Wildlife Protector

Fisheries Officer Job Description

This is a challenging role that requires a strong passion for protecting and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the key responsibilities associated with this position, which include:

• Fisheries Protection:
• Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to check for illegal fishing
• Patrolling Commercial Salmon fishery
• Protecting spring salmon / grilse runs all rivers
• Detecting and preventing illegal netting rivers and sea
• Protecting bass and bluefin tuna fisheries
• Conducting environmental inspections and assisting Fisheries Enforcement Officers
• 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
• Checks of angler licences and permits and issuing of FCNs/seizing of gear as necessary
• 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
• Preparation of statements and attendance at court as may be needed
• Assist with general enquiries from the public
• 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
• Conduct routine environmental checks and inspections; report or follow up on any water pollution alerts
• Provide field support to IFI Research surveys and programmes (e.g. WFD surveys, cwef, barriers assessments, sea lice surveys etc.)

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 and 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

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Fisheries Officer, with an unsocial hour's allowance payable at either 50% or 100% relative to the number of unsocial hours worked.

Working Conditions

This is predominantly an outdoors role and candidates should be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and on/near bodies of water.

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