Senior Research Officer

Inland Fisheries Ireland has a vacancy for an Senior Research Officer to join the Research and Development division.

A member of the senior research team, this role will have input into the overall management, development and performance of the Research and Development Division, particularly in the areas of policy development, applied research, corporate governance and modernisation.

The successful candidate will provide high level specialist expertise and conduct research in the area of fisheries research with a specific focus on fisheries related environmental issues (including but not limited to Water Framework Directive, water quality, pollution and climate change and associated pressures).

In addition, the candidate will contribute to the modernisation of the data management infrastructure, dissemination processes and GIS projects.

They will;

• Conduct research that will contribute to the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies, strategies and initiatives with a specific focus on fish monitoring and climate change

• Deliver against business plans for both core and externally funded programmes including but not limited to the National Water Framework Directive Fish Monitoring Programme, Climate Change Mitigation Research Programme, Office of Public Works funded Climate resilience Project, EPA funded Restore Project, National Coarse fish and Pike Research Programme, Lakes and Rivers monitoring programme.

• Seek and administer EU and other funding as appropriate and ensure all funded projects are managed in line with best project and financial practice;

• Work with the Head of Research Policy and Risk to position the fisheries environment area to the forefront of the research sector, nationally and internationally, and create project opportunities and collaborations;

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

Strategic

• Have a vision for the development of environmental and climate research in Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Research and Development Division and deliver accordingly.

• Ensure delivery of strategic and business plans and provide regular updates on progress to the Head of Research Polic and Risk.

• Input into the Divisional business planning and budgeting process and the Boards strategic planning process.

Leadership

• Lead, direct and manage the development of research related to fisheries environmental issues with special emphasis on Water Framework Directive (including long-term monitoring) and Climate Change.

• Provide effective leadership, direction, mentoring and management to the fisheries environmental research (including climate change) and monitoring team.

• Provide advice to the Head of Research, Policy and Risk on the viability of project proposals.

Relationships & Communication

• Liaise with IFI management and other relevant organisations including; Government Departments, Agencies, Local Authorities, research institutes, Universities, private industry and international organizations, to further the fisheries research and environmental agenda of IFI.

• Provide representation for IFI on official bodies and at meetings, as required.

• Liaise with funding agencies (national and international) to secure additional funds for projects.

• Participate on relevant national and international fora, including expert working groups as required

• Manage the preparation and publication of peer reviewed papers, scientific reports and popular articles on fisheries environmental issues and related matters

Service

• Ensure the output of research is of the highest standard and oversee the application of quality assurance procedures

Technological

• Keep abreast of technological and research developments

• Have a good working knowledge and understanding of fish and aquatic research processes and procedures

Legal

• Have a good understanding and, ideally, working knowledge of relevant legislation including but not limited to the Fisheries acts, water pollution statutes and relevant EU Directives (e.g. Water Framework Directive)

Management

• Work with the Head of Research, Policy and Risk to implement project, staff management and standard operating protocols in operation in the Division

• Report on all project budgets on a monthly basis and report any variances

Other

• Carry out such duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Research, Policy and Risk, or nominee

Requirements

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate will have the following;

Essential

• A relevant Honours degree NQA Level 8 in a fisheries related area, with appropriate post-graduate experience (or equivalent experience)

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

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in fisheries research and development

• A proven track record in applied statistics and modelling

• A developing publication record consistent with level of experience

• A minimum of five years project management experience

• Considerable experience using statistical packages (e.g., R, MATLAB)

• Demonstrated ability to use GIS software

Desirable

• A postgraduate degree (MSc or PhD) is desirable

• Demonstrable experience and good knowledge of at least one of the following: Water Framework Directive, Implications of climate change on inland fisheries, Use of remote environmental monitoring equipment and data collection technology.

• Published scientific papers in a relevant area (fisheries and environment including climate change)

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will have the following;

Essential

• Strong leadership and management skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with particular emphasis on motivation and leadership

• Meticulous attention to detail

• High level of theoretical and analytical skills

• Excellent verbal and communication and presentation skills

• Strong IT skills

REMUNERATION

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Senior Research Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 10-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):

Point 1 €75,575.97; Point 2 €78,943.18; Point 3 €82,367.89; Point 4 €84,414.28; Point 5 €87,816.52; Point 6 €91,227.10; Point 7 €94,625.19; Point 8 €98,542.88; Point 9 (LSI 1) €102,142.59; Point 10 (LSI 2) €105,746.49(IFI SRO 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.

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