Fisheries Assistant - OPWCRP

at  Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland has a vacancy for a Fisheries Assistant to join the Office of Public Works Climate Resilience Research Project (OPWCRP).
The primary focus of this role will be in arterially drained and flood relief catchments, but the successful candidate will collaborate closely with colleagues working in near natural catchments on the Climate Change Mitigation Research Programme. The project, through targeted evidence-based research and monitoring, aims to assess the impact of climate change on the Irish fisheries sector in drained Irish catchments. The outcomes of the project will inform the Office of Public Works and IFI how to maximise potential environmental gain through climate resilience measures.
The successful candidate will provide support to the Senior Research Officer (SRO)and Research Officer (RO) leading the OPWCRP programme. They will carry out and assist in the necessary fieldwork using standard methodologies and assist in the compilation of relevant biotic and abiotic information for Irish lakes and rivers. They will also assist the Research Officer in the compilation of and analysis of information collected (e.g. fish abundance, environmental data, telemetry data, etc.)

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.

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have the following;

Essential

• Leaving Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) or recognised equivalent with minimum Grade C on at least two Higher level papers, to include; one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography or Maths.
• A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland.
• Eligible to work in the State.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Can meet the travel requirements of the post and is prepared to work outside of normal hours as necessary.
• Familiarity with working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Desirable

• A relevant degree or equivalent (Minimum Level 7 NFQ).
• Previous relevant experience.
• Familiarity working in water and in small boats.
• Familiarity with electric fishing/netting for fish.
• Experience of using statistical packages.
• Experience using GPS and GIS software.
• Knowledge of fisheries.
• A full Category BE driving licence that is valid in Ireland.

KEY SKILLS & 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.
• Commitment to the job and demonstrates self-motivation.
• Good timekeeping.
• Excellent, oral, written & numeracy skills.
• Demonstrated ability in use of computer software.
• Experienced in report writing.
• Honest & trustworthy.
• Good command of the English language.
• Acts with Dignity & Integrity at all times.Customer service skills.

This role will involve a significant element of field survey work all over Ireland. Field work will be influenced by weather; consequently the position will require flexibility regarding working hours. Transport will be provided for field duties.
The position will be based in IFI’s Head Office in Citywest (Dublin) and travelling on a daily/weekly basis will be a requirement.
The work will require frequent physical exertion while conducting field activities, including walking over rough, uneven terrain, lifting equipment, wading in streams/rivers and working in boats.

Main duties will include:

• Assist with field surveys using electric fishing, netting and other sampling techniques as required in a range of habitat types.
• Assist with processing fish samples and collate scale, otolith and opercular bone samples to provide information on age profile and growth rates of fish species.
• Assist with compilation and analyses of biological and physical data. EG prepare graphs and summaries, perform computations in numerical summaries and cross references facts, dates and other data.
• Maintain raw data and all other records in a clear concise format.
• Compile and maintain all records in a manner compatible with GIS and use GIS to prepare mapping outputs.
• Assist the Senior Research Officer in ensuring that other elements of the programme, not specifically linked to data collection and analysis, are achieved in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provide any technical support necessary for timely delivery of the appropriate programme.
• Liaise with other IFI staff working on related projects as required.
• Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Senior Research Officer or nominee.