Location
Lismore, Co. Waterford. The office will serve participant farmers in the Knockmealdowns, Nagles, Galtee, and Comeragh Mountains. Successful applicants will complete a one-month training period in another regional office.

Hours
Full time, fixed-term contract until December 31st, 2027.

Salary
Starting salary €37,000 per year rising to €41,000 on successful completion of year 1. Additional allowances include mileage and other allowances, €1000 personal equipment allowance on appointment, €300 annual replenishment allowance, and €500 sustainability allowance for plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle users.

About the Role
The Project Officer is the primary farmer-facing role within the ACRES Co-operation Project, delivering a locally relevant agri-environment programme addressing environmental challenges. The role supports farmers to optimise outputs from their participation in the scheme. Key responsibilities include assessing habitats, quality control of habitat assessments, producing farm plans, monitoring key species and habitats, assessing risks to biodiversity, archaeological heritage and water quality, evaluating fire, flooding and nest predation risks, assisting in landscape action design and commonage assessments, supporting drone surveys, engaging with local communities and stakeholders, providing support to staff and agencies, screening proposed non-productive investments, and delivering training to farmers and advisors.

Professional Development
Following initial training, Project Officers will participate in a Continuous Professional Development Programme covering wildlife monitoring, nest protection, habitat remediation, rewetting, wildfire resilience, invasive species control, methods of instruction, mountain safety, and small boat handling. Experience with advanced Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence technologies will also be gained.

Career Progression
Opportunities to progress to Senior Project Officer or Team Lead may be available for suitable candidates after a period of service.

Experience
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in agriculture, ecology, environmental science, or related fields.

About you
Motivated and capable of working closely with farmers and stakeholders to deliver environmental programmes. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential. Eligible to work in Ireland and hold a full clean driving licence.

Qualifications
Level 8 degree in Agriculture, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Zoology or similar.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills
- FAS Approval as a Farm Advisor
- Approval as a Pesticide Advisor
- Membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
- Experience in Bat/Bird Monitoring, Hydrology or Environmental Impact Assessment
- GIS skills, especially ArcGIS and QGIS