Fisheries Officer

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

You can find out more about our work here.

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.

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

The following attempts to outline in a broad sense the key areas of responsibility associated with a Fisheries Officer post. However other responsibilities may arise as the requirements of our environment and stakeholders change over time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fisheries Protection

• Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to check for check for illegal fishing

• 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

• Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence, provide reports for legal advisers

• Operate and maintain boats

• Maintenance of vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment

• Assist with general enquiries from the public

• Communicate with external bodies, i.e. Clubs, Fishery owners etc

• Write reports

• Support team members in stake-outs at night /early morning

• Keep up to date with legislation and relevant scientific and technical developments

Fisheries Development / Maintenance

• Contribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure)

• Conduct research survey work and monitor scientific data

• Electro-fishing and netting including catching, measuring, examining and releasing fish

• Provide assistance for angling festivals and competitions

Requirements

KEY EXPERIENCE 

Essential

• Leaving Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) or recognised equivalent;

• A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland;

• Experienced working on boats OR experience working in an environmental role OR previous experience in a protection role (for example law enforcement/ armed forces/ navy etc)

• 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 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.

GARDA VETTING 

Please note that the successful candidate will need to go through a Garda Vetting process and complete safeguarding training before they can take up their role.

By applying for this role, you give Inland Fisheries Ireland permission to process your personal information through the National Vetting Bureau and if any disclosure of information which comes to light is deemed to put children and vulnerable adults at risk, you may not be able to take up the role. 

REMUNERATION

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Fisheries Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 14-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):

Point 1 €32,299.08; Point 2 €33,901.38; Point 3 €34,826.61; Point 4 €36,084.89; Point 5 €37,076.48; Point 6 €38,109.19; Point 7 €38,865.10; Point 8 €39,927.13; Point 9 €40,812.20; Point 10 €41,519.36; Point 11 €42,574.81; Point 12 €43,642.87; LSI 1 €44,45,188.81; LSI 2 €47,159.90 (IFI FO Grade Payscale as of 01.08.2025)

An unsocial hour’s allowance (UHA) of up to €7,821 per annum (pro-rata), will be payable at either 50% or 100% relative to the number of unsocial hours worked.

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.