Fisheries Environmental Officer

Inland Fisheries Ireland have an exciting opportunity available for a Fisheries Environmental Officer. 

This is a core Environmental Protection role which is required to meet the current demands of planning queries, forestry applications, pollution investigations and other environmental pressures on the fisheries and aquatic resource for the Limerick district.

The purpose of this role to advise and liaise with senior management within Inland Fisheries Ireland on the design and implementation of environmental programmes.

It will involve undertaking inspections, sampling and analysing water / effluent and investigating actual and potential sources of pollution in fish-bearing waters.

ABOUT US

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

More information can be found by visiting our website.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

Requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Liaise with Senior Management on the design and implementation of environmental programmes; 

• Lead and carry out various IFI environmental projects, surveys and monitoring programmes relating to the environmental function of IFI;

• Inspect, sample and analyse water / effluent, report findings and make recommendations;

• Supervise and investigate potential sources of pollution in waters of the river basin district (RBD), with a view to detecting offenders; analyse and quantify same through approved standard testing;

• Prepare monthly/annual reports and make recommendations to Senior Management & arrange for all necessary action to be taken regarding legal proceedings, evidence & reports;

• Follow up on pollution cases, according to the RBD Director’s instructions, including associated paperwork, written warnings and any other necessary paperwork;

• Visit and inspect premises, ensuring they are operating within permitted limits;

• Advise those responsible for pollution as to the various specialist agencies available to assist them in the prevention or disposal of pollution;

• Monitor potential impacts from planning applications and other proposed developments in the regions, support where necessary with letters of objection/appeal where appropriate;

• Represent IFI at relevant planning hearings, or other meetings as appropriate, including national environmental committees and climate action/biodiversity working groups;

• Liaise and collaborate with counterparts within IFI and other relevant bodies on matters relating to environmental quality for fish and fish habitat;

• Maintain laboratory facilities in a neat and tidy condition, ensuring all chemicals or other dangerous substances are stored appropriately and the laboratory is sufficiently stocked;

• Participate in cross-RBD meetings at various locations nationwide & occasionally abroad;

• Maintain reports and files in a systematic manner, according to IFI document retention policy / schedule for ease of reference

• Lead and co-ordinate aerial surveys for large scale environmental monitoring;

• Engage in PR activities, seminars, conferences, environmental awareness and Outreach events and prepare presentations where necessary

• Co-ordinate and/or participate in fish stock and habitat assessments including electrofishing

• Participate in various projects to improve the quality, efficiency & effectiveness of the fisheries service, as they relate to the environment;

• Provide training and technical advice to colleagues as required;

• In cases of legal proceedings; brief the RBD Director, prepare full reports for IFI solicitors and provide evidence in court on behalf of IFI if called upon to do so;

• Act as an effective team member and contribute to achievement of organizational goals and objectives;

• Act as a decision maker for relevant FOI requests and respond to other requests for Environmental data, PQs etc.;

• Utilise and develop GIS capacity for capture, analysis and communication of key environmental data;

• Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the RBD Director or nominee.

The standard working week for a Fisheries Environmental Officer is 35 hours per week over a 24/7 period.Due to the nature of this role, flexibility is required with regards to working hours, particularly in situations where emergency cover is needed and/or reports of pollution are received.There will be a requirement for the successful candidate to not only to provide leave cover for their colleagues, including deployment to neighboring districts in order to assist in the event of major/multiple fish kills, pollution/habitat/environmental surveys or investigations.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have the following;

Essential Experience 

• A minimum of an Ordinary Degree (NFQ Level 7) in a relevant discipline such as but not limited to; Aquatic Biology, Biology, Water Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Protection or equivalent.

• Experience of report writing.

• A full Category B driving licence that is valid in the State.

• Excellent IT skills and full proficiency with the MS Office suite.

Desirable Experience

• A minimum of an Honours Degree (NFQ Level 8) in a relevant discipline such as but not limited to; Aquatic Biology, Biology, Water Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Protection or equivalent.

• Demonstrable previous experience in a relevant environmental role.

• Proven experience of working with and utilising GIS.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and external agencies.

• The drive to build positive and lasting relationships with all customers and stakeholders.

• Ability to work unsupervised for periods of time.

• The ability to complete all tasks and projects to the highest standards of accuracy and excellence with the ability to identify errors and question information received.

• A strong work ethic.

• Takes a proactive approach towards development of self.

REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Fisheries Environmental Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 10 point scale including 1 long service increment (LSI’s):

Point 1 €42,571.38; Point 2 €45,134.82; Point 3 €46,675.15; Point 4 €48,568.31; Point 5 €50,479.82; Point 6 €54,186.69; Point 7 €57,381.52; Point 8 €60,611.02; Point 9 €63,833.24; Point 10 (LSI 1) €65,890.56

(IFI FEO Grade Payscale as of 01/08/2025)

Candidates should note that salary will not be subject to negotiation and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. New entrants to the public sector will start on point 1 subject to Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government Agreements.

TENURE

This post is offered on a permanent contract basis.