Fisheries Officer - Letterkenny

Job Details

The role of Fisheries Officer is responsible for front line implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Fisheries Acts, Water Pollution Acts, Water Framework Directive & other relevant statutory provisions, to include the provision of comprehensive conservation, protection, improvement & development services, inland and at sea.

The role of a Fisheries Officer has two main areas of responsibility;

• Fisheries Protection and;

• Fisheries Conservation and Development.

As a Fisheries Officer you can expect to work collaboratively with an experienced team of Fisheries Officers, Assistant Fisheries Inspectors and Fisheries Inspectors on some of the below;

• Patrolling and engaging in surveillance activities to check for illegal fishing
• Enforcing the applicable bye-laws and regulations as required
• Contributing to habitat improvement schemes
• Developing and improving fisheries access and angling infrastructure
• Assisting and advising local anglers and other members of the public
• Participating in various community initiatives designed to educate and promote

You can find out more about our work here.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fisheries Protection

• Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to check for illegal fishing;
• Patrolling Commercial Salmon fishery
• Protecting spring salmon / grilse runs all rivers
• Detecting and preventing illegal netting rivers and sea
• Protecting bass and bluefin tuna fisheries
• Conducting environmental inspections and assisting FEO.
• Detect and report pollution, take samples and gather information;
• Inspect commercial Salmon & Sea Trout licence holders;
• Inspect recreational anglers for licence and/or permit, checking compliance with regulations and bye-laws;
• Checks of angler licences and permits and issuing of FCNs/seizing of gear as necessary.
• Issue Fixed Penalty Notices if appropriate;
• Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence and provide reports for legal advisers, in line with the prescribed IFI prosecution procedure;
• Preparation of statements and attendance at court as may be needed.
• Assist with general enquiries from the public;
• Operate and maintain boats;
• Provide shore cover and/or act as a crew member for local IFI protection staff on RIB patrols in the area
• Maintain and upkeep vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment;
• Support team members in stake-outs at night /early morning.
• Provide shore cover/act as crew member for local IFI protection staff on RIB patrols in the area
• Conduct routine environmental checks and inspections; report or follow up on any water pollution alerts.
• Provide field support to IFI Research surveys and programmes (e.g. WFD surveys, cwef, barriers assessments, sea lice surveys etc.)

Fisheries Conservation & Development

• Contribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure;)
• Conduct research survey work;
• Monitor scientific data;
• Conduct electro-fishing and netting;
• Catch, measure, examine and release fish (assessing their health;)
• Communicate with & develop good relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as; An Garda Síochána, Angling Clubs, Fishermen, Community Development Groups, and other statutory agencies etc.;
• Provide assistance for angling festivals and competitions;
• Write reports and keep records updated as required;
• Keep up to date with legislation and relevant scientific and technical developments.

• Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Inspector or nominee.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have the following;

Essential

• Leaving Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) or recognised equivalent;
• A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland;
• No convictions under the Irish Fisheries Legislation;
• Eligible to work in the State;
• Fluent English - both in spoken and written English;
• Good knowledge of computer skills including MS Office;
• Reside close to base (for call-out purposes, successful candidates must reside within at least 60 mins drive of their assigned base location);
• Competent in and on the water (both at sea and in lakes and rivers);
• Demonstrates a passion / strong interest in promoting, protecting and conserving our natural resources.

Desirable

• Experience in a similar environment;
• A full Category BE driving licence that is valid in Ireland and ability to tow trailers;
• Holder of a valid Safe Pass;
• Experience working with power tools;
• Knowledge of carpentry or general labouring;
• Powerboat Level 2;
• Kayaking Level 3;
• Knowledge of fisheries legislation.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will have the following;

• Ability to form effective working relationships with team members, members of the public and IFI's external stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Flexible approach to work and hours;
• Can meet the travel requirements of the post. Prepared to work outside of normal hours as necessary;
• Commitment to the job and demonstrates self-motivation.

Contact Information

APPLICATIONS

A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae) should be submitted by 5.00 pm Wednesday on the 1st of October 2025.

Late applications will not be processed.

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