Ecologist- Barriers Mitigation Division

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) presents an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified person to join a new team in IFI as an Ecologist. This role will primarily focus on providing ecological expertise to support the remediation works required to successfully mitigate or remove barriers to fish migration across Ireland.

The aim of the National Barrier Mitigation Programme is to improve river hydromorphology and connectivity in Irish catchments by strategically targeting significant barriers to fish passage and structures degrading river form, flow and function.  Iconic species such as Atlantic salmon and the European eel are threatened species and IFI is mandated to protect them under law. Removing barriers will open up habitat to various species in an era where habitat loss is impacting severely on biodiversity both nationally and internationally.

The Ecologist will be responsible for ecological aspects of these projects, including preparing and reviewing Appropriate Assessment (AA) screenings, procuring ecological surveys and reports, undertaking ecological surveys, and ensuring alignment with the Habitats Directive and Wildlife Act. The Ecologist will be required to coordinate and undertake ecological surveys including fish habitat, mammal, invasive species, habitat, and electrofishing surveys as part of a team. The successful candidate will play a key role in guiding mitigation on projects from the initial feasibility and option selection phases through complex planning and consenting processes, all the way to project construction, environmental monitoring and completion.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated a high level of competence in relation to Appropriate Assessments under the Habitats Directive and will be required to both deliver and procure relevant reports. A comprehensive knowledge of ecosystem science and its associated statutory and regulatory processes will also be important. The work will involve the compilation of ecosystem and geographical data to support applications for consent for barrier removal or mitigation projects at river sites where river hydromorphology has been physically impacted by human activity. The successful candidate will also be required to contribute to the development of project plans, providing supporting documentation relating to Appropriate Assessment, WFD, fish populations and water quality/ecological status. The successful candidate will collate all necessary project details to secure necessary consents from relevant authorities.

Reporting to the Environmental Specialist, the Ecologist will be experienced in civil engineering works that pertain to the water based/marine environment and will have the ability to understand the impacts of ecosystem dynamics associated with barrier removal and mitigation.

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

To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.

To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.

• We are committed to the environment and sustainability.

• We work collaboratively and with professionalism.

• We communicate openly and transparently.

• We act with respect, integrity, and accountability

• Day to day ecological input to projects under the supervision of the Environmental Specialist

• Work closely with colleagues in the National Barrier Mitigation Programme to facilitate the implementation of barrier removal or mitigation projects, ensuring all ecological regulations and conditions are met.

• Collecting, collating or sourcing ecological information such as survey data pertaining to mammals, bats, invasive species, habitats, fish, other aquatic species, and water quality data.

• Co-ordinate and monitor the progress of Assessments through the IFI Appropriate Assessment Determination process.

• Carry out ad-hoc Screening for Appropriate Assessment for development projects

• Evaluate, prepare and present findings on ecological aspects of technical proposals, and make recommendations for incorporation into design and specifications.

• Provision of essential information to IFI senior management and consenting authorities.

• Assist with fish stock, habitat and water quality surveys to support barrier mitigation projects.

• Undertake surveys to identify invasive species, signs of mammals, bats, birds, habitats, aquatic species such as white-clawed crayfish and aquatic invertebrates.

• Compilation of project information.

• Review and provide feedback on Appropriate Assessment deliverables to support IFI plans, projects and activities.

• Maintain knowledge base of international best practice with regard to river restoration methodologies and ecological mitigation measures.

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

• Ensure that all ecological elements of barrier mitigation projects are achieved in a timely and efficient manner

• Demonstrable capacity to communicate positively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders

The ideal candidate must, on or before the closing date have the following;

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Higher Executive Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland. This is a 9-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s): Point 1 €58,912.34; Point 2 €60,656.28; Point 3 €62,408.15; Point 4 €64,153.65; Point 5 €65,908.07; Point 6 €67,661.21; Point 7 €69,411.81; Point 8 (LSI 1) €71,942.71; Point 9 (LSI 2) €75,398.08

• A recognised third-level qualification, at a minimum level of NFQ Level 7, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline, such as but not limited to, Ecology or Environmental Science

• A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland

• Eligible to work full-time in the State and meet the citizenship requirements for the role

• Proven project management experience in a multi-disciplined team essential (including report writing, scheduling, risk management, etc.)

• Demonstrable experience in project planning and progression through various administrative stages

• Experience of appropriate assessment screening and procurement

• Knowledge of relevant legislation such as; the Water Framework Directive, planning regulations and Habitats Directive

• Extensive experience in report writing

• Demonstrable experience in data management

• The ability to use relevant software to collate and present relevant data

• A strong expertise in IT is required (GIS, Data analysis, MS Office suite)

• Excellent attention to detail

• Excellent inter-personal skills with particular emphasis on stakeholder engagement

• Excellent team working skill

• Self -directed and able to work independently

• Postgraduate qualification (NFQ Level 8/9) in a relevant discipline

• Professional Title of Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)

• Demonstrable experience and good knowledge of some of the following areas; Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive requirements for plans and projects. Habitat assessment

• Experience of working with a variety of environmental stakeholders

• Ability to access and interpret fish population, Hydromorphology and water quality data

• Knowledge of habitat survey and mapping techniques (e.g. GPS data loggers, spatial data collection, and analysis, etc.)

Candidates should note that the admission to a competition does not imply that the Inland Fisheries Ireland is satisfied that they fulfil the essential entry requirements. Therefore, the bonus is on the candidate to ensure that they meet the essential entry requirements prior to submitting their application.

The annual leave entitlement for this role is 30 days per annum (pro-rata) and is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave as per the Annual Leave policy of Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Hours of attendance will be as fixed from time to time. At present they amount to 35 hours per week (full-time), net of breaks.

The successful candidate will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties, subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted via this website by 5.00 pm on Friday 16th of October 2026. 

Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.

Canvassing will disqualify.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer. 

Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.