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 six full-time employees, eight service providers and 12 consultants who help the IWDG deliver its work plan. It also has over 1000 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 IWDG archived data, manage IWDG science projects, 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 will be encouraged to seek funding for research projects.
The successful applicant will have a strong scientific background and a track record of management and cetacean research. The Science Officer will have practical experience of database management, good communication skills and knowledge of cetaceans in Ireland. Knowledge of commercial fishing and Marine Protected Areas would be an advantage. The contract will be for a maximum of three years, pending a successful six-month-review.
The Science Officer will be based in the IWDG head office in Kilrush, Co Clare but there is provision for remote working (see IWDG Remote Working Policy).
Core tasks of the role include:
- Contribute significantly to the IWDG Science Programme (as outlined in the Strategic Plan)
- Provide scientific support to the IWDG Stranding and Sightings Schemes
- Provide scientific support to the Shannon Dolphin Project and WhaleTrack Ireland
- Provide scientific support to the IWDG research vessel Celtic Mist
- Manage IWDG Science Projects
- 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
- Help to implement IWDG policies, including engagement with stakeholders
- Advance the development of Marine Conservation Zones (MPA),
- Explore and apply for funding for research projects
Qualifications and Experience:
- Higher-level qualification in marine related subject essential (PhD is desirable)
- Excellent writing and communication skills in English essential
- Flexibility and ability to work in a team essential
- Knowledge of marine policies and legal frameworks in Ireland
- Publication record is desirable
- Experience of acoustics including setting/downloading SAM
- Competency with GIS very desirable
- Full driving licence for driving in Ireland essential
- Consultancy experience is desirable
- Ability to communicate through Irish is very advantageous
Interested candidates should contact ceo@iwdg.ie for more information.
Please put Science Officer Position in subject box.
This is a full-time job as an IWDG employee for a fixed period of a maximum of 3 years. Salary will align with IEN pay scales and start at €46,503-€59,043 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Closing date: 31 October 2024 @ 5pm
More information about this opportunity can be found here.