Fisheries Officer - Lough Arrow

Inland Fisheries Ireland has an exciting opportunity available for a Fisheries Officer to join our team in Lough Arrow, which would be well suited to those who have an interest in protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. 

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.

This is predominantly an outdoors role and candidates should be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and on/near bodies of water. Please note that Fisheries Officers work a 39-hour week and this will include weekends, evenings, early mornings and late nights.

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 are committed to the environment and sustainability.

• We work collaboratively and with professionalism.

• We communicate openly and transparently.

• We act with respect, integrity, and accountability

The following attempts to outline in a broad sense the key areas of responsibility associated with a Fisheries Officer post. However other responsibilities may arise as the requirements of our environment and stakeholders change over time.

This officer will be involved in the provision of fisheries development and protection services within the Lough Arrow catchment along with assisting colleagues in the Sligo District and Moy catchment when required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fisheries Protection

• Patrol lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries to check for illegal fishing area

• Undertaking investigative surveys of water quality & the health, spawning & movement of fish

• Detect and report pollution, take samples and gather information;

• Inspect recreational anglers for licence and/or permit, checking compliance with regulations and bye-laws;

• 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;

• Making improvements to habitats through work on streams and river banks

• Assist with general enquiries from the public;

• Communicating with external bodies, i.e. Clubs, Councils and Fishery owners

• Operate and maintain boats;

• Coordinated enforcement of fisheries legislation in the LoughArrow catchment and Sligo District through a diverse set of methodologies(boat patrols, sea patrols, PWC, kayak, RIB, bike, drone and foot patrols)

• Maintain and upkeep vehicles, RIBs, and surveillance equipment;

• Support team members in stake-outs at night /early morning.

Fisheries Conservation & Development

• Contribute to habitat improvement schemes (including improving fisheries access and infrastructure;)

• Riparian bankside maintenance

• Monitor scientific data;

• Pollution detection and report writing, taking water samples and progressing environmental prosecutions

• Conduct fish survey work including Catchment Wide Electrofishing and gill netting

• Catch, measure, examine and release fish (assessing their health;)

• Fish counter maintenance and data management

• Stock management (gill netting and electrofishing)

• 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.

• IFI’s Something Fishy programme and associated outreach and education

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

KEY EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
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;

• 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.

GARDA VETTING 

Please note that the successful candidate will need to go through a Garda Vetting process and complete safeguarding training before they can take up their role.

By applying for this role, you give Inland Fisheries Ireland permission to process your personal information through the National Vetting Bureau and if any disclosure of information which comes to light is deemed to put children and vulnerable adults at risk, you may not be able to take up the role. 

REMUNERATION

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Fisheries Officer as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland. This is a 14-point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s):

Point 1 €33,127.07; Point 2 €34,745.39; Point 3 €35,679.88; Point 4 €36,950.74; Point 5 €37,952.24; Point 6 €38,995.28; Point 7 €39,758.75; Point 8 €40,831.40; Point 9 €41,725.32 ; Point 10 €42,439.56; Point 11 €43,505.56; Point 12 €44,584.30; LSI 1 €46,145.69; LSI 2 €48,136.50

(IFI FO Grade PayScale as of 01/06/2026)

An unsocial hour’s allowance (UHA) of up to €7,978.73 per annum (pro-rata), will be payable at either 50% or 100% relative to the number of unsocial hours worked.

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 permanent contract basis.

APPLICATIONS

A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm on Friday 2nd of October 2026

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.