Project Officer – ACRES Co-operation Project (Oranmore, Galway)
Closing date for applications is August 17th 2025. This is a fixed-term contract running until December 31st 2027.
The Hen Harrier Programme Ltd have been contracted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to operate 3 of the ACRES Co-operation Projects that are part of Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. Our company is delivering this initiative across ACRES Breifne, ACRES Leinster and ACRES Munster South Connacht.
Location
We are looking for a Project Officer to join our ACRES Munster / South Connacht Team in Oranmore, Galway.
Role Overview
Project Officers are the primary farmer facing role within the Co-operation Project. They have a key role in the delivery of a locally relevant agri-environment programme that addresses the many challenges for our environment. The Project Officer is there to support farmers in the programme and ensure that the outputs from a farmer's participation in the scheme are optimised.
Key Responsibilities
* Assess habitats and participate in the quality control of habitat assessments submitted by farm advisors
* Produce farm plans
* Participate in the monitoring of key species/habitats and chemical physical parameters as required
* Assist in the assessment of risks to biodiversity, archaeological heritage, and water quality
* Assess fire, flooding, and nest predation risks at a local level
* Assist in the selection and design of landscape actions
* Participate in commonage assessments throughout the country
* Assist the Remote Sensing officer with drone surveys
* Develop engagement with local communities, NGOs and other local stakeholders
* Provide support to staff, DAFM, NPWS and other stakeholders as directed
* Screen proposed non-productive investments and landscape actions
* Deliver training to farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders
Professional Development
Following initial training, Project Officers will undergo a detailed Continuous Professional Development Programme, including opportunities in:
* Wildlife Monitoring
* Nest Protection
* Habitat remediation
* Rewetting
* Wildfire Resilience
* Control of Invasive Species
* Methods of Instruction
* Mountain Safety
* Small Boat Handling
You'll also gain experience with advanced Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence technologies.
Career Progression
Opportunities to progress to Senior Project Officer or Team Lead level may be available for suitable candidates after a period of service.
Requirements
* Level 8 degree in Agriculture, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Zoology or similar
* Full clean driving licence
* Eligible to work in Ireland
* 2 years of relevant experience
Desirable Qualifications
* 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 especially ArcGIS and QGIS
Compensation & Benefits
* 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 employers contribution up to 4%