The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is an All-Ireland NGO “dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in Irish waters through study, education and interpretation”. The IWDG has charitable status (CHY 11163), is regulated by the Charity Regulators (No. 20029913) and is a Limited Company (332093). Currently it has two full-time employees, eight service providers and 12 consultants who help the IWDG deliver its work plan. It also has over 600 members, many of whom contribute to its Sighting and Stranding Schemes, and other activities on a voluntary basis. Over the past 30 years, the IWDG has grown into a large, credible and complex organisation. Its activities range from co-ordinating cetacean stranding and sighting schemes, to running a 56ft research vessel, provision of Marine Mammal Observers, preparing policy documents and action plans and informing the public about the importance of Ireland for cetaceans.
The IWDG wishes to recruit a Science Officer to join its core team based in the Shannon Dolphin Centre, Kilrush, Co Clare. The Science Officer will be expected to work closely with the team in Kilrush and other officers in the IWDG. The officer will be expected to manage all IWDG archived data, identify relevant opportunities to collect and interpret IWDG data, contribute to conservation actions and policies, identify gaps in IWDG scientific knowledge and priorities for scientific research and identify roles for the IWDG research vessel Celtic Mist and will be encouraged to seek funding for research projects. The officer will also contribute heavily to IWDG Consulting, including desk-top assessments and site fieldwork.
The successful applicant will have a strong scientific background and a track record of cetacean research. The Science Officer will have practical experience of database management, good communication skills and knowledge of cetaceans in Ireland. Commercial fishing experience would be an asset and knowledge of Marine Protected Areas. Environmental consultancy experience is important as the successful candidate will also be contributing to consultancy outputs. The contract will be for a maximum of three years, pending a successful annual review and the availability of funds. The Science Officer will be based in the IWDG head office in Kilrush, Co Clare.
Core tasks of the role include:
- Contribute significantly to the IWDG Science Programme (as outlined in the current 3 Year plan)
- Contribute significantly to IWDG Consulting (see http://consulting.iwdg.ie)
- Use IWDG data and other sources to develop and support conservation policies and actions
- Identify uses of IWDG datasets including managing requests for IWDG data
- Implement IWDG policies on commercial fishing, including engagement with stakeholders
- Advance the development of Marine Conservation Zones (MPA), including engagement with stakeholders
- Exploring and applying for funding for research projects
- Contribute to Celtic Mist surveys and organize data collection by IWDG members
- Assistance with the Shannon Dolphin Project and WhaleTrack Ireland
Qualifications and Experience:
- Higher-level qualification in marine related subject essential
- Excellent writing and communication skills in English essential
- Full driving licence to drive in Ireland essential
- Flexibility and ability to work in a team essential
- Consultancy experience is very desirable
- Familiarisation with GIS very desirable
- Relevant MSc in marine or related subject is desirable
- Current MMO cert is desirable
- Publication output is desirable
- Power boat handling qualifications desirable
- Spoken Irish is advantageous
- Experience of commercial fishing is advantageous
This is a full-time job as an IWDG employee for a fixed period of a maximum of 3 years. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and will align with recommendations for graduates in Ireland and is likely to be in the region of €30-40,000 per annum.
Interested candidates should contact ceo@iwdg.ie if they require more information.
Applications including full CV should be sent to ceo@iwdg.ie
Please put Science Officer Position in subject box.
Closing date: 26 March 2021 @ 5pm