Overview
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an exciting opportunity available for a Fisheries Officer to join our team in Letterkenny.
This role is well suited to those with an interest in protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.
The Fisheries Officer is responsible for frontline implementation and enforcement of the Fisheries Acts, Water Pollution Acts, Water Framework Directive and other relevant statutory provisions, including comprehensive conservation, protection, improvement and development services inland and at sea.
The position has two main areas of responsibility:
Fisheries Protection
and
Fisheries Conservation and Development
.
You will work collaboratively with an experienced team of Fisheries Officers, Assistant Fisheries Inspectors and Fisheries Inspectors on the duties outlined below.
Responsibilities
Patrolling and engaging in surveillance activities to check for illegal fishing
Enforcing applicable bye-laws and regulations
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 community initiatives designed to educate and promote
Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to check for illegal fishing; patrolling commercial salmon fishery
Protecting spring salmon / grilse runs; detecting and preventing illegal netting rivers and sea
Protecting bass and bluefin tuna fisheries
Conducting environmental inspections and assisting the Fisheries Environmental Officer
Detecting and reporting pollution, taking samples and gathering information
Inspecting commercial Salmon & Sea Trout licence holders and recreational anglers for licences/permits and compliance
Checks of angler licences and permits and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate
Apprehending offenders, gathering evidence, attending proceedings, giving evidence and providing reports for legal advisers
Preparation of statements and attendance at court as required
Assisting with general enquiries from the public
Operating and maintaining boats; providing shore cover or acting as crew for RIB patrols
Maintaining and servicing vehicles, RIBs and surveillance equipment
Supporting team members on stake-outs at night or early morning; environmental checks and inspections; reporting water pollution alerts
Providing field support to IFI research surveys and programmes (e.g. WFD surveys, barriers assessments, sea lice surveys, etc.)
Qualifications
Key Experience & Qualifications
Essential
Leaving Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) or recognised equivalent
A full Category B driving licence valid in Ireland
No convictions under Irish Fisheries Legislation
Eligible to work in the State
Fluent English (spoken and written)
Good computer skills including MS Office
Reside close to base (within 60 minutes drive of assigned base location)
Competent in and on the water (sea, lakes and rivers)
Demonstrates a passion/strong interest in promoting, protecting and conserving natural resources
Desirable
Experience in a similar environment
Full Category BE driving licence (tow trailers)
Holder of a valid Safe Pass
Experience with power tools
Carpentry or general labouring knowledge
Powerboat Level 2
Kayaking Level 3
Knowledge of fisheries legislation
Skills & Attributes
Key Skills & Attributes
Ability to form effective working relationships with team members, the public and external stakeholders
Excellent communication skills
Flexible approach to work and hours
Willing to travel and work outside normal hours as necessary
Commitment to the job and self-motivation
Garda Vetting
Successful candidates will need to undergo Garda Vetting and safeguarding training before taking up the role.
By applying, you consent to Inland Fisheries Ireland processing your personal information through the National Vetting Bureau.
Remuneration
The salary scale for the Fisheries Officer position is a 14-point scale with two long service increments.
Points 1–12 list specific values, followed by Long Service Increment 1 and 2.
The IFI FO grade payscale is as of 01.08.2025.
An unsocial hours allowance (UHA) of up to €7,821 per annum (pro-rata) is payable for applicable hours.
Note: Salary is not subject to negotiation and may be adjusted in line with Government pay policy.
New entrants start at Point 1, subject to the Haddington Road Agreement and subsequent Government agreements.
Tenure
This position is offered on a permanent contract basis.
Formation of a Panel
A panel may be created for up to six months to cover vacancies for roles with similar skill sets.
Applications
Submit a cover letter and up-to-date CV by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Late applications will not be processed.
Shortlisting will be based on information provided in the cover letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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