Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a vacancy for a Research Officer – Acoustic Telemetry to join the PeacePlus 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).
The ideal candidate will have expertise in acoustic telemetry and freshwater fisheries ecology, with strong field skills in deploying receivers, capturing and tagging fish, and managing aquatic monitoring programmes. They will play a key role in identifying critical habitats for Lough Melvin's unique trout populations and translating telemetry data into practical conservation actions. With experience in project management, procurement, and stakeholder engagement, they will liaise effectively across agencies, landowners, and angling groups in a cross-border context. A solid understanding of habitat assessment, Water Framework Directive monitoring, and reporting is essential to support evidence-based fish habitat management
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 appointee will operate in the cross-border Lough Melvin catchment to advance the FLOW project Acoustic Telemetry (AT) activity aims. This will involve the deployment of acoustic telemetry receivers throughout Lough Melvin and its inflowing tributaries and tag adult and juvenile trout to monitor their movements and habitat usage at different life stages. The project will be particularly interested in lake-to-tributary spawning migrations and the extent to which different tributary zones are used during this critical life cycle stage. Habitat occupancy data for adults will be complemented by in-tributary juvenile occupancy data to identify important nursery habitat in spawning tributaries. These spatial distribution data will be used to identify important fish habitat and a demonstration prioritisation exercise will be carried out to show how telemetry data can be utilised in fish habitat management.
The appointee will engage with local angling clubs to assist with the collection of adult lake trout samples for tagging purposes. The appointee will also work with the other project partners to achieve successful implementation of the range of tasks within the project, including overseeing procurement, facilitating appropriate assessment screenings and reports and assist with other monitoring elements.
The main responsibilities will include:
* Day to day delivery of the FLOW project (AT element) under the guidance of the Senior Research Officer/Research Officer.
Project Management & Coordination
* Oversee day-to-day project operations, including budgeting, planning, and administration.
* Manage procurement processes and tender preparation for Appropriate Assessment (AA) screenings, field equipment, and other project needs.
* Organise and secure all necessary legal permissions (e.g., state and local authority approvals, Natura 2000 site consents).
* Supervise seasonal and contract staff to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of project outputs.
* Undertake any other ad hoc duties as required.
Acoustic Telemetry Operations
* Design an acoustic receiver array targeting lake and tributary areas known to be used during trout spawning migrations and juvenile growth.
* Deploy, recover, and maintain acoustic receivers in collaboration with regional IFI staff and FLOW project partners.
* Coordinate and conduct acoustic tagging programmes for adult trout (and juvenile trout where feasible).
* Establish a regular receiver data download schedule to ensure data quality assurance and receiver performance evaluation.
* Analyse telemetry data and produce seasonal spatial distribution maps showing habitat usage for each trout population across the Lough Melvin catchment.
Fisheries & Habitat Assessment
* Identify seasonal "hotspots" in tributary rivers and lake areas, particularly during spawning periods.
* Compare identified hotspots with riparian habitat and hydromorphological assessments to pinpoint habitat deficits suitable for Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).
* Support additional fieldwork, including electric fishing, to inform habitat and population assessments.
Data Processing
* Data mining, data processing, collation and aggregation of all datasets (e.g., tracking plus environmental data) 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 (R studio, GIS).
* Liaise with R&D analytical staff to develop statistical and quantitative analysis that will inform results from the FLOW project.
Communication, Liaison & Reporting
* Engage and liaise with relevant agencies in both jurisdictions, as well as local stakeholders such as angling clubs, in a cross-border capacity.
* Disseminate project results through reports, management briefs, website updates, newsletters, and other channels.
* Promote awareness of the conservation needs of Lough Melvin's unique trout populations.
* Prepare 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.
KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have the following:
Essential
* A relevant Diploma or Degree or equivalent (NFQ Level 7) in Ecology, Zoology or Environmental Sciences
* Full driving licence valid in the stat
* Excellent inter-personal and team working skills, with particular emphasis on motivation and a proven track record of achieving objectives
* Excellent attention to detail with the ability to spot errors and question information received
* Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
* Proven experience in scientific and technical report writing.
* Strong understanding of Acoustic Telemetry and the ability to process large datasets.
* 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 studio).
* Experience in planning, executing and reporting on original research studies.
Desirable
* Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area.
* Demonstrable experience in the design and implementation of Acoustic Telemetry Projects.
* Published at least two scientific papers as first author in a relevant scientific field.
* Demonstrable experience of stakeholder engagement
* Experience working safely from boats in inland waters, including boat handling, equipment deployment/recovery, and adherence to relevant safety procedures and regulations.
* Full EB driving licence
* Experience in using remote technology (e.g. drones, current meters, sensors/ loggers etc)
* Experience using software tools associated with acoustic telemetry, and processing large telemetry datasets in RStudio (e.g., ATT, VTrack, GLATOS).
* 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 Ballyshannon Office. IFI offer a hybrid working policy, more details of which will be shared with prospective candidates at the interview.
REMUNERATION
The 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
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 role is being offered on a specified purpose contract basis, the duration of this contract will be till end December 2028
APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS
A 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.