Inland Fisheries Ireland
Catchment Officer – CALM Project Specified Purpose Contract
Inland Fisheries Ireland, Mission, Kansas, United States
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a vacancy for a
Catchment Officer – Calm Project
to join the project team in the Research and Development (R&D) division. This role will involve implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) at locations in River Glyde catchments with an aim to improve water quality & habitat. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in catchment management and nature-based solutions, with a focus on improving water quality. They will be skilled in identifying and prioritising riparian interventions, working closely with landowners, IFI staff & other stakeholders, to co-design and deliver effective solutions. 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
Day to day delivery of the CALM project (NbS element) reporting to the Dundalk District Inspector. Identification, specification, Implementation & Supervision of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). Supervise the delivery of NbS works, ensuring projects are completed to agreed specifications, timelines, and environmental standards. Assist in implementing a monitoring programme to evaluate the success of instream and riparian measures, including both pre- and post-works assessments. Liaise and coordinate with IFI & contract staff to ensure effective delivery of project works. Supervise admin/support staff during project activities. Project Management & Compliance. Organise and secure all required legal permissions for proposed works, including state and local authority consents e.g., AAS, NIS, Natura 2000 site permissions, and any other statutory approvals. Prepare tender specifications for Appropriate Assessment (AA) screenings, specialist surveys, and procurement of field equipment. Identify suitable monitoring strategies to assess water body status in line with Water Framework Directive (WFD) quality elements, focusing on fish, hydromorphology and water quality. FIELDWORK & MONITORING SUPPORT
Conduct River Hydromorphology Assessment Technique (RHAT) surveys to assess habitat condition and restoration opportunities. Undertake citizen science surveys, specifically using the FLESKI (Fisher’s Local Ecological Knowledge Surveillance Indicator) approach, to harness local ecological knowledge for monitoring fisheries, tracking changes over time, and informing conservation actions. Utilise GIS and remote sensing methods to evaluate site conditions and characterise specific river reaches. Support water quality sampling activities in coordination with project partners, following agreed protocols. Participate in electrofishing surveys to monitor fish populations and assess restoration outcomes. Provide occasional assistance to other team members on associated fieldwork, such as environmental data collection. STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Build strong relationships with angling communities, farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders, providing advice and information to help improve and maintain water quality in local streams. Organise and facilitate regular stakeholder meetings (as required) to share updates, gather feedback, and agree on project priorities. DATA PROCESSING & DATA ANALYSIS
Data mining, data processing, collation and aggregation of all datasets and all sample materials to parameterise and validate models and/or analyses. Quality assure and review all datasets for entry to databases/GIS. Maintain raw data and all other records in a clear concise manner and in line with IFI’s database structure. Undertake data analysis of all relevant datasets, including using relevant statistical/modelling techniques. Liaise with R&D analytical staff to develop statistical and quantitative analysis that will inform results from the FLOW project. REPORTING & COMMUNICATION
Prepare progress reports, stakeholder reports, management briefs, and technical updates. Contribute to project communications, including website updates, newsletters, and media outputs, to ensure timely and transparent dissemination of progress. ADDITIONAL DUTIES
Undertake any other tasks as required to support the successful delivery of project objectives KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have the following: Essential A relevant Diploma or Degree (NFQ Level 7) in environmental science, agricultural science, engineering, natural sciences, or a related scientific discipline. Full driving licence valid in the State. Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to motivate others and achieve objectives. Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to identify errors and critically assess information. Proven experience in scientific and technical report writing. Strong understanding of catchment science and the ability to apply process-based principles in river restoration. Practical experience in field survey and data collection within aquatic and riparian habitats. High level of proficiency in IT (MS Office suite.) Demonstrable experience using relevant geospatial (GIS) and statistical software (e.g., R packages). Experience in planning, executing, and reporting on original research studies. Desirable Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field. Demonstrable experience in the design and implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) or similar environmental restoration and enhancement measures. Demonstrable experience in stakeholder engagement particularly with angling communities, farming groups, landowners, and other local stakeholders. Experience using remote technologies (e.g., drones, current meters, sensors/loggers). Experience in River Hydromorphological Assessment Technique (RHAT) surveys. Experience in land surveying techniques and associated technology – processing satellite imagery on GI Project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management Experience presenting at conferences, workshops, and other professional forums LOCATION
The position is based in IFI Creevy Monaghan. However, there may be considerable travelling and residing in locations across Ireland, whilst conducting field work in all weather conditions. Travelling on a daily or weekly basis will be a requirement. Transport will be provided for field duties. IFI offer a hybrid working policy, more details of which will be shared with prospective candidates at the interview. REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Higher Executive Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 9-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s): Point 1 €57,751.54; Point 2 €59,461.11; Point 3 €61,178.47; Point 4 €62,889.57; Point 5 €64,609.42; Point 6 €66,328.02; Point 7 €68,044.12; Point 8 (LSI 1) €70,525.16; Point 9 (LSI 2) €72,999.95 TENURE
This role is being offered on a specified purpose contract basis, the duration of this contract will be till end July 2028 APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted via this website by 5.00 pm on Friday 31st of October 2025. Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered. Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV. Canvassing will disqualify. Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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Catchment Officer – Calm Project
