Research Technician - Eel Monitoring Programme / Environmental Drainage Maintenance Research Programme / Habitats Directive Project

• The Eel Monitoring Programme undertakes research on the critically endangered European Eel to fulfil objectives of the eel management plan.
• The Environmental Drainage Maintenace Research Programme (EDMRP) investigates the status of habitats and fish in arterially drained catchments in collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
• The Habitats Directive project carries out monitoring of the Annex II & V fish species and reports on their conservation status for the Habitats Directive and Irish Red List.

• We work collaboratively with professionalism
• We are open, transparent and accountable
• We act with respect and integrity
• We are committed to stewardship and sustainability

• Work closely with the Research Officer to ensure agreed deadlines are reached.

• Work independently in the field and with the support of other IFI staff when required.

• Collect relevant fish, habitat and environmental data from selected waterbodies at appropriate times.

• Collect data on the distribution, biology and ecology of target fish species.

• Use new or existing technologies where appropriate to support the programme e.g. drone, mobile GIS applications.

• Organise logistics ahead of fieldwork sampling

• Undertake further analysis of fish samples in the laboratory e.g. species identification, parasite prevalence, gonad maturation.

• Process and collate all sample material (including scales, otoliths) to provide information on age profile and growth rates of fish species.

• Data mining and quality assure datasets for entry to IFI databases/GIS.

• Undertake data entry and maintain raw data and all other records in a clear concise manner and in line with project protocols

• Carry out data analysis as necessary, including using relevant statistical techniques.

• Generate visual outputs (graphs, maps) as required for project report format

• Use of GIS software for data processing, quality assurance, analysis and visualisation

• Participate in compiling reports, guidelines and publications

• Liaise with stakeholders and IFI colleagues relevant to the project

• Disseminate the results of the project through presentations and other interactions with stakeholders

• Provide any technical support necessary for the project/programme. For some programmes, the use of specialised techniques (e.g. drone survey, acoustic or radio telemetry, etc.) may be required - training will be provided as necessary.

• Liaise with fishery owners and leaseholders, angling clubs and other industry stakeholders and attend / contribute to information meetings as required.

• Carry out other duties as may be assigned to the post by the RO/SRO to facilitate the timely delivery of the project

• A relevant Diploma or Degree or equivalent

• Full current driving license valid in the state

• Demonstrable experience with working in water, working outdoors in all weathers and in small boats

• Demonstrable experience in using GIS

• Demonstrable experience in scientific report writing

• Good experience in IT (e.g. MS Office) is required in order to support and produce documents, reports and presentations, etc.

• Ability to work well as part of a team and strong communications skills

• Self-motivation and ability to work on own initiative

• Good presentation skills

• A relevant Honors Degree or equivalent (NFQ Level 8)
• Full EB class driving licence
• Experience in using remote data collection technology
• Experience with electrofishing and/or netting.

• Experience in laboratory work

• Demonstrable experience in fish ageing

• Demonstrable experience in the use of statistical packages
• Familiarity with telemetry and mark recapture techniques

Inland Fisheries Ireland