Environmental Conservation Specialist

Job Title: Fisheries Officer

About the Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Fisheries Officer. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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 FEO
• 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
• Provide field support to IFI Research surveys and programmes (e.g. WFD surveys, cwef, barriers assessments, sea lice surveys etc.)
• 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
• 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:

• Salary scale starting from €32,299.08 and increasing up to €47,159.90 depending on experience
• Unsocial hour's allowance of up to €7,821 per annum (pro-rata), payable at either 50% or 100% relative to the number of unsocial hours worked
• Permanent contract basis
• Panel formation for up to six months to cover vacancies for roles with similar skill sets

Others:

• Garda Vetting process and safeguarding training required for successful candidate
• Ability to form effective working relationships with team members, members of the public and 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