Job Application – Citizen Science Officer for ACCLIMATISE

Job Title: Citizen Science Officer – ACCLIMATISE Project

Organisation: Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG)

Location: Based in Northern Ireland (Hybrid considered)

Contract Type: 3 Years full-time
Starting Salary: €38,000
Application Deadline: 28th November 2025

About the IWDG

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) is an all-Ireland charity dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans through research, education, and outreach. The IWDG manages Ireland’s cetacean stranding and sighting schemes and maintains unique long-term datasets on cetacean populations. Much of our data comes from citizen science schemes which we manage, validate and make available to support conservation actions and policies.

About the ACCLIMATISE Project

ACCLIMATISE (A Changing CLimate Impact Monitoring and Assessment Toolbox for Irish SEas) is a cross-border project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). ACCLIMATISE will bring together partners from Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland. The project focuses on marine biodiversity monitoring, particularly bottlenose dolphins, to inform transboundary conservation policies and ecosystem-based management.

Role Overview

IWDG is seeking a highly motivated Citizen Science Officer to lead the development and delivery of Activity 3.2 of the ACCLIMATISE project – Photo-identification and connectivity of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the waters of Northern Ireland and adjacent waters. The successful candidate will coordinate citizen science efforts in Northern Ireland and County Donegal, collect and manage photo-identification data, and contribute to abundance estimation and transboundary conservation assessments of bottlenose dolphins.

Key Responsibilities

  • Promote and expand the IWDG sighting scheme and citizen science engagement in Northern Ireland and the border counties.
  • Coordinate and deliver outreach, training workshops, and public engagement events (in-person and online).
  • Mine social media platforms for records and images of cetaceans (especially bottlenose dolphins) to contribute to photo-id catalogues.
  • Curate and cross-match bottlenose dolphin photo-identification images from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland into a shared transboundary catalogue.
  • Collaborate with local and international project partners on data sharing and catalogue standardisation.
  • Support mark-recapture modelling and analysis to estimate abundance and assess social connectivity of dolphin populations.
  • Prepare progress reports and contribute to deliverables under ACCLIMATISE Output 3.2.
  • Contribute to communications outputs including social media content, educational materials, and public updates.
  • Represent the IWDG at key events and meetings

Essential Requirements

  • Degree in marine biology, environmental science, ecology, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience with photo-identification and cetacean data collection.
  • Strong organisational and coordination skills, especially with community-based initiatives.
  • Proven ability to engage effectively with the public and deliver training or outreach.
  • Proficiency in data management, photo analysis software, and Microsoft Office tools.
  • Willingness to travel within Ireland and Northern Ireland and to attend field and outreach events.

Desirable Skills

  • Experience in mark-recapture or population modelling techniques.
  • Knowledge of bottlenose dolphin behaviour, ecology, and conservation legislation (e.g. MSFD, OSPAR, UK Marine Strategy).
  • GIS skills or experience with mapping spatial data.
  • Familiarity with citizen science platforms or public engagement tools.
  • Marine safety training or boat handling experience.

What We Offer

  • An opportunity to contribute meaningfully to cross-border conservation efforts.
  • A collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
  • Flexible working arrangements and support for professional development.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to jack.ocallaghan@iwdg.ie and put Citizen Science Officer in the subject box