Job Description

The main role of the ecologist will be to plan and co-ordinate the habitat survey of commonage lands throughout the study area. The ecologist will manage a team of seasonal fieldworkers and will be responsible for ensuring that the surveys are completed to the required standard and time frame.

Location

The Ecologist will be based in the west Connacht area. The role will involve a mix of field and office-based work. We foresee the successful candidate primarily working from one of our project offices (either Westport or Belmullet), although depending on circumstances we may consider a hybrid working arrangement between home and the local project office.

Duties and responsibilities

• Co-ordinate habitat assessments of commonage

• Manage and coordinate a team of up to six fulltime field surveyors through the field season

• Design and trial the survey methods

• Develop the GIS dataset to capture and store field data

• Deliver habitat survey training to other team members

• Monitor survey efficiency and quality of data capture by survey teams

• Data management and review

• Management of Health and Safety protocols

• Liaise with landowners to arrange access in advance of surveys

• Be available to work with and assist the wider team in delivering other aspects of the agri-environment scheme as required

• Liaise and co-ordinate with interested bodies throughout all stages of the project (WAN/NPWS etc). This may include attendance at meetings and seminars / conferences

• Any other duties as assigned by the ACRES West Connacht Project Manager

The Ideal Candidate

This role would be ideally suited to someone who has experience in regional scale ecological surveys and wishes to further develop their skills in project management. It is an opportunity to work in the dramatic landscape of West Connacht across coastal, peatland, and upland habitats. The ideal candidate should enjoy working outdoors, have excellent communication and organisational skills, and a keen interest in land use, ecology, and nature conservation.

Qualifications and Experience - Minimum Requirements

• A degree in ecology or related discipline.

• A minimum of five years relevant work experience in project management / ecology / agri-environment.

• A full clean driver’s licence and use of own car.

• High proficiency in use of GIS software (ESRI ArcGIS or similar).

Qualifications and Experience - Desirable

• Post-graduate qualification.

• Experience of coordinating and / or undertaking regional scale ecological field surveys.

• Project management experience (including management of staff and / or sub-contractors).

• Experience of remote sensing and / or use of drone technology.

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management or a comparable institute / professional body.

• Good understanding of peatland and upland habitats in Ireland.

• Experience in managing and analysing large datasets.

• Experience and knowledge of agriculture policy in Ireland including results-based schemes such as the Burren Programme, the Pearl Mussel Project, and other EIPs.

Skills and Characteristics

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills and characteristics

• Effective organisation and administration skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels both in writing and verbally with technical and scientific and non-technical groups.

• Proven ability to coordinate and manage a survey team.

• Self-motivated and ability to work under their own initiative.

• Have a positive, enthusiastic, pragmatic, solution driven, and flexible approach to work.

• A willingness to actively participate as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.

• An ability to manage their own workload, ensuring that work is carried out on schedule, and a high attention to detail.

• Excellent computer skills (including Microsoft Office and GIS software).

• Proven track record in effectively preparing scientific reports and scientific papers.

• Good time management and the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

• The ability to work unsupervised and to work well with others.

Salary and Employment Details

The Ecologist will be employed on a full-time fixed term contract. The contract period will run for 5 years. The contract may be extended annually there-after, subject to continuing funding and the needs of the project. We foresee opportunities for career progression and promotion during the project.

Starting salary: 

€45,000 to €55,000 depending on experience and subject to minimum requirements.

Expenses:

Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid on a monthly basis.

Personal equipment allowance of €500 at commencement.

Other details:

The survey coordinator will have the opportunity to contribute to a pension. Following the initial six months, the employer will make a pension contribution of 4% of salary.

Annual leave:

20 days per annum, increasing to 22 days after one year of service, further increasing to 24 days after three years of service. 

How to Apply

Please email cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees by 27th January 2023:

Mary McAndrew

Project Manager

ACRES West Connacht

E-mail: mary@acreswestconn.ie.

Download job advert PDF.