Project Officer ACRES Co-operation Project (Lismore, Waterford)
Closing date for applications is August 17th 2025.
This is a fixed-term contract running until December 31st 2027.
The Hen Harrier Programme Ltd have been contracted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to operate 3 of the ACRES Co operation Projects that are part of Irelands CAP Strategic Plan.
Our company is delivering this initiative across ACRES Breifne, ACRES Leinster and ACRES Munster South Connacht.
Location
We are looking for a Project Officer for a new office in Lismore, Co. Waterford.
This office will work with our participant farmers in the Knockmealdowns, Nagles, Galtee and Comeragh Mountains.
Successful applicants will be required to complete one months training period in another regional office.
Role Overview
Project Officers are the primary farmer facing role within the Co-operation Project.
They have a key role in the delivery of a locally relevant agri-environment programme that addresses the many challenges for our environment.
The Project Officer is there to support farmers in the programme and ensure that the outputs from a farmer s participation in the scheme are optimised.
Key Responsibilities
Assess habitats and participate in the quality control of habitat assessments submitted by farm advisors
Produce farm plans
Participate in the monitoring of key species/habitats and chemical physical parameters as required
Assist in the assessment of risks to biodiversity, archaeological heritage, and water quality
Assess fire, flooding, and nest predation risks at a local level
Assist in the selection and design of landscape actions
Participate in commonage assessments throughout the country
Assist the Remote Sensing officer with drone surveys
Develop engagement with local communities, NGOs and other local stakeholders
Provide support to staff, DAFM, NPWS and other stakeholders as directed
Screen proposed non-productive investments and landscape actions
Deliver training to farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders
Professional Development
Following initial training, Project Officers will undergo a detailed Continuous Professional Development Programme, including opportunities in:
Wildlife Monitoring
Nest Protection
Habitat remediation
Rewetting
Wildfire Resilience
Control of Invasive Species
Methods of Instruction
Mountain Safety
Small Boat Handling
You ll also gain experience with advanced Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence technologies.
Career Progression
Opportunities to progress to Senior Project Officer or Team Lead level may be available for suitable candidates after a period of service.
Requirements
Level 8 degree in Agriculture, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Zoology or similar
Full clean driving licence
Eligible to work in Ireland
2 years of relevant experience
Desirable Qualifications
FAS Approval as a Farm Advisor
Approval as a Pesticide Advisor
Membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
Experience in Bat/Bird Monitoring, Hydrology or Environmental Impact Assessment
GIS especially ArcGIS and QGIS
Compensation & Benefits
Starting salary: €37,000 per year rising to €41,000 on successful completion of year 1.
Mileage and other allowances
€1000 personal equipment allowance on appointment
€300 annual replenishment allowance
€500 sustainability allowance for plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle users
24 days annual leave
Pension scheme with matching employers contribution of up to 4%
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ROLE AND TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS PLEASE CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON