Senior Research Officer at Inland Fisheries Ireland

Accountable to: Head of Research & Development 

Location: Citywest Head Quarters 

Job Purpose

Be a member of the senior research team and input into the overall management, development and performance of the Research and Development Division, particularly in the areas of policy development, applied research, corporate governance and modernisation. 

Develop, manage and conduct research that will contribute to the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies, strategies and initiatives for the Inland Fisheries Ireland Board with a specific focus on the conservation, protection and restoration of Ireland’s salmon and sea trout populations. Provision of expert scientific knowledge on the biology and ecology of salmon and sea trout, and the conservation issues they face and provision of expertise on the impact of salmon aquaculture on wild salmonid stocks, to managers, policy makers and stakeholders at local, national and international fora.  They will lead/contribute to the publication of peer-reviewed scientific papers and various management/advice reports.  Provision of expertise including statistical and/or mathematical modelling, GIS, telemetry and data management to support core research and the research team.    Supporting dissemination of complex scientific concepts to varied audiences, stakeholders, managers using excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

In addition, the candidate will:

• Seek, lead and administer IFI, EU and other funding as appropriate; ensure all funded projects are managed in-line with best project, scientific and financial practice
• Actively manage, support and develop a team of applied researchers across a number of projects
• Work with the Head of Research & Development to increase IFI’s reputation within the fisheries research sector, nationally and internationally, and to create additional project opportunities
• Provide, as appropriate, training and instruction, and other services, in matters relating to scientific advice on salmon and sea trout stocks, associated data management, etc. to members of the research team
• Provide advice on an ongoing basis to the Head of Research & Development and the CEO on all matters relevant to the area of scientific responsibility 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic

• Have a vision for the further development of scientific knowledge and expertise relating to salmon and sea trout and the conservation issues they face (including salmon aquaculture) within Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Research and Development Division and deliver accordingly
• Develop strategic plans for the sustainability and restoration of salmon and sea trout populations
• Prepare IFI policy regarding the future development of salmon aquaculture and its potential impacts on wild salmonids and prepare submissions to DAFM and other agencies on applications for renewal of aquaculture licences and applications for new salmon aquaculture licences
• Represent IFI at fora and meetings in relation to salmon aquaculture and its potential impact on wild salmonid conservation nationally
• Ensure delivery of strategic and business plans and provide regular updates on progress to the Head of Research & Development
• Input into the Divisional business planning and budgeting process and the Board’s strategic planning process
• Oversee the operation of the National Salmonid Index Catchment at the river Erriff and ensure its continued contribution to high level fisheries research
• Participate in the work of the Technical Expert Group on Salmon and provide annual advice on salmon stocks at both an individual river level and nationally 

Leadership

• Lead, direct and manage the salmon and sea trout research team and the National Salmonid Index Catchment
• Provide advice to the Head of Research & Development on the viability of project proposals 

Relationships & Communication

• Liaise with IFI Board, management and other relevant organisations including universities, Government Departments, Local Authorities, research institutes, private industry and international organisations to further the applied fisheries research and management agenda of IFI
• Provide representation for IFI on official bodies and at meetings, as required
• Liaise with funding agencies (national and international) to secure additional funds for strategic research projects
• Participate on relevant national and international fora, as required
• Manage the preparation and publication of peer reviewed papers, scientific reports and popular articles on fisheries environmental issues and related matters 

Service

• Ensure the output of research is of the highest standard and oversee the application of quality assurance procedures 

Technological

• Keep abreast of technological and research developments 

Legal

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

Management

• Work with the Head of Research & Development to implement project and staff management protocols in operation within the division and organisation
• Report on all project budgets on a monthly basis and report any variances 

Other

• Carry out such duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Research and Development 

Education, Experience and Attributes 

The successful candidate will ideally possess:

• A primary degree in a fisheries/aquatic ecology related area, with appropriate post-graduate experience (or equivalent experience)
• A postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD) in the area of salmon/sea trout biology or similar
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in fisheries or aquatic habitat research and development
• Experience in the leading and management of applied aquatic research programmes
• A minimum of 5 years project management experience
• A proven track record in applied statistics and/or mathematical modelling
• A minimum of 5 years experiences in a science (staff, resources, budget, reporting) management role
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with particular emphasis on motivation and leadership
• Exhibit meticulous attention to detail
• A high level of theoretical and analytical skills. Considerable experience using statistical and/or mathematical packages (e.g. R, MATLAB etc.)
• Excellent verbal and communication and presentation skills
• Strong IT skills
• Experience in fish monitoring/telemetry
• Demonstrated ability to use GIS software
• Strong relevant scientific publication record
• Full clean driving licence valid in the state 

Salary:

Senior Research Officer scale (01.02.2022): €65,303, €68,212, €71,171, €72,940, €75,879, €78,826, €81,763, €85,148, €88,258 (LSI 1), €91,372 (LSI 2) 

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: Permanent position 

APPLICATIONS:

To apply visit: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/careers/research-and-development#job-931194  

Closing date for applications: 5pm Friday 13th May 2022. Late applications will not be accepted  

Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV 

Canvasing Will Disqualify 

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer