The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group wishes to recruit a seasonal part time Marine Biologist to run research surveys onboard IWDG’s research vessel Celtic Mist.
Photo by IWDG Member Marcus Hogan
Celtic Mist was donated to the IWDG in 2011, by the family of Ireland’s former Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey. At 17m, Celtic Mist has become IWDG’s flagship vessel, equipped to accommodate eight people. Celtic Mist has surveyed Irish inshore and offshore waters since 2012, successfully circum-navigating Ireland on several occasions.
This years surveys onboard Celtic Mist will run for seven days, departing from a variety of locations throughout Ireland from May – September 2025. The biologist will manage and deliver the data collection programme onboard Celtic Mist, collecting vital information on cetaceans in Irish waters. They will be responsible for training members in marine mammal survey techniques, managing the data collection and communicating the project through our social media channels.
Job Specifications:
A detailed programme of work will be agreed with the successful candidate at the outset. The successful candidate will report to the IWDG Science Officer and work closely with other IWDG Officers, especially the Celtic Mist and Marine Policy and Advocacy Officer.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
- Partake fully in all aspects of the survey, acting as a full crew member and participating in all operational, domestic, and social aspects of the survey.
- Manage the robust data collection and storage of error corrected survey data on board Celtic Mist under the supervision of IWDG’s Science Officer.
- Maintain dataset
- Carry out initial data cleaning
- Carry out photo ID
- Maintain media catalogue
- Train and supervise volunteer members in visual marine mammal survey techniques.
- Carry out and improve onboard member training
- Ensure members have the best survey possible
- Maintain a good atmosphere on board
- Create a ‘storm day plan’ to carry out extra activities when necessary
- Coordinate with other marine biologists during the season to ensure consistency in data collection.
- Ensure handover is consistent across the season
- Train other biologists that come on board in data collection methods
- Maintain on board science equipment (computer hardware and software, cameras) in coordination with the Science Officer.
- Work with the Digital Content Officer and Science Officer to provide content for website news articles and provide social media updates.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Degree in a scientific or environmental discipline or over two years of experience in marine mammal surveying.
- Knowledge and experience of marine mammal survey techniques, including visual data collection methods.
- Cetacean ID skills
- Offshore sailing/ boating experience (formal qualifications not essential but desirable).
- Provable experience in working with databases (Access, excel).
- Experience in photo identification techniques of marine mammals.
- Medical certificate (i.e., ML5 or ENG11).
- Garda vetted by start date.
- A postgraduate degree in marine/cetacean science.
- Experience delivering citizen science projects and volunteer management.
- Demonstrable experience in developing training material and delivering training programmes.
- Knowledge of and experience using IFAW LOGGER.
- Photography skills
- Experience using a variety of social media platforms.
Terms of Employment:
Salary: This position is part time and will be compensated with a gross daily rate of €120 (€60 for half day) for up to 70 days.
Contract: This is a part time role running from May – September (schedule below) You will be required to work weekends and bank holidays.
Place of Work: IWDG is based in Kilrush, Co. Clare. However, after initial training the role will take place onboard IWDG’s research vessel Celtic Mist which will sail from various locations along the coast of Ireland. This will involve staying onboard with other members of the IWDG crew as well as IWDG members for seven days at a time. Travel to and from each departure and arrival ports will be required although expenses will be provided.
Schedule (can be modified)
| LEG01 – Kilrush to Rossaveal | 17 May – 23 May | |
| LEG02 – Rossaveal to Killybegs | 24 May – 30 May | |
| LEG03 – Killybegs to Derry | 31 May – 6 June | Biologist |
| LEG04 – Derry to Derry | 7 June – 13 June | Biologist |
| LEG05 – Derry to Ballycastle | 14 June – 20 June | Biologist |
| LEG06 – Ballycastle to Ballycastle | 21 June – 27 June | Biologist |
| LEG07 – Ballycastle to Kilkeel | 28 June – 04 July | |
| LEG08 – Kilkeel to Dublin | 05 July 11 July | Biologist |
| LEG09 – Dublin to Crosshaven | 12 July – 18 July | Biologist |
| LEG10 – Crosshaven to Kinsale | 19 July – 25 July | Biologist |
| LEG11 – Kinsale to Bantry | 26 July – 01 August | Biologist |
| LEG12 – Bantry to Bantry | 02 August – 08 August | |
| LEG13 – Bantry to Dingle | 09 August – 15 August | Biologist |
| LEG14 – Dingle to Dingle | 16 August – 22 August | Biologist |
| LEG15 – Dingle to Kilrush | 23 August – 29 August |
Application procedure:
Send a CV and letter of interest to jack.ocallaghan@iwdg.ie. Enquires can also be made to Jack O’Callaghan at (+353) 659051763. Your letter of interest should be in pdf format and a maximum of one page in length. In your letter, please outline your motivation for this position and why you feel you have the skills and experience to succeed in the role. Please put ‘Celtic Mist Marine Biologist’ in the email subject line.
Closing date for applications: 5pm on 30th April 2025. Interviews will take place online the following week. Please note the successful candidate will be required to start on 26th to sail on 31st May 2025.
Further information about Celtic Mist and the work of the IWDG can be found at www.iwdg.ie
