Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a vacancy for an Inspector - Galway Fishery
The main function of this role is to maintain day to day supervision, motivation, planning and organising of employees, while ensuring that the provisions of the Fisheries Acts, Water Pollution Acts, Water Framework Directive & other relevant statutory provisions, are implemented and enforced.
In addition, this role will be responsible for the management of the Galway Fishery including but not limited to; the booking system and financial management and reconciliation of payments relating to the Galway Fishery, management of the property, smolt trap, and eel index station.
The role will be responsible for key initiatives/directives as assigned by the RBD Director e.g. managing property and property related projects, funding applications, implementing key new European/National initiatives and directives e.g. Article 55, changes to legislation which will impact local operations, and/or any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the River Basin District Director, nominee or Head of Operations.
ABOUT US
Inland 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 & VALUES
Vision
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 role of Inspector has 4 main areas of responsibility;
* Fisheries Protection
* Fisheries Development
* Staff Line Management
* Reporting Responsibilities
The following attempts to outline in a broad sense the key areas of responsibility associated with an Inspector post. However other responsibilities may arise as the requirements of our environment and stakeholders change over time.
Please note that Inspectors work a 39-hour week and this will include weekends, evenings, early morning and late nights.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fisheries Protection
* Coordinate fisheries protection patrols - area patrols to include lakes, rivers, sea and estuaries patrols.
* Inspect commercial salmon & sea trout licence holders to ensure legislative compliance.
* Inspect recreational anglers for licence and/or permit and inspect other anglers for compliance with fisheries regulations and bye-laws.
* Prepare prosecution case files in accordance with the prescribed IFI prosecution procedure. Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence and provide reports for legal advisers & relevant officers.
* Participate with the Air Corps, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), and Naval Service in fisheries patrols at sea on their protection vessels.
* Detect and report pollution, take samples & gather information on water pollution and environmental damage.
Fisheries Development
* Assist in the improvement and development of fisheries.
* Day-to-day management of the Galway Fishery.
* Ensure the maintenance of the riverbank at the Galway Fishery.
* Monitor fish catches/movements and take samples.
* Participate in periodic surveys.
* Engage in restocking, improvement work, construction of facilities, predator control etc.
* Prepare, use and maintain all property and equipment such as boats, nets, electrical fishing, lifejackets etc.
* Liaise & develop good relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as An Garda Síochána, Angling Clubs, Fishermen, Community Development Groups, and other statutory agencies etc.
* Provide support for Invasive Species initiatives, as may be requested by the line manager.
Project Management:
* Design, development and implementation of varied projects, including but not limited to, implementation of Article 55/New Legislation in district, fisheries development projects that seek to restore habitats, benefit fish populations or their habitats, and/or provide broader environmental benefits
* Development and submission of Funding Applications, including sourcing grants and EU monies for projects
* Plan, co-ordinate and manage delivery of projects in a regulatory or environmental field
* Engage and foster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as government, community groups and environmental bodies
* Draft project documentation, track milestones, produce project status reports
* Procurement of goods and services required in support of project delivery and in-line with legislation, IFI policy and, where these may apply, any specific funding or grant related rules
* Manage, track and report on finances
Property Management
* Oversee the day-to-day management and maintenance of IFI-owned and operated properties within the Galway Fishery remit.
* Ensure that all property-related activities are compliant with relevant regulations, health & safety standards, and IFI's operational procedures.
* Manage assets such as the smolt trap, eel index station, and other infrastructure, ensuring they are maintained and functioning effectively.
* Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and internal teams for repairs, upgrades, and scheduled maintenance.
* Maintain accurate property and equipment records, including condition assessments, service logs, and inventory.
* Support capital project planning related to infrastructure or site development in line with operational and environmental needs.
* Act as the local point of contact for property-related queries, inspections, or issues from both internal departments and external stakeholders.
Staff Line Management
* Provide personal growth development opportunities for employees under your remit.
* Lead by communicating job expectations.
* Monitor & appraise job results of employees within area of remit through a variety of methods such as but not limited to; coaching, counselling, and making use of the disciplinary procedure where appropriate.
* Maintain a safe and secure work environment
* Enable team by supplying all necessary equipment.
* Ensure that safety equipment is maintained, and service records are kept up to date.
* Ensure that risk assessments are completed and action taken as appropriate.
* Draft and prepare staff rostering via TMS system and telematics systems for fleet management.
