Seasonal Fisheries Officers

Inland Fisheries Ireland are excited to launch our 2025 Seasonal Recruitment campaign.

We have various opportunities available nationwide for Seasonal Fisheries Officers which would be well suited to those who have an interest in protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. 

Fisheries Officers are responsible for front line implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Fisheries Acts, Water Pollution Acts, Water Framework Directive & other relevant statutory provisions. The role includes the provision of comprehensive conservation, protection, improvement & development services, inland and at sea.

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 JOB

The role of a Seasonal Fisheries Officer has two main areas of responsibility;

• Fisheries Protection and;

• Fisheries Conservation and Development.

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.

A Seasonal Fisheries Officer can expect to work collaboratively with an experienced team of Fisheries Officers, Assistant Fisheries Inspectors and Fisheries Inspectors on some of the below; 

• Patrolling and engaging in surveillance activities to check for illegal fishing;

• Enforcing the applicable bye-laws and regulations as required;

• Contributing to habitat improvement schemes;

• Developing and improving fisheries access and angling infrastructure;

• Assisting and advising local anglers and other members of the public;

• Participating in various community initiatives designed to educate and promote.

You can find out more about our work here.

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 Seasonal Fisheries Officers work a 39-hour week and this will include weekends, evenings, early morning and late nights.

We expect to hold interviews for this role in during W/C 24th February 2025 and W/C 03rd March 2025.

We expect that successful candidates will start work in mid to late April 2025.

Successful candidates will take part in a training programme at the commencement of their contracts. This programme will provide our new recruits with the necessary accredited training to build the skills needed to carry out the responsibilities of the role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fisheries Protection

• Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to 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 if appropriate;

• Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence and provide reports for legal advisers, in line with the prescribed IFI prosecution procedure;

• Assist with general enquiries from the public;

• Operate and maintain boats;

• Provide shore cover and/or act as a crew member for local IFI protection staff on RIB patrols in the area;

• Maintain and upkeep vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment;

• Support team members in stake-outs at night/early morning.

Fisheries Conservation & Development

• Contribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure);

• Conduct research survey work;

• Monitor scientific data;

• Conduct electro-fishing and netting;

• Catch, measure, examine and release fish (assessing their health);

• Communicate with & develop good relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as; An Garda Síochána, Angling Clubs, Fishermen, Community Development Groups, and other statutory agencies etc.;

• Provide assistance for angling festivals and competitions;

• Write reports and keep records updated as required;

• Keep up to date with legislation and relevant scientific and technical developments;

• Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Inspector or nominee.

Requirements

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

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;

• Powerboat Level 2;

• Kayaking Level 3;

• Knowledge of fisheries legislation;

• A full Category BE driving licence that is valid in Ireland and ability to tow trailers;

• Holder of a valid Safe Pass;

• Experience working with power tools;

• Knowledge of carpentry or general labouring.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• 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.

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. 

REMUNERATIONThe salary scale for the position is at the level of Fisheries Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland. New entrants to the public sector are required to commence employment on Point 1 (€30,979). Fisheries Officers can also earn up to €3,796.12 during their six-month contract by way of an unsocial hours allowance. More information on pay and allowances will be provided at interview.

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 seasonal six-month contract basis.

APPLICATIONS

A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by midnight on Tuesday 28th January 2025.

Late applications will not be processed.

Failure to provide a sufficient cover letter will result in your application being disqualified.Failure to fully complete the application form will result in your application being disqualified.

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.