Research Officer - Barriers Mitigation Research Programme Dublin, Ireland
DESCRIPTION
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has an exciting vacancy for a Research Officer to join the wider hydromorphology team within our Research and Development (R&D) division.
The Research Officer will be responsible for providing high-quality, scientific data to support the management, conservation and protection of fish species and their habitats with a focus on the effect of barrier mitigation on fish passage and hydromorphology.
The work will involve both desk and field investigations.
The objective of the programme is to provide evidence of the effects of barrier mitigation to stakeholders through peer reviewed publications, presentations and reports. As such, the Research Officer will be responsible for producing detailed scientific reports and papers on the progress of the project.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated an excellence in planning and execution of applied scientific studies in field situations, have both project management and people management experience, with demonstrable networking and communications skills.
This role will be based in Citywest, Dublin and one of the other IFI regional offices; Clonmel, Tipperary / Macroom, Cork / Limerick City, Limerick / Galway City, Galway / Ballina, Mayo / Ballyshannon, Donegal.
The role may be predominantly based in one of the IFI regional offices listed above, however due to operational demands, there will be a requirement to operate from the IFI HQ at Citywest, Dublin.
IFI are proud to offer a hybrid working policy, more details of which will be shared with prospective candidates at interview.
There may also be considerable travelling and residing in locations across Ireland, whilst conducting field work in all weather conditions. Travelling on a daily or weekly basis will be a requirement. Transport will be provided for field duties and if applicable, depending on location, full Civil Service subsistence rates will be paid when on field duties.
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.
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
The main responsibilities of the Research Officer will include;
Day to day delivery of the project under the guidance of the Senior Research Officer
Working with the Senior Research Officer to develop a comprehensive and innovative monitoring strategy to examine the impacts of barrier mitigation measures on river ecosystem
Liaising with and supporting wider Barrier Mitigation Programme within IFI
Working closely with the existing National Barrier Programme (NBP) team carrying out barrier assessments and research on structures
Research
Undertaking innovative research to highlight the pre and post effects of barrier mitigation on the fish passage and on the habitat both upstream and downstream of structures
Creating a Barrier monitoring programme strategy (outlining different levels of monitoring intensity)
Liaising with the wider hydromorphology team in R&D
Data Collection
Collecting relevant hydromorphology data to identify the pressure exerted on watercourses by structures (RHATS, hydrology, barrier assessment incl. SNIFFER assessments, cross sections using GNSS and ground stations)
Implementing a monitoring programme to assess level of success of various barrier mitigation measures implemented by IFI, to include pre and post works assessments
Developing/refining appropriate sampling methods in line with best practice
Identifying, preparing, installing and maintaining new or existing technologies where appropriate to support this programme
Liaising with other projects within R&D and with IFI's regional staff to provide advice as required
Developing data capture and database storage in line with IFI's Data management policy, whilst liaising with IFI's Data Manager
Data Processing
Working closely with the quantitative modeller on sediment and hydrology impacts
Data mining and data processing, to include the collation and aggregation of all datasets and all sample materials to parameterise and validate models and or analyses
Reviewing and conducting quality assurance on all datasets for entry to databases/GIS
Maintaining raw data and all other records in a clear, concise manner and in line with IFI’s database structure
Data Analysis
Supervising and undertaking data analysis of all relevant datasets, including using relevant statistical/modelling techniques
Liaising with R&D staff to incorporate barrier mitigation effects within other R&D projects including Habitats Directive, Eel Regulation, National Salmon Programme, Climate Change Programme
Reporting
Provision of weekly and monthly updates to the Senior Research Officer
Interpreting, reviewing and commenting on scientific and technical documents
Attending Steering Committee meetings and providing project updates when required
Management
Managing, mentoring, training and motivating research staff, encouraging high performance and contributing to a culture of continual improvement
Account management and monitoring to ensure programme is completed within the allocated budget, including reporting on a quarterly basis
Tendering and procurement of equipment
Provision of workplans and timelines
Compiling standard operating procedures (SOPs) for any new work activities
Liaising with the agencies involved in hydromorphology and barrier mitigation in Ireland and other groups as required
Supporting IFI Barrier mitigation team with planning the mitigation programme
Other Responsibilities
Carrying out other responsibilities as may be assigned to the post from time to time by the Senior Research Officer
Ensuring that all elements of the programme are achieved in a timely and efficient manner
Communicating 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 the requirements of the project and our stakeholders change over time.
REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will have the following;
Essential
A recognised third-level qualification, at a minimum level of NFQ Level 7, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline
A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland
Project management experience in a multi-disciplined team (including budgeting, scheduling, risk management, etc.)
Demonstrable experience in report and scientific writing
Experience in aquatic ecosystems, river restoration and or fluvial geomorphology
Knowledge and understanding of aquatic ecosystems, hydromorphology, fluvial geomorphology and ecosystem restoration
Demonstrable experience of field survey and data collection in aquatic habitats
Experience with monitoring and data collection, analysis and reporting for parameters in aquatic environments.
A strong expertise in IT skills, to include; GIS Software and MS Office skills
Demonstrable experience in the use of relevant statistical software such as R packages
Experience in planning, executing and reporting on original research studies
Excellent inter-personal and team working skills, with a particular emphasis on motivation and leadership
A proven track record of achieving objectives
Ability to work independently and be self-directed
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to spot errors and question information received
Desirable
A recognised post graduate qualification, at a minimum level of NFQ Level 9, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline
A full Category BE driving licence that is valid in Ireland
Demonstrable experience and good knowledge of spatial modelling, mixed effect models
Experience in using remote technology (e.g. drones, current meters, temperature loggers etc.)
At least two scientfic papers published in a relevant scientific field, where they are the named first author
A willingness to continue to develop knowledge and expertise to support IFI in the provision of hydromorphological advice
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 €43,187; Point 2 €45,270; Point 3 €48,263; Point 4 €50,748; Point 5 €52,789; Point 6 €54,784; Point 7 €59,331; Point 8 €61,486; Point 9 €63,756; Point 10 €66,021; Point 11 €68,275; Point 12 € 70,559; Point 13 (LSI 1) €72,236; Point 14 (LSI 2) €74,608 (IFI RO Grade Payscale as of 01/03/2023). 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 This post is offered on a 2-Year Specified Purpose Contract basis, which is linked to funding. There is a strong possibility of further future funding. APPLICATIONS A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by midnight on Monday 02nd October 2023. Late applications will not be processed. Short listing will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV. Canvassing will disqualify. Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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