Project Officer – ACRES Co-operation Project (Oranmore, Galway)

ACRES; Ireland; On-site; EUR 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental initiative in Ireland is seeking a Project Officer for its ACRES Munster/South Connacht Team. The role involves supporting farmers, assessing habitats, and developing community engagement. Candidates should have a Level 8 degree in agriculture or a related field, with experience in biodiversity assessment and wildlife monitoring. Competitive salary starting at €37,000 per year with benefits including allowances and annual leave.

Benefits

Mileage and other allowances

€1000 personal equipment allowance

€300 annual replenishment allowance

€500 sustainability allowance for electric vehicle users

Pension scheme with matching employers contribution up to 4%

Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience in agriculture, ecology, or environmental science.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Eligible to work in Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Assess habitats and monitor chemical/physical parameters.
• Develop farm plans and participate in community engagement.
• Deliver training to farmers and stakeholders.

Skills

Wildlife Monitoring

GIS (ArcGIS and QGIS)

Community Engagement

Biodiversity Assessment

Project Management

Education

Level 8 degree in Agriculture or related field

Job description

Do not wait to apply after reading this description a high application volume is expected for this opportunity.

Closing date for applications is August 17th 2025. This is a fixed-term contract running until December 31st 2027.

The Hen Harrier Programme Ltd have been contracted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to operate 3 of the ACRES Co-operation Projects that are part of Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. Our company is delivering this initiative across ACRES Breifne, ACRES Leinster and ACRES Munster South Connacht.

Location

We are looking for a Project Officer to join our ACRES Munster / South Connacht Team in Oranmore, Galway.

Role Overview

Project Officers are the primary farmer facing role within the Co-operation Project. They have a key role in the delivery of a locally relevant agri-environment programme that addresses the many challenges for our environment. The Project Officer is there to support farmers in the programme and ensure that the outputs from a farmer's participation in the scheme are optimised.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess habitats and participate in the quality control of habitat assessments submitted by farm advisors
• Produce farm plans
• Participate in the monitoring of key species/habitats and chemical physical parameters as required
• Assist in the assessment of risks to biodiversity, archaeological heritage, and water quality
• Assess fire, flooding, and nest predation risks at a local level
• Assist in the selection and design of landscape actions
• Participate in commonage assessments throughout the country
• Assist the Remote Sensing officer with drone surveys
• Develop engagement with local communities, NGOs and other local stakeholders
• Provide support to staff, DAFM, NPWS and other stakeholders as directed
• Screen proposed non-productive investments and landscape actions
• Deliver training to farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders
  
  

Professional Development

Following initial training, Project Officers will undergo a detailed Continuous Professional Development Programme, including opportunities in:

• Wildlife Monitoring
• Nest Protection
• Habitat remediation
• Rewetting
• Wildfire Resilience
• Control of Invasive Species
• Methods of Instruction
• Mountain Safety
• Small Boat Handling
  
  

You'll also gain experience with advanced Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence technologies.

Career Progression

Opportunities to progress to Senior Project Officer or Team Lead level may be available for suitable candidates after a period of service.

Requirements

• Level 8 degree in Agriculture, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Zoology or similar
• Full clean driving licence
• Eligible to work in Ireland
• 2 years of relevant experience
  
  

Desirable Qualifications

• FAS Approval as a Farm Advisor
• Approval as a Pesticide Advisor
• Membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
• Experience in Bat/Bird Monitoring, Hydrology or Environmental Impact Assessment
• GIS especially ArcGIS and QGIS
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary: €37,000 per year rising to €41,000 on successful completion of year 1.
• Mileage and other allowances
• €1000 personal equipment allowance on appointment
• €300 annual replenishment allowance
• €500 sustainability allowance for plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle users
• 24 days annual leave
• Pension scheme with matching employers contribution up to 4%