to join the project team in the Research and Development (R&D) division. This role will involve implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) at locations in River Glyde catchments with an aim to improve water quality & habitat. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in catchment management and nature-based solutions, with a focus on improving water quality. They will be skilled in identifying and prioritising riparian interventions, working closely with landowners, IFI staff & other stakeholders, to co-design and deliver effective solutions. 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
Day to day delivery of the CALM project (NbS element) reporting to the Dundalk District Inspector. Identification, specification, Implementation & Supervision of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). Supervise the delivery of NbS works, ensuring projects are completed to agreed specifications, timelines, and environmental standards. Assist in implementing a monitoring programme to evaluate the success of instream and riparian measures, including both pre- and post-works assessments. Liaise and coordinate with IFI & contract staff to ensure effective delivery of project works. Supervise admin/support staff during project activities. Project Management & Compliance. Organise and secure all required legal permissions for proposed works, including state and local authority consents e.g., AAS, NIS, Natura 2000 site permissions, and any other statutory approvals. Prepare tender specifications for Appropriate Assessment (AA) screenings, specialist surveys, and procurement of field equipment. Identify suitable monitoring strategies to assess water body status in line with Water Framework Directive (WFD) quality elements, focusing on fish, hydromorphology and water quality. FIELDWORK & MONITORING SUPPORT
Conduct River Hydromorphology Assessment Technique (RHAT) surveys to assess habitat condition and restoration opportunities. Undertake citizen science surveys, specifically using the FLESKI (Fisher’s Local Ecological Knowledge Surveillance Indicator) approach, to harness local ecological knowledge for monitoring fisheries, tracking changes over time, and informing conservation actions. Utilise GIS and remote sensing methods to evaluate site conditions and characterise specific river reaches. Support water quality sampling activities in coordination with project partners, following agreed protocols. Participate in electrofishing surveys to monitor fish populations and assess restoration outcomes. Provide occasional assistance to other team members on associated fieldwork, such as environmental data collection. STAKEHOLDER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Build strong relationships with angling communities, farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders, providing advice and information to help improve and maintain water quality in local streams. Organise and facilitate regular stakeholder meetings (as required) to share updates, gather feedback, and agree on project priorities. DATA PROCESSING & DATA ANALYSIS
Data mining, data processing, collation and aggregation of all datasets and all sample materials to parameterise and validate models and/or analyses. Quality assure and review all datasets for entry to databases/GIS. Maintain raw data and all other records in a clear concise manner and in line with IFI’s database structure. Undertake data analysis of all relevant datasets, including using relevant statistical/modelling techniques. Liaise with R&D analytical staff to develop statistical and quantitative analysis that will inform results from the FLOW project. REPORTING & COMMUNICATION
Prepare progress reports, stakeholder reports, management briefs, and technical updates. Contribute to project communications, including website updates, newsletters, and media outputs, to ensure timely and transparent dissemination of progress. ADDITIONAL DUTIES
Undertake any other tasks as required to support the successful delivery of project objectives KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have the following: Essential A relevant Diploma or Degree (NFQ Level 7) in environmental science, agricultural science, engineering, natural sciences, or a related scientific discipline. Full driving licence valid in the State. Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to motivate others and achieve objectives. Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to identify errors and critically assess information. Proven experience in scientific and technical report writing. Strong understanding of catchment science and the ability to apply process-based principles in river restoration. Practical experience in field survey and data collection within aquatic and riparian habitats. High level of proficiency in IT (MS Office suite.) Demonstrable experience using relevant geospatial (GIS) and statistical software (e.g., R packages). Experience in planning, executing, and reporting on original research studies. Desirable Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field. Demonstrable experience in the design and implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) or similar environmental restoration and enhancement measures. Demonstrable experience in stakeholder engagement particularly with angling communities, farming groups, landowners, and other local stakeholders. Experience using remote technologies (e.g., drones, current meters, sensors/loggers). Experience in River Hydromorphological Assessment Technique (RHAT) surveys. Experience in land surveying techniques and associated technology – processing satellite imagery on GI Project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management Experience presenting at conferences, workshops, and other professional forums LOCATION
The position is based in IFI Creevy Monaghan. However, there may be considerable travelling and residing in locations across Ireland, whilst conducting field work in all weather conditions. Travelling on a daily or weekly basis will be a requirement. Transport will be provided for field duties. IFI offer a hybrid working policy, more details of which will be shared with prospective candidates at the interview. REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Higher Executive Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 9-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s): Point 1 €57,751.54; Point 2 €59,461.11; Point 3 €61,178.47; Point 4 €62,889.57; Point 5 €64,609.42; Point 6 €66,328.02; Point 7 €68,044.12; Point 8 (LSI 1) €70,525.16; Point 9 (LSI 2) €72,999.95 TENURE
This role is being offered on a specified purpose contract basis, the duration of this contract will be till end July 2028 APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted via this website by 5.00 pm on Friday 31st of October 2025. Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered. Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV. Canvassing will disqualify. Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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