Habitat Surveyors (Four) (Ecology / Agriculture)

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 fulltime fixed term contract (eight months commencing March 2024).

 

The role of the Habitat Surveyors will be to undertake walkover surveys of commonage lands to determine habitat condition and quality. The surveyors will be fully trained in habitat survey techniques and the use of GPS enabled devices in the capture of field data. The work will be mostly outdoors with some time also given to data review and desktop survey planning.

The Habitat Surveyors will be based in the West Connacht area. 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. Please visit this link to find out more information about this - https://www.acreswestconnacht.ie/careers

• 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.

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.

• A degree in Ecology / Agriculture / environmental or related discipline.

• A full clean driver’s licence and use of own car.

• 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.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following 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.

The Habitat surveyors will be employed on a full-time fixed term contract basis. The contract period will run for 8 months (March to October 2024).

Salary: €30,000 per annum (equivalent).

Expenses: Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid on a monthly basis.

Personal equipment allowance budget of €300 at commencement.

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 (14 days over the eight month contract period).

Please email cover letter, CV, and contact details of two referees by Friday 16th February 2024

Mary McAndrew

Project Manager

ACRES West Connacht