RiverWood Research Technician

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a vacancy for a RiverWood Research Technician to join our team in the Research and Development (R&D) division.

The Research technician will be a member of the EPA funded RiverWood Project. The overall aim of the project is to evaluate the functional relationships between riparian zones and large wood in rivers and quantify its role in the provision of complex habitat and other services. A key objective is to assess the efficacy (ecological response, cost, sustainability) of large wood augmentation as a protect and restore tool for key species, habitats and their ecosystem services, as required by the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive.

This role involves working collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team focusing on process-based river restoration. The successful candidate will be involved in field assessments, and support reporting on experimental approaches in river restoration across a range of scales. Ideally, the appointee will have experience in river habitat assessment and field data collection, and in compiling relevant environmental data for analysis and reporting

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The main responsibilities will include:

• Supporting day to day delivery of the Riverwood project under the guidance of the Research Officer and with input from the main project partners

General

• Work closely with the Research Officer to ensure agreed deadlines are reached.

• Work independently in the field and with the support of other IFI staff when required.

Field and Data Collection Responsibilities

• Collect hydromorphological and ecological data using standard field techniques in rivers

• Install and manage data loggers/sensors or using sensor technologies across restoration projects

• Compile inventory of large wood structures in target river segments

• Track large wood behaviour in target rivers

• Complete relevant hydromorphology indices/metrics to document river condition and identify pressure exerted on watercourses (e.g. Morph, RHAT, Fluvial habitat survey)

• Organise logistics ahead of fieldwork sampling

Data Processing

• 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.

Data analysis

• Undertake data analysis of relevant datasets as necessary, including using relevant statistical/modelling techniques.

• Generate visual outputs (graphs, maps) as required for project report format

• Use of GIS software for data processing, quality assurance, analysis and visualisation

Reporting

• Contribute to reports and scientific publications where necessary to agreed deadlines.

• Support dissemination of the results of the project through contributing to presentations and other interactions with stakeholders

Other Responsibilities

• Provide any technical support necessary for the project/programme. For example, the use of UAVs required – training will be provided as necessary. 

• Liaise with stakeholders and attend / contribute to information meetings as required.

• Carry out other duties as may be assigned to the post

• Demonstrable capacity to communicate positively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Note: The above attempts to outline in a broad sense the range of duties associated with the HEO post. However other duties may arise as the requirements of the project and our stakeholders change over time.

Requirements

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have the following:

Essential

• A relevant Diploma or Degree or equivalent( NFQ Level 7 ) in ecology, physical geography or hydrology

• Full driving licence valid in the state

• Demonstrable experience with working in water, working outdoors in all weathers

• Demonstrable experience in using GIS

• Demonstrable experience in scientific report writing

• Good experience in IT (e.g. MS Office) is required in order to support and produce documents, reports and presentations, etc.

• Ability to work well as part of a team and strong communications skills

• Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

• Good presentation skills

Desirable

• A relevant Honours Degree or equivalent (NFQ Level 8)

• Experience in physical surveying techniques/technology (e.g. sediment surveying, velocity profiling, sensors)

• Experience in using remote data collection technology

• Experience of electrofishing

• Experience in statistics and/or habitat modelling

LOCATION

The position will require flexibility regarding working hours. The position is based in IFI’s head office in Citywest, Dublin. However, there will be travelling for fieldwork and some residing in locations across Ireland, or possibly overseas for conference or workshops. Transport will be provided for field duties and full Civil Service subsistence rates will be paid while working in the field.

Field work will involve physical exertion, including walking over rough terrain, lifting equipment, wading in streams/rivers. This work will be conducted in all weather conditions.

REMUNERATION

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

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 Research Technician Salary Scale 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 role is being offered on a specified purpose contract basis, the duration of this contract will be till June 2029

APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS

A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted via this website by 5.00 pm on Thursday 13th of November 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.

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