Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a vacancy for aFluvial scientist to join our team in the Research and Development (R&D) division.
The Fluvial Scientist will be a member of the EPA funded RiverWood Project. The overall aim of the project is to evaluate the functional relationships between riparian zones and large wood in riversand quantify its role in the provision of complex habitat and other services. A key objective is to assess the efficacy (ecological response, cost, sustainability) of large wood augmentation as a protect and restore tool for key species, habitats and their ecosystem services, as required by the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive.
This role involves working collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team focusing on process-based river restoration.The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting field assessments, undertaking analyses and reporting on experimental approaches in river restorationacross a range of scales. The position requires experience in fluvial geomorphology/hydromorphology and river habitat assessment, along with the ability to manage field data collection and document project development. The successful candidate will have demonstrated an excellence in planning, execution and reporting on applied scientific studies. The appointee will collaborate and/or lead on detailed scientific reports and papers as part of the project.
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
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The main responsibilities will include:
* Day to day delivery of the Riverwood project under the guidance of the Senior Research Officer/Research Officer and with input from the main project partners University College Dublin
Management
* Manage, mentor, train and motivate staff, encouraging high performance and contributing to a culture of continual improvement
* Account management and monitoring to ensure programme is completed within the allocated budget, including reporting on a monthly basis
* Maintain and track project schedules, deliver design deliverables on time and within budget, and effectively communicate and collaborate with the project team.
* Tendering and procurement of equipment
* Compile standard operating procedures (SOPs) for any new work activities
* Provide construction oversight, utilising effective communication and decision-making with local partners and contractors during project construction to ensure successful project implementation
* Liaise with the main project collaborators or agencies involved in the RiverWood project river
Research
This work will inform management practices in river ecosystems aimed at making them more resilient to pressures such as hydromorphological alterations and climate change and help meet biodiversity objectives required by the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive (WFD). The Fluvial Scientist will collaborate on innovative research to document the physical habitat and ecological changes that have occurred in response to restoration measures implemented in the target rivers. The role will provide an opportunity to undertake a variety of assessments related to restoration work, conduct research to address knowledge gaps in river restoration practice and management related to riparian zone function, large wood behaviour in rivers and ecological response of key indicator groups such as fish and macroinvertebrates.
Field and Data Collection Responsibilities
* Collect hydromorphological and ecological data using standard field techniques in rivers
* Utilise GIS and remote sensing methods to evaluate site conditions and characterise geomorphic processes
* Install and manage data loggers/sensors or using sensor technologies across restoration projects
* Compile inventory of LW structures in target river segments
* Complete relevant hydromorphology indices/metrics to document river condition and identify pressure exerted on watercourses (e.g. River Morph, RHAT, Fluvial habitat survey)
* Implementation of monitoring programme to assess level of success of various instream and riparian measures, to include pre- and post- works assessments
* Develop/refine appropriate sampling methods in line with best practice
Data Processing
* Data 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 analysis
* Undertake 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 RiverWood project
Reporting
* Collate and write reports and scientific publications where necessary to agreed deadlines.
* Provision of weekly and monthly updates to the programme manager.
Other Responsibilities
* Carry out other responsibilities as may be assigned to the post from time to time by the Senior Research Officer/Research Officer.
* Ensure that all elements of the programme are achieved in a timely and efficient manner.
* Demonstrable capacity to communicate positively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Note: The above attempts to outline in a broad sense the range of duties associated with the HEO post. However other duties may arise as the requirements of the project and our stakeholders change over time.
KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have the following:
Essential
* A relevant Diploma or Degree or equivalent( NFQ Level 7 ) in ecology, physical geography or hydrology
* Full driving licence valid in the state
* Excellent inter-personal and team working skills, with particular emphasis on motivation and a proven track record of achieving objectives
* Self -directed and able to work independently
* Excellent attention to detail with the ability to spot errors and question information received
* Demonstrable experience in report and scientific writing
* Demonstrable knowledge of fluvial geomorphology/hydromorphology and stream ecology, including the ability to apply process-based principles in river restoration
* Demonstrable experience of field survey and data collection in aquatic/riparian habitats
* A strong expertise in IT skills is required (MS Office skills).
* Demonstrable experience in the use of relevant geospatial (GIS)and statistical software (e.g. R package).
* Experience in planning, executing and reporting on original research studies.
Desirable
* Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area e.g. Fluvial geomorphology or Landscape ecology
* Demonstrable experience of physical habitat modelling
* Full EB driving licence
* Published at least two scientific papers as first author in a relevant scientific field
* Experience in using remote technology (e.g. drones, current meters, sensors/ loggers etc)
* Experience in land surveying techniques and use of relevant technology
* Project management experience (including budgeting, scheduling, risk management, etc.)
* Experience of presenting and speaking at conferences, workshops and other forums
LOCATION
The position is based in IFI’s head office in Citywest, Dublin. However, there will be travelling for fieldwork and occasional residing in locations across Ireland, or possibly overseas for conference or workshops. Transport will be provided for field duties and full Civil Service subsistence rates will be paid while working in the field.
Field work will involve physical exertion, including walking over rough terrain, lifting equipment, wading in streams/rivers. This work will be conducted in all weather conditions. The position will require flexibility regarding working hours.
REMUNERATION
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Higher Executive Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 9-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):
Point 1 €57,179.74; Point 2 €58,872.39; Point 3 €60,572.74; Point 4 €62,266.90; Point 5 €63,969.72; Point 6 €65,671.31; Point 7 €67,370.42; Point 8 (LSI 1) €69,826.89; Point 9 (LSI 2) €72,277.17 (IFI HEO Grade PayScale as of 01/03/2025)
TENURE
This role is being offered on a specified purpose contract basis, the duration of this contract will be till June 2029
APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted via this website by 5.00 pm on Monday 25th of August 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr