Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have a vacancy for an Assistant Inspector (Development ) in Letterkenny.
The main function of this role is to support the Inspector in the day to day supervision, motivation, planning and organising of employees, while enforcing 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.
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.
IFI'S 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 professionalismWe are open, transparent and accountable
We act with respect and integrity
We are committed to stewardship and sustainability
THE JOB
The role of Assistant Inspector has 4 main areas of responsibility;
Fisheries Protection
Fisheries Development
Staff Line Management
Various general duties which will support the Inspector
The following attempts to outline in a broad sense the key areas of responsibility associated with an Assistant Inspector post. However other responsibilities may arise as the requirements of our environment and stakeholders change over time.
Please note that Assistant Inspectors work a 39-hour week and this will include weekends, evenings, early morning and late nights.
Core dual mandate (development & protection) post to provide day to day supervision and direction for 2 permanent development staff and temporary seasonal FOs as may be appointed annually.
Fisheries Protection
Conduct patrols of lakes, rivers, sea, coast and estuaries, to check for illegal fishing;
Inspect commercial salmon & sea trout licence holders to ensure legislative compliance;
Inspect recreational anglers for licence and/or permit and inspect other anglers for compliance with fisheries regulations and bye-laws;
Issue Fixed Penalty Notices or apprehend offenders as necessary;
Prepare prosecution case files in accordance with the prescribed IFI prosecution procedure. Apprehend offenders, gather evidence, attend proceedings, give evidence and provide reports for legal advisers & relevant officers;
Participate with the Air Corps, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), and Naval Service in fisheries patrols at sea on their protection vessels;
Detect and report pollution, take samples & gather information on water pollution and environmental damage and liaise with the Fisheries Environmental Officer as required.
Fisheries Development
Assist senior employees in the preparation & implementation of fisheries development & protection programmes;
Assist in the improvement and development of fisheries access and infrastructure;
Liaison with local landowners, community development groups and angling clubs in relation to local angling development, habitat restoration, pollution and fisheries protection matters
Assist the local inspector with identification, delivery and oversight of suitable Habitats Conservation, Operational Development programmes and angling access infrastructure projects for the Letterkenny District
Assist with delivery and co-ordination of NWRBD contribution to IFI National Research programmes and surveys• Assist with delivery and co-ordination of Education & Outreach events, biodiversity and angling information days
Liaise and support SFEO regarding water quality and pollution alerts/events
Monitor fish catches/movements and take samples;
Co-ordinate management of the annual programme of inspection, maintenance and repair of angling infrastructure and selective clearance of riparian vegetation to ensure safe access to fisheries
Participate in periodic surveys;
Engage in restocking, improvement work, construction of facilities, predator control etc.
Staff Line Management
Train and induct new employees;
Plan & organise staff rosters;
Co-ordinate staff and liaise with contractors as to development, maintenance and upkeep of Letterkenny and Glenties bases; promote energy saving, sustainability and biodiversity targets
Ensure provision, use and maintenance of suitable PPE, work tools and development materials
Monitor & appraise job results of employees within area of remit through a variety of methods such as but not limited to; coaching, counselling, and making use of the disciplinary procedure where appropriate;
Maintain absence records and manage absenteeism in line with absence managements procedure;
Enable team by supplying all necessary equipment;
Ensure that safety equipment is maintained and service records are kept up to date;
Ensure that risk assessments are completed and action taken as appropriate;
Liaise with Inspector regarding planning, deployment and supervision of development staff
Ensure safe systems of work and SOPs are implemented and adhered to
Conduct weekly/monthly/annual reporting as required.
General Duties
Submit internal reports and Service Level Agreement (SLA) metrics, as requested by the line manager;
Provide input in the development of Strategic Policies, Business Plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), as may be requested by the line manager;
Support special projects by organizing and coordinating information and requirements, such as planning, meeting scheduling and monitoring results;
Support and promote IFI sponsored angling events and initiatives as approved
Support and assist research and survey work, such as but not limited to; Catchment-wide Electrofishing, Barriers Surveys, Water Framework Directive, or other initiatives that may arise from time to time;
Prepare, use and maintain all property and equipment such as; boats, nets, electrical fishing, lifejackets etc.;
Liaise & develop good relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as; An Garda Síochána, Angling Clubs, Fishermen, Community Development Groups, and other statutory agencies etc.;
Liaison with anglers, angling clubs, landowners, community development groups, contractors, relevant state agencies and other stakeholders (e.g. Local authorities, LAWPRO, Rivers Trusts, NPWS, ESB, Waterways Ireland).
Provide support for Invasive Species initiatives, as may be requested by the line manager;
Conduct and assist with completion of fish stock assessments, investigations and surveys
Provide support to certain Business development activities as appropriate (e.g. Education & outreach; youth angling events; angling shows and journalist visits etc.)
Oversee and manage fish counter operations in the district;
Utilise the appropriate technology as required. Examples include; GPS, GIS digital cameras;
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending training, as and when necessary;
Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed;
Engage in marketing and promotion initiatives as and when directed;
Preparation of reports, statements and metrics as required
Participation in national committees and working groups as may be required
Additional ad hoc duties as may be requested by the line manager or nominee.
KEY EXPERIENCE
Essential
A recognised qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalence, which can be demonstrated by having a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in a relevant field-based role, preferably in fisheries;
A full Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland;
Reside close to base (for call-out purposes, successful candidates must reside within at least 60 mins drive of their assigned base location);
Proven supervisory experience that will allow the successful candidate to take the lead in fisheries and project management;
Proven experience in motivating and forming effective working relationships with team members and others;
Experience in managing a budget and identifying improvements and where cost and time savings can be made;
A keen sense of self-development and a desire to keep up to date with innovation and technological developments;
Good working knowledge of GPS, GIS digital cameras etc. and a willingness and ability to apply this knowledge in the field;
Proven experience in report writing and record keeping.
Desirable
Previous experience as coxswain would be highly desirable;
A recognised qualification in Management or an equivalent discipline;
Powerboat Level 2;
Kayaking Level 3;
Knowledge of fisheries legislation;
Knowledge of other relevant environmental legislation;
A full Category BE driving licence that is valid in Ireland and ability to tow trailers.
KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
Flexibility and ability to work on own initiative;
Can meet the travel requirements of the post. Prepared to work outside of normal hours as necessary;
Commitment and self-motivation;
Good timekeeping;
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to spot errors and question information received;
Acts with integrity & professionalism at all times in line with IFI values.
SALARY
The salary scale for the position is at the level of Assistant Inspector as applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland, it is a 15 point scale including 2 long service increments (LSI’s): Point 1 €38,029.98; Point 2 €39,249.64; Point 3 €40,286.64; Point 4 €41,141.18; Point 5 €42,337.09; Point 6 €43,547.75; Point 7 €44,756.14; Point 8 €45,969.07; Point 9 €47,183.13; Point 10 €48,402.87; Point 11 €49,623.74; Point 12 €50,785.61; Point 13 €51,970.99; LSI 1 €53,381.27; LSI 2 €54,830.27 (IFI AI Grade Pay scale as of 01/03/2025).
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 midnight on the 16th July 2025.
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.
