Driver / Fisheries Officer

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an opportunity for a Driver / Fisheries Officer to join our team, this role would be well suited to those who enjoy driving, being outdoors and have an interest in the environment.

The role of Driver / Fisheries Officer has 4 main areas of responsibility:

• Driving
• Fish Farm Duties
• Fisheries Conservation & Development
• Fisheries Protection

This is predominantly an outdoors role and candidates should be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and on/near bodies of water.

Please note that Fisheries Officers work a 39-hour week and this will include weekends, evenings, early mornings and late nights.

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 following attempts to outline in a broad sense the key areas of responsibility associated with a Fisheries Officer post. However other responsibilities may arise as the requirements of our environment and stakeholders change over time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Driving

• Transport and stock fish

Fish Farm Duties

• Prepare hatchery trays, troughs, screens, etc., for hatching ova
• Strip fish each year
• Tend ova in hatchery
• Carry out minor maintenance of grading and pumping equipment
• Feed fry several times daily
• Prepare ponds for rearing larger fry, feed and grade same, as necessary
• Maintain ponds and water supply thereto, including shuttering and concrete work, as necessary
• Maintain buildings and grounds at fish farms
• Operate and maintain cages for the rearing of fish
• Carry out semi-skilled work such as the operation of hand tools and machinery
• Undertake whatever duties of a general nature which may be assigned

Fisheries Development

• Contribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure)
• Conduct research survey work
• Monitor scientific data
• Electro-fishing and netting
• Catch, measure, examine and release fish (assessing their health)
• Communicate with external bodies, i.e. Clubs, Fishery owners etc.
• Provide assistance for angling festivals and competitions
• Write reports
• Keep up to date with legislation and relevant scientific and technical developments

Fisheries Protection

• Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to check for check for illegal fishing
• Detect and report pollution, take samples and gather information
• Inspect commercial Salmon & Sea Trout licence holders
• Inspect recreational anglers for licence and/or permit, checking compliance with regulations and bye-laws
• Issue Fixed Penalty Notices
• Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence, provide reports for legal advisers
• Assist with general enquiries from the public
• Operate and maintain boats
•  Maintenance of vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment
• Support team members in stake-outs at night /early morning

REQUIREMENTS

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have the following;

Essential

• Leaving Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) or recognised equivalent;
• A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland;
• No convictions under the Irish Fisheries Legislation;
• Eligible to work in the State;
• Fluent English – both in spoken and written English;
• Good knowledge of computer skills including MS Office;
• Reside close to base (for call-out purposes, successful candidates must reside within at least 60 mins drive of their assigned base location);
• Competent in and on the water (both at sea and in lakes and rivers);
• Demonstrates a passion / strong interest in promoting, protecting and conserving our natural resources.

Desirable

• Experience in a similar environment;
• A full driving licence - Category C valid in the State;
• Current Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC);
• A full Category BE driving licence that is valid in Ireland and ability to tow trailers;
• Holder of a valid Safe Pass;
• CSCS Card - Teleporter;
• Experience working with power tools;
• Knowledge of carpentry or general labouring;
• Powerboat Level 2;
• Kayaking Level 3;
• Knowledge of fisheries legislation.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will have the following;

• Ability to form effective working relationships with team members, members of the public and IFI’s external stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Flexible approach to work and hours;
• Can meet the travel requirements of the post. Prepared to work outside of normal hours as necessary;
• Commitment to the job and demonstrates self-motivation.

REMUNERATIONThe salary scale for the position is at the level of Fisheries Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 14-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):

Point 1 €30,479; Point 2 €32,066; Point 3 €32,982; Point 4 €34,228; Point 5 €35,209; Point 6 €36,232; Point 7 €36,980; Point 8 €38,032; Point 9 €38,908; Point 10 €39,608; Point 11 €40,653; Point 12 €41,711; LSI 1 €43,241; LSI 2 €45,193.

(IFI FO Grade Pay Scale as of 01/06/2024.)An unsocial hour’s allowance (UHA) of up to €7,517 per annum (pro-rata), will be payable at either 50% or 100% relative to the number of unsocial hours worked. Please note that Fish Farm unsocial hours generally accrue the 50% rate.

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 specified purpose contract basis to cover an absence which is expected to last until approximately mid-June 2025.

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