Research Officer -Marine Team Specified Purpose Contract

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.