IntroductionWe are currently recruiting a Project Officer to work as part of the project team. The position will be based in the South Connemara local area. Project officers play a key role in delivering this new results-based agri-environmental scheme where farmers will be rewarded and incentivised to provide positive environmental outcomes throughout the high nature value landscapes of West Connacht (see map below).BackgroundACRES - West Connacht Co-operation ProjectsACRES is the new national agri-environment climate measure (AECM) with over 45,000 participating farmers throughout Ireland. Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through a mix of results based and prescriptive actions, ACRES aims to achieve improved biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes. Through a hybrid payment model farmers will be rewarded and incentivised to maintain and enhance the environmental condition of their farms.There are two approaches under the scheme:an ACRES General approach offering a range of measures for individual farmers (bothtargeted and general); andan ACRES Co-operation approach, available to farmers in eight high-priority geographical areas, who opt to undertake measures, as well as bespoke farm, and landscape actions.Farmers participating in the Co-operation approach will have the assistance of a Local Co-operation Project (CP) Team, who will assist with the implementation of the scheme at the local level. Wetland Surveys Ireland have been appointed to fulfil the roll of the local CP team in two of the eight CP zones (Northwest Connacht and South Mayo Connemara), collectively referred to as the West Connacht Cooperation Projects.Job DescriptionThe Project Officer's primary role is to support farmers and farm advisors throughout the delivery of the scheme. They will actively engage with farmers to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the opportunities available to them through the scheme and to encourage their active participation with a view to achieving better environmental outcomes that are most relevant and beneficial to thelocal area. The job is an opportunity for somebody motivated to promote farming practices that maintain and enhance the environmental quality of the West Connacht farming landscape.LocationProject Officers will be assigned to different local areas within the West Connacht region as illustrated in our local area map: The current vacancy relates to Conamara Theas. The role will involve a mix of field and office-based work. We foresee the successful candidates primarily working from our Westport Office.Duties and responsibilitiesMain point of contact between farmers and the project team.Continual liaison with the farming community in respective local area.Provide agri-environmental advice and support to participant farmers.Liaise with and provide support to farm advisors.Coordinate and deliver training events to farmers and farm advisors.Organise and partake in community outreach events (e.g. school visits community groups etc.)Undertake habitat scoring of farmland habitats (including private lands and commonages).Undertake farm visits to monitor farm implementation and success of actions.Preparation of reports, training materials, and presentations as required.Screening farm actions proposed by farm advisors (includes non-productive investments and landscape actions).Liaise with local and regional stakeholders and interested parties on the project.Work closely with the wider project team.Any other duties as assigned by the Project Manager.The Ideal CandidateThis role would be ideally suited to someone who wishes to develop a career in the growing agri-environmental sector. The ideal candidate should enjoy working outdoors, have excellent communication and organisational skills, and a keen interest in the environment.Qualifications and Experience - Minimum RequirementsA degree in agriculture, ecology, environmental or related discipline.A full clean driver's licence.Applicants should have a minimum of two years relevant work experience in the agriculture / ecology / agri-environmental sectors (those with