angling Clubs, Fishermen, Community Development Groups, and other statutory agencies etc.;
- Provide assistance for angling festivals and competitions;
- Write reports and keep records updated as required;
- Keep up to date with legislation and relevant scientific and technical developments.

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

- Leaving Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) or recognised equivalent;
- A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland;
- No convictions under the Irish Fisheries Legislation;
- Eligible to work in the State;
- Fluent English – both in spoken and written English;
- Good knowledge of computer skills including MS Office;
- Reside close to base (for call-out purposes, successful candidates must reside within at least 60 mins drive of their assigned base location);
- Competent in and on the water (both at sea and in lakes and rivers);
- Demonstrates a passion/strong interest in promoting, protecting and conserving our natural resources.

Desirable:

- Experience in a similar environment;
- A full Category BE driving licence that is valid in Ireland and ability to tow trailers;
- Powerboat Level 2;
- Kayaking Level 3;
- Knowledge of fisheries legislation.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will have the following;

- Ability to form effective working relationships with team members, members of the public and IFI’s external stakeholders;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Flexible approach to work and hours;
- Can meet the travel requirements of the post. Prepared to work outside of normal hours as necessary;
- Commitment to the job and demonstrates self-motivation.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

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