Job descriptionInland Fisheries Ireland has an exciting opportunity available for a Fisheries Officer to join our team in Ballina, which would be well suited to those who have an interest in protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. This role will support the existing Moy Catchment team in the day-to-day running of the Moy Fishery in Ballina, County Mayo along with delivering fisheries development and conservation responsibilities in the broader Moy catchment. This will include providing a ghillie service and associated duties at the Ridge Pool Angling Centre. You will also work alongside experienced team members to manage and restore fisheries habitat by assisting with fisheries habitat restoration programmes, building and maintaining angling infrastructure, and assisting in carrying out research surveys.The role of Fisheries Officer is responsible for front line implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Fisheries Acts, Water Pollution Acts, Water Framework Directive & other relevant statutory provisions, to include the provision of comprehensive conservation, protection, improvement & development services, inland and at sea.The role of a Fisheries Officer has two main areas of responsibility; Fisheries Protection and;Fisheries Conservation and Development.As a Fisheries Officer you 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 fishingEnforcing the applicable bye-laws and regulations as requiredContributing to habitat improvement schemesDeveloping and improving fisheries access and angling infrastructureAssisting and advising local anglers and other members of the publicParticipating in various community initiatives designed to educate and promoteYou 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 Fisheries Officers work a 39-hour week and this will include weekends, evenings, early mornings and late nights.ABOUT USInland 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 & VALUESVisionTo place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.MissionTo protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.ValuesWe work collaboratively with professionalismWe are open, transparent and accountableWe act with respect and integrityWe are committed to stewardship and sustainabilityThe 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 RESPONSIBILITIESFisheries ProtectionPatrol 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 areaMaintain and upkeep vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment;Support team members in stake-outs at night /early morning.Fisheries Conservation & DevelopmentContribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure) and enhancement works;Develop and maintain angling stands, stiles and structures (repair and replace);Assist with survey work and gathering scientific data, including electro-fishing, fish stock assessment and salvage;Catch, measure, examine and release fish (assessing their health;Assist with general enquiries from the public;Communicate with stakeholders, i.e. clubs, fishery owners, landowners, interest groups etc.;Provide assistance for angling festivals /competitions and education & outreach programmes;Record data and write reports, including the Moy catchment angling report;Assist in the day to day running of the Moy Fishery and Ridge Pool Angling Centre in Ballina which will include providing a ghillie service and associated dutiesAssist in stock management programmes and fish counter operations.Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Inspector or nominee.Job requirementsKEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONSThe ideal candidate will have the following;EssentialLeaving 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.DesirableExperience in a similar environment;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;Experience and /or qualifications relating to the use of excavators/track machinesPowerboat Level 2Kayaking Level 3Knowledge of fisheries legislation.KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTESThe 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.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, it is a 14-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):Point 1 €31,979; Point 2 €33,566; Point 3 €34,482; Point 4 €35,728; Point 5 €36,709; Point 6 €37,732; Point 7 €38,480; Point 8 €39,532; Point 9 €40,408 Point 10 €41,108 Point 11 €42,153; Point 12 €43,211; LSI 1 €44,741; LSI 2 €46,693(IFI FO Grade Payscale as of 1.03.2025)An unsocial hour’s allowance (UHA) of up to €7,744 per annum (pro-rata), will be payable at either 50% or 100% relative to the number of unsocial hours worked.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.TENURETwo positions are being offered on a permanent contract basis.FORMATION OF A PANELA panel may be created for up to six months to cover vacancies for roles with similar skill sets. APPLICATIONSA cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by midnight on Monday 31st March 2025.Late applications will not be processed.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.All done!Your application has been successfully submitted!Other jobs