Overview Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has exciting opportunities available for a Fisheries Officer to join our team in Dundalk, 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 and other relevant statutory provisions, to include the provision of comprehensive conservation, protection, improvement and development services, inland and at sea.
The role of a Fisheries Officer has two main areas of responsibility: Fisheries Protection 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 tasks.
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 USInland 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 & VALUESVision 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 outlines the key areas of responsibility associated with a Fisheries Officer post.
Other responsibilities may arise as requirements change over time.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESFisheries Protection Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to 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 if appropriate Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence and provide reports for legal advisers, in line with the prescribed IFI prosecution procedure Assist with general enquiries from the public Operate and maintain boats Provide shore cover and/or act as a crew member for local IFI protection staff on RIB patrols in the area Maintain and upkeep vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment Support team members in stake-outs at night / early morning Fisheries Conservation & Development Contribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure)Conduct research survey work Monitor scientific data Conduct electro-fishing and netting Catch, measure, examine and release fish (assessing their health)Communicate with and develop good relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as An Garda Síochána, Angling Clubs, Fishermen, Community Development Groups, and other statutory agencies Provide assistance for angling festivals and competitions Write reports and keep records updated as required Keep up to date with legislation and relevant scientific and technical developments Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Inspector or nominee KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONSThe ideal candidate will have the following: Essential Leaving Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) or recognised equivalent A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland 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 (within at least 60 minutes drive of 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 SKILLS & ATTRIBUTESThe 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 demonstrable self-motivation GARDAVETTINGPlease 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.
REMUNERATIONThe 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 (LSIs).
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 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.
TENUREThese posts are offered on a permanent contract basis.
APPLICATIONSA cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm Thursday 19th of February 2026.
Late applications will not be processed.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr