Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched a new national recruitment drive to fill 66 seasonal positions across the country.
The temporary roles include 47 Seasonal Fisheries Officers and 19 Seasonal Fisheries Research Assistants, who will be deployed across 16 counties from April. Starting salaries of €32,299 per annum pro rata are on offer, with Seasonal Fisheries Officers also eligible to earn up to an additional €3,910 through an unsocial hours allowance.
The recruitment drive is open to applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, with IFI seeking people who enjoy working outdoors and engaging with Ireland’s natural environment.
Acting Head of Operations at IFI, Dr Milton Matthews, said enforcement of laws relating to illegal fishing, pollution and habitat destruction remains a core focus for the agency. He said additional temporary staff are required each year to support IFI’s busy programme of work on rivers, lakes and coastlines nationwide.
He said the roles would suit people who enjoy nature and outdoor work in all weather conditions, adding that the positions can be both appealing and rewarding.
Head of Research, Policy and Risk at IFI, Dr Fiona Kelly, said the Seasonal Fisheries Research Assistants will be involved in applied research into fish stocks and environmental issues affecting fish and their habitats. She said the roles involve working alongside experienced scientists and researchers in the collection, organisation and analysis of biological and physical data in aquatic environments.
While the research roles will be mainly based in counties Mayo and Donegal, or at IFI headquarters in Citywest, Dublin, many successful candidates may be required to travel extensively to assist with fieldwork.
Seasonal Fisheries Officer positions will be based in counties including Louth, Cavan, Dublin, Galway, Cork, Kerry, Donegal, Mayo, Waterford and Wexford, among others. Officers will assist in conserving Ireland’s fisheries resources and supporting the enforcement of fisheries, water pollution and environmental legislation. Duties include patrolling waterways, checking for illegal fishing, contributing to habitat improvement schemes, developing angling infrastructure, advising the public and participating in community education initiatives.
Successful candidates for both roles will take part in an intensive two week training programme at the start of their contracts in April, designed to provide the accredited skills needed to carry out their responsibilities.
Further details on the seasonal roles and application process are available through Inland Fisheries Ireland.
