Research Officer -Marine Team Specified Purpose Contract

Inland Fisheries Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Inland Fisheries Ireland is seeking a Research Officer (Marine Team) to deliver IFI's sea angling research programmes, including Tuna CHART, National Bass Programme and Marine Fish Team projects. The role combines desk and field work, guiding population studies and ensuring timely deliverables.

The post requires strong project management, excellent writing and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders. Based at IFI Head Office in Citywest, Dublin, with field duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree (NFQ Level 7) or equivalent.
• Full (Irish) driving licence valid in Ireland.
• Demonstrable field surveys experience in aquatic habitats.
• Excellent scientific writing and analytical skills.
• Experience with statistical software (e.g. R) and GIS.
• Experience working on boats.

Responsibilities

• Deliver day-to-day operations of marine fish programmes.
• Develop innovative research on population dynamics of marine recreational species.
• Provide scientific input to inform policy and conservation.
• Lead data analyses and reporting for IFI projects.
• Supervise staff and manage project budgets.

Skills

Field surveys

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Report writing

Project management

Budgeting experience

Statistical analysis

GIS software

Boating experience

Attention to detail

Education

NFQ Level 7 Diploma or Degree

Tools

GIS software

MS Office

R statistics software

Job description

Inland Fisheries Ireland has a vacancy for an Research Officer Marine Team to join the Research and Development division.

The research officer will be responsible for the day to day delivery of existing IFI research programmes concerning sea angling fish species (including Tuna CHART, National Bass Programme, Marine Sports Fish Tagging (specifically covering elasmobranch research) Programme and related Marine Fish Team projects) to provide high quality scientific input to support IFI’s statutory remit to inform policy and support the conservation and sustainable management of recreational sea angling in Ireland.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated an excellence in the design, planning and execution of applied scientific studies in field situations, and possess excellent scientific writing and analytical skills. The role, in IFI’s Marine Fish Team, will involve both desk and field investigations

The ideal candidate will have project management experience including managing teams and will have demonstrated networking and communication skills from interactions with both internal and external stakeholders.

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.

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Vision

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

Mission

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

Values

• We work collaboratively with professionalism
• We are open, transparent and accountable
• We act with respect and integrity
• We are committed to stewardship and sustainability

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day to day delivery of relevant marine fish programmes under the supervision of the Senior Research Officer or nominee.
• Working with the Senior Research Officer to continue to develop a comprehensive and innovative research programme to examine population dynamics of marine recreational fish species.
• Work closely with the Senior Research Officer/Programme Manager to ensure agreed deadlines are reached
• Providing high quality scientific input to support IFI’s statutory remit to inform policy and support the conservation and sustainable management of recreational sea angling in Ireland.
• Participation in and operational management of existing and envisaged scientific research programmes and initiatives relevant to the IFI’s sea angling brief
• Provision of scientific advice on fish population status and associated reporting, quantification and assessment of pressures and threats to the continued sustainability of stocks and supporting related policies.

Management

• Manage, coach, mentor, train and motivate research staff under their supervision.
• Supervision of R&D staff in the relevant programmes.
• Ensure all assigned programmes are managed in line with best project, scientific and financial practice and are completed within the allocated budget.
• Tendering and procurement of equipment and services.
• Planning, resourcing and scheduling of fieldwork. Undertaking necessary fieldwork.
• Compilation/revision of standard operating procedures for existing and new activities.

Research

• Participation in and operational responsibilities for existing IFI research programmes concerning sea angling fish species (including Tuna CHART, National Bass Programme, the MSFTP & related Marine Fish Team projects) and related project and budget management and reporting.
• Day to day management of and participation in research activities in the above programmes. Such research activities concern assessment of juvenile and adult bass stock levels, biological data collection for selected teleost and elasmobranch species, studies concerning the ecology of sea angling fish species and general species surveillance work.
• Participation in new, emerging and future necessary research initiatives concerning sea angling that arise, in collaboration with IFI colleagues and national and international partners (funding applications, fieldwork, data analyses, reporting, project and budget management).
• Keep abreast of research developments concerning relevant sea angling fish species.
• Develop/refine sampling methods and research plans in line with best practice.

Technological

• Keep abreast of technological and research developments.

Data

• Collect, collate and manage relevant scientific and supporting data.
• Supervise and undertake data analyses of all relevant datasets, including using relevant statistical/modelling techniques.
• Quality assure and review all datasets for entry to databases/GIS. Maintain data and all other records in a clear concise manner and in line with IFI’s file management and data management policies.

Reporting and advice provision

• Regular provision of advice to stakeholders and public representatives as needs arise.
• Represent IFI at fora and meetings in relation to sea angling fish species as required.
• Support work, requiring IFI input, to provide data for sea angling species to fulfil any conservation or fisheries management obligations for national or international entities (DCEE, DAFM, NPWS, ICCAT, MI etc)
• Participation in and reporting obligations for the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) working groups as required.
• Reporting obligations under any EU regulation relevant to sea angling species and participation in associated working groups as required.
• Participation in the preparation and publication of various scientific reports, advice documents and papers where necessary to agreed deadlines.

Legal

• Have a clear understanding of relevant legislation and guidance and its implications for IFI, with particular reference to relevant European Directives, ICES advice and Irish fisheries and conservation law.

Other Responsibilities

• Carry out other responsibilities as may be assigned to the post from time to time by the SRO.
• Ensure that all elements of the responsibilities and work assigned are achieved in a timely and efficient manner.
• Demonstrable capacity to communicate positively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Note: The above attempts to outline in a broad sense the range of duties associated with the Research Officer post. However other duties may arise as requirements change over time.

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have the following;

Essential

• A relevant Diploma or Degree or equivalent (NFQ Level 7).
• A full, clean, Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland
• Demonstrable experience of field surveys in aquatic habitats and working with fish
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills
• Self-directed, self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to critically evaluate information
• Staff management and budgeting experience
• Project management experience
• Demonstrable experience in report and scientific writing to a high standard
• Demonstrable experience in the use of relevant statistical software (e.g. R package) for graphical and data analyses. Understanding of statistical modelling.
• Knowledge of sea angling species and of the threats and pressures they face
• Experience in planning, executing and reporting on original research studies
• Strong IT skills (notably GIS software, MS Office and statistical software)
• Experience in fish monitoring, assessment of fish stocks
• Experience working in boats

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in relevant area
• Experience in advising stakeholders
• Experience in statistical modelling
• Scientific publications in a relevant field
• Full EB driving licence

The position is based at IFI Head Office at Citywest, Dublin. The position will require flexibility regarding working hours. Regular travel in Ireland and some travel abroad may be required. Transport will be provided for field duties and full Civil Service subsistence rates will be paid while working in the field or travelling. Field work will involve physical exertion, including walking over rough terrain, lifting equipment, wading in streams/rivers and working in boats. This work will be conducted in all weather conditions.

REMUNERATION

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Research Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland; it is a 14-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s): Point 1 €48,462.90; Point 2 €50,608.80; Point 3 €53,749.30; Point 4 €56,461.69; Point 5 €58,733.08; Point 6 €60,952.09; Point 7 €66,011.35; Point 8 €68,408.37; Point 9 €70,934.18; Point 10 €73,454.88; Point 11 €75,962.84; Point 12 €78,503.94; LSI 1 €80,369.29; LSI 2 €83,008.57 (IFI RO Grade Payscale as of 01.06.2026)

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.

TENURE

Appointment to this position will be on a specified-purpose basis. It is expected that the project will have a duration of approximately 3 years, but this is subject to continued funding. Initial funding is available until the end of 2026.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.