* Train and induct new employees.
* Maintain absence records and manage absenteeism in-line with absence managements procedure.
* Support special projects by organizing and coordinating information and requirements, such as planning, meeting scheduling and monitoring results.
* Achieve financial objectives by anticipating requirements; submitting information for budget preparation; scheduling expenditures; monitoring costs; analysing variances.
* Adhere to all procurement processes and ensure compliance
Reporting Responsibilities
* Submit internal reports and Service Level Agreement (SLA) metrics, as requested by the line manager.
* Provide input in the development of Strategic Policies, Business Plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), as may be requested by the line manager.
* Complete weekly diary sheets and maintain & submit such other detailed records and statistics as may be required.
* Submit reports as appropriate, on hours worked, duties performed, areas worked/patrolled, prosecutions & seizures etc.
* The allocation of applications for angling permits; the reconciliation of income.
* Dealing with correspondence.
* Entry of licence and logbook returns.
* Utilise the appropriate technology as required. Examples include GPS, GIS digital cameras.
* Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending training, as and when necessary.
* Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
* Engage in marketing and promotion initiatives as and when directed.
* Ensure that financial, reporting and administrative deadlines are met, including for projects which may have external funding reporting and administrative deadlines
* Additional ad hoc duties as may be requested by the line manager.
KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be the following;
Essential
* A recognised qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalence, which can be demonstrated by having a minimum of 5 years' experience in a relevant field-based role, preferably in fisheries.
* A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland.
* Demonstrable 4 years' supervisory experience, preferably in fisheries or in a similar environment.
* Proven experience in motivating and forming effective working relationships with team members and others.
* Experience in managing a budget and assets, as well as identifying improvements and where cost and time savings can be made.
* Experience in managing labour and overheads targets and improve where necessary.
* Experience in managing development projects.
* Proven experience in project planning, coordination, and delivery in a regulatory, environmental or equivalent fiel
* Experience drafting project documentation, tracking milestones, and producing project status reports for internal and external stakeholders.
* Proven experience in report writing, record keeping, project reporting and financial reconciliation.
* A keen sense of self-development and a desire to keep up to date with innovation and technological developments.
* Demonstrable experience in researching, preparing, and submitting funding proposals
* Proven ability to identify funding opportunities, develop budgets, and collaborate cross-functionally to support application processes.
* Experience with property and/or equipment maintenance
* Reside close to base (for call-out purposes, successful candidates must reside within at least 60 mins drive of their assigned base location).
* Proficient in the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook.
Desirable
* A recognised qualification in Management or an equivalent discipline.
* A recognised qualification in Project Management.
* Presentation skills.
* Powerboat Level 2.
* Commercial endorsement.
* Knowledge of fisheries legislation.
* Knowledge of other relevant environmental legislation.
* Experience with managing property upgrades, suppliers and contractors
* Familiarity with EU funding programmes relevant to environmental or fisheries sectors (e.g., LIFE, INTERREG, EMFAF).
* Strong track record of managing multi-stakeholder initiatives and liaising with government, community groups, and environmental bodies.
* Experience in managing projects, financial reconciliation and reporting in line with external funding body requirements.
KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
The ideal candidate will have the following;
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage diverse teams.
* Flexibility and ability to work on own initiative.
* Good timekeeping.
* Excellent attention to detail with the ability to spot errors and question information received.
* Commitment and self-motivation.
* Acts with integrity & professionalism at all times in line with IFI values.
* Honest, trustworthy and respectful.
* Can meet the travel requirements of the post. Prepared to work outside of normal hours as necessary.
REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Inspector as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 15-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI's):
Point 1 €40,747.38; Point 2 €42,149.65; Point 3 €43,885.82; Point 4 €45,601.36; Point 5 €47,328.36; Point 6 €49,058.80; Point 7 €50,773.19; Point 8 €52,514.32; Point 9 €54,294.13; Point 10 €56,126.68; Point 11 €57,981.72; Point 12 €59,844.83; Point 13 €61,732.17; LSI 1 €63,518.26; LSI 2 €66,820.48 (IFI Inspector Grade PayScale as of 01/08/2025).
An unsocial hour's allowance (UHA) of up to €8,149.55 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.
TENURE
This post is offered on a permanent contract basis.
GARDA VETTING
Please 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.
APPLICATIONS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm on Tuesday 4th November 2025.
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.