Habitat Surveyor
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role. Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
ACRES - West Connacht Co-operation Projects
West Connacht Cooperation Project Limited has been contracted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to fulfil the role of Project Team in the implementation of the ACRES Co-operation Approach in the West Connacht region. The study area includes two co-operation zones namely South Mayo / Connemara and Northwest Connacht. Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through a mix of results-based and prescriptive actions, ACRES aims to achieve improved biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes. Through a hybrid payment model farmers will be rewarded and incentivised to maintain and enhance the environmental condition of their farms.
The Project Team are required to assess the habitat condition of commonage lands across West Connacht. This will involve a rapid assessment using habitat scorecards as previously used by other results-based agri‑environmental programmes such as the Pearl Mussel Project, the Hen Harrier Project, and the Wild Atlantic Nature Life project. The aim of the assessment is to determine the habitat score of each commonage parcel which will in turn determine the payment level to farmers. We now wish to appoint four habitat surveyors to assist with the assessment of commonage farmland on a full‑time fixed term contract (Six months commencing March 2026).
Location
The habitat surveyors will be based in the West Connacht area as illustrated in the map linked above. We foresee the successful candidates primarily working outdoors, often in remote locations, but may occasionally be required to attend our project offices (either Westport or Belmullet). Surveyors will work in teams comprising a minimum of two surveyors.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Undertake walkover surveys of coastal, peatland and upland habitats throughout West Connacht.
* Carry out your work as a member of a larger survey team.
* Liaise with landowners as required.
* Record survey data using digital devices operating GIS software in the field.
* Surveys will require the assessment of habitat condition (biological and physical characteristics) and an appraisal of land‑use management.
* Adhere to all health and safety protocols.
* Have an organised approach to surveys by ensuring a survey plan is in place prior to field work.
* Carry out a desktop appraisal of sites in advance of surveys to plan your route and ensure a targeted, safe and efficient approach is followed.
* Liaise with members of the wider ACRES West Connacht project team.
* Attend training as required (e.g. mountain skills, health and safety, habitat survey etc).
* Be available to work with and assist the wider team in delivering other aspects of the ACRES West Connacht agri‑environment scheme as required.
* Any other duties as assigned by the Survey Coordinator and ACRES West Connacht Project Manager.
The Ideal Candidate
This role would be ideally suited to someone who wishes to gain experience in ecological survey techniques. It is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the survey of terrestrial habitats (coastal, peatland, and upland habitats). The ideal candidate should enjoy working outdoors, have excellent communication and organisational skills, and a keen interest in land use, ecology, and nature conservation. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications and Experience – Minimum Requirements
* A degree in ecology / agriculture / environmental or related discipline.
* A full clean driver’s licence and use of own car.
Qualifications and Experience – Desirable
* Previous habitat survey experience, particularly in agricultural, upland, or peatland areas.
* Knowledge of Irish flora and fauna.
* Experience of remote sensing and/or use of drone technology.
* Good understanding of farmland and semi‑natural habitats in the west of Ireland.
* Experience of map reading / navigation.
Skills and Characteristics
* Excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
* Willing to take instruction and a keen appetite to learn new skills.
* Possess a positive, enthusiastic, pragmatic, solution‑driven, and flexible approach to work.
* Excellent organisation and planning skills.
* An ability to manage their own workload, ensuring that work is carried out on schedule, and a high attention to detail.
Salary and Employment Details
* The Habitat surveyors will be employed on a full‑time fixed term contract basis. The contract period will run for 6 months (March to September 2026).
Salary
€30,000 per annum (equivalent).
Expenses
Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid on a monthly basis. Personal equipment allowance budget.
Training
Full training will be provided to meet the needs of the successful candidates (ecology, agri‑environment, and health & safety).
Annual Leave
20 days per annum (10.5 days over the six month contract period).
How to Apply
Please email cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees by Friday the 13th February 2026.
Mary McAndrew
Project Manager
ACRES West Connacht
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