Location
Oranmore, Galway - ACRES Munster / South Connacht Team

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
Mileage and other allowances
€1000 personal equipment allowance on appointment
€300 annual replenishment allowance
€500 sustainability allowance for plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle users
24 days annual leave
Pension scheme with matching employer's contribution up to 4%

About the Role
The Hen Harrier Programme Ltd has been contracted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to operate three ACRES Co-operation Projects as part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. This role is based within the ACRES Munster / South Connacht team and involves delivering a locally relevant agri-environment programme that addresses environmental challenges through direct farmer engagement.

As a Project Officer, you will be the primary farmer-facing representative within the Co-operation Project, supporting farmers to optimise their participation and outputs in the scheme. Your responsibilities will include habitat assessments, farm plan production, monitoring key species and environmental parameters, risk assessments related to biodiversity, heritage, water quality, fire, flooding and nest predation, and assisting in landscape action design.

You will also participate in commonage assessments, assist with drone surveys alongside the Remote Sensing officer, and develop engagement with local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Additional duties include supporting staff, government bodies, and screening proposed non-productive investments and landscape actions. You will also deliver training to farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders.

Following initial training, you will engage in a detailed Continuous Professional Development Programme covering wildlife monitoring, nest protection, habitat remediation, wildfire resilience, invasive species control, methods of instruction, mountain safety, small boat handling, and gain experience with advanced Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence technologies.

Career progression opportunities to Senior Project Officer or Team Lead roles may be available for suitable candidates after a period of service.

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

About you
Motivated and proactive individual with strong communication skills and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Ability to work collaboratively with farmers, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams. Willingness to engage in continuous professional development and adapt to evolving technologies and methodologies.

Qualifications
Level 8 degree in Agriculture, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Zoology or a closely related discipline.
Full clean driving licence.
Eligible to work in Ireland.

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
- Proficiency in GIS software, especially ArcGIS and QGIS