Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a vacancy for aCatchment Officer – Nature Based Solutions to join the FLOW project team in the Research and Development (R&D) division. The FLOW Project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).This role will involve implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) at locations in Lough Melvin sub-catchments with an aim to improve instream habitat. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in catchment management and nature-based solutions, with a focus on improving water quality. They will be skilled in identifying and prioritising instream and riparian interventions, working closely with landowners to co-design and deliver effective solutions. With excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, they will build trusted relationships with stakeholders and partners. The candidate will also support project delivery through tender oversight, environmental impact assessments, and clear reporting across all project activities.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 & VALUESVisionTo place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.MissionTo protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.ValuesWe work collaboratively with professionalismWe are open, transparent and accountableWe act with respect and integrityWe are committed to stewardship and sustainabilityKEY RESPONSIBILITIESThe appointee will operate within the Lough Melvin catchment to progress the FLOW project’s Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) objectives. They will play a central role in identifying and prioritising instream, riparian, and other NbS interventions aimed at enhancing water quality across Lough Melvin’s sub-catchments. Working closely with landowners, the appointee will lead the development of agreed NbS work programmes, from initial design through to on-the-ground delivery. They will collaborate with project partners to ensure the successful implementation of all related tasks, including managing tender processes, and coordinating appropriate assessment screenings and associated reports.The main responsibilities will include:Day to day delivery of the FLOW project (NbS element) under the guidance of the Senior Research Officer/Research Officer.Implementation & Supervision of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)Supervise the delivery of NbS works, ensuring projects are completed to agreed specifications, timelines, and environmental standards.Assist in implementing a monitoring programme to evaluate the success of instream and riparian measures, including both pre- and post-works assessments.Liaise and coordinate with contract staff to ensure effective delivery of project works.Supervise seasonal staff during project activities.Project Management & ComplianceOrganise and secure all required legal permissions for proposed works, including state and local authority consents e.g., AAS, Natura 2000 site permissions, and any other statutory approvals.Prepare tender specifications for Appropriate Assessment (AA) screenings, specialist surveys, and procurement of field equipment.Identify suitable monitoring strategies to assess water body status in line with Water Framework Directive (WFD) quality elements, focusing on fish, hydromorphology and water quality.Fieldwork & Monitoring SupportConduct River Hydromorphology Assessment Technique (RHAT) surveys to assess habitat condition and restoration opportunities.Undertake citizen science surveys, specifically using the FLESKI (Fisher’s Local Ecological Knowledge Surveillance Indicator) approach, to harness local ecological knowledge for monitoring fisheries, tracking changes over time, and informing conservation actionsUtilise GIS and remote sensing methods to evaluate site conditions and characterise specific river reaches.Support water quality sampling activities in coordination with project partners, following agreed protocols.Participate in electrofishing surveys to monitor fish populations and assess restoration outcomes.Provide occasional assistance to the Telemetry Research Officer and other team members on fieldwork such as fish tagging, receiver deployment, and environmental data collection.Stakeholder & Community EngagementBuild strong relationships with angling communities, farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders, providing advice and information to help improve and maintain water quality in local streams.Organise and facilitate regular stakeholder meetings (as required) to share updates, gather feedback, and agree on project priorities.Data ProcessingData 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 analysisUndertake data analysis of all relevant datasets, including using relevant statistical/modelling techniques.Liaise with R&D analytical staff to develop statistical and quantitative analysis that will inform results from the FLOW project.Reporting & CommunicationPrepare stakeholder reports, management briefs, and technical updates.Contribute to project communications, including website updates, newsletters, and media outputs, to ensure timely and transparent dissemination of progress.Additional DutiesUndertake any other tasks as required to support the successful delivery of project objectivesKEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONSThe ideal candidate will have the following:EssentialA relevant Diploma or Degree (NFQ Level 7) in environmental science, agricultural science, engineering, natural sciences, or a related scientific discipline.Full driving licence valid in the State.Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a proven ability to motivate others and achieve objectives.Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to identify errors and critically assess information.Proven experience in scientific and technical report writing.Strong understanding of catchment science and the ability to apply process-based principles in river restoration.Practical experience in field survey and data collection within aquatic and riparian habitats.High level of proficiency in IT (MS Office suite.)Demonstrable experience using relevant geospatial (GIS) and statistical software (e.g., R packages).Experience in planning, executing, and reporting on original research studies.DesirablePostgraduate qualification in a relevant field.Demonstrable experience in the design and implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) or similar environmental restoration and enhancement measures.Demonstrable experience in stakeholder engagement particularly with angling communities, farming groups, landowners, and other local stakeholders.Experience using remote technologies (e.g., drones, current meters, sensors/loggers).Experience in land surveying techniques and associated technology – processing satellite imagery on GIProject management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.Experience presenting at conferences, workshops, and other professional forums.LOCATIONThe position is based in IFI Ballyshannon Office. However, there may be considerable travelling and residing in locations across Ireland, whilst conducting field work in all weather conditions. Travelling on a daily or weekly basis will be a requirement. Transport will be provided for field duties. IFI offer a hybrid working policy, more details of which will be shared with prospective candidates at the interview.Some evening and weekend work will be requiredREMUNERATIONThe salary scale for the position is at the level of Research Officer applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 14-point scale:Point 1 €47,483.07; Point 2 €49,607.72; Point 3 €52,690.22; Point 4 €55,349.17; Point 5 €57,575.81; Point 6 €59,751.09; Point 7 €64,710.66; Point 8 €67,060.46; Point 9 €69,536.49; Point 10 €72,007.53; Point 11 €74,466.07; Point 12 €76,957.10; Point 13(LSI 1) €78,785.70; Point 14(LSI 2) €81,372.97 (IFI Research Officer Grade Pay 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.TENUREThis role is being offered on a specified purpose contract basis, the duration of this contract will be till end December 2028APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESSA cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted via this website by 5.00 pm on Monday 15th of September 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.Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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