About Us
H2O Heroes ) is an award-winning environmental STEM based environmental education initiative led by the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) at Dundalk Institute of Technology. The programme engages primary school children, teachers, families, youth volunteers and communities across the North-East regions in hands-on learning about water quality, biodiversity and climate action. Using the message "We all live in a catchment", H2O Heroes connects classroom learning with outdoor investigation and citizen science through curriculum-aligned workshops, summer camps and Family STEM Nights.
The project is funded by the Research Ireland Discover Programme and will significantly scale delivery over the next two years, expanding engagement with schools, rural communities, youth volunteers and regional partners including LAWPRO, local authorities, libraries and Gaisce.
Job Description
This project seeks to recruit a Project Coordinator at point 1 of the Administrative Officer Grade VI pay scale who will be a central member of the delivery team, working directly with children, young people, teachers, families, volunteers and community partners. The post holder will play a hands-on role in delivering workshops, camps, teacher sessions and community engagement events, as well as supporting the operational running of the expanded programme. This position will commence in March 2026 for period of 21 months with the possibility of extension to 24 months. The post is particularly well adapted to candidates with experience working in Education and public engagement, working with young people and an interest in Environmental and STEM education. The recruited candidate will be required to undergo Garda vetting prior to commencement of the role.
Main Duties
The successful candidate will be part of the DkIT H2O Heroes team and will lead the delivery and coordination of the H2O Heroes Programme. The post holder will be expected to be enthusiastic, self-motivated and actively engaged in responding to the requirements of this innovative and challenging post.
Responsibilities include:
· Managing programme scheduling and staffing.
· Management of consumables, workshop materials and workshop delivery.
· Working closely with staff, students and partners to promote the H2O Heroes programme and its
activities.
· Writing relevant content for the programme webpage and social media.
· Delivery of volunteer, staff and partner training through signposting of material, resources, maintaining
records etc.
· Leading the development, collection and analysis of data, such as surveys, focus groups, interviews.
· Disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate.
· Contributing to the development of the H2O Heroes programme.
Essential Academic Qualifications, Professional Experience and Specific Personal Qualities:
Essential experience:
· Postgraduate Qualification in Environmental Science, Education, STEM or related discipline. PhD in a
relevant discipline desirable.
· Experience delivering or coordinating educational, outreach or public engagement programmes.
· Full, clean driver's license
· Experience of working effectively in youth outreach, education or advocacy.
· Ability to be responsive and adaptive in line with the nature of the role. This includes the ability to
work flexible hours and travel, as required.
· A high level of experience and confidence with ICT facilities (particularly fluency with MS Office).
Core Competencies
· Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
· Excellent planning and organisational skills, including setting priorities to ensure rigid timelines are
met, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
· Ability to develop and deliver engaging in-person and online training.
· Ability to communicate complex issues in a relatable manner to diverse audiences
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to work independently and as a part of larger team.
· Experience of managing a range of multiple and competing priorities.
Character: Employment of the successful candidate shall be subject to satisfactory references.
Salary Scale: Gross salary per annum €67,163- €71,244.
The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.
Term: 21 months with the possibility of extension to 24 months
Probation: There shall be a period after such appointment takes effect during which the appointee shall hold the position on probation. The probation period shall be twelve months. Dundalk Institute of Technology may at their discretion extend such period. The candidate shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Dundalk Institute of Technology has certified that the service of the appointee is satisfactory.
Annual Leave: 27 days per annum.
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week (will include some evenings to facilitate programme delivery)
Base: Dundalk Institute of Technology
Applicants must have an unrestricted legal right to reside and work in Ireland.
Selection Process: Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information provided in the application form. Candidates will initially be assessed to ensure they meet the minimum qualifications set down above. Assessment will be based on information provided by the candidate on the application form. Qualifications of successful candidates may be subject to further checks post interview to confirm they meet the criteria. Candidates will then be assessed on the basis of other information contained in their application form to determine, having regard to the requirements of the position and the number who have applied, if they should be called for interview.
Application forms, job descriptions and further detail may be accessed on the DKIT on-line eRecruitment system, No other form of application will be accepted. Applicants are welcome to include a Cover Letter with their application. See also and
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday 20th February 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
Dundalk Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to the employment policies, procedures and practices, which do not discriminate on grounds such as gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, religious belief, sexual orientation or membership of the travelling community.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Industries
Higher Education