Overview
Water Quality Analyst / Science Officer Jobs in Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland at Ballisodare Fishing Club
Title: Water Quality Analyst / Science Officer
Company: Ballisodare Fishing Club
Location: Sligo, County Sligo, Ireland
📍 Ballisodare, Co. Sligo / Home-Based
🕒 Part-time: 20 hours per week
💶 Gross Salary: €3,500 per month
📄 Contract: 9-month fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension
About Ballisodare Fishing Club CLG
Ballisodare Fishing Club CLG is committed to conserving, protecting, rehabilitating and improving the rivers and natural water bodies of the Ballisodare River Catchment and surrounding watersheds. BFC works very closely with ATU Sligo. Lisa Cronin (Lecturer and Researcher) has been providing valuable environmental science and water quality advice to BFC over the past two years and plays a pivotal role in this respect.
The organisation has developed a community-focused approach to water management in County Sligo, supporting projects that protect river health, improve water quality, restore aquatic habitats and safeguard the long-term future of wild salmon, trout, biodiversity and the wider freshwater environment.
We are now seeking an enthusiastic, ambitious and self-motivated Water Quality Analyst / Science Officer to help drive this work forward at an exciting stage in the organisation’s development.
About the Role
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting Ballisodare Fishing Club CLG’s environmental, conservation and community-focused programmes.
This role will involve helping to deliver projects that improve, restore and maintain the rivers and water sources of the Ballisodare Catchment for the benefit of the local community, the protection of the environment, and the conservation of wild salmon and other aquatic life.
The post will operate under the direction of the Board of Directors of Ballisodare Fishing Club CLG, liaising with the Project Manager where required. Part of the role will also involve helping the Board identify and secure future funding to support the long-term sustainability of the position and related conservation projects.
Specific Knowledge Required
The role requires some knowledge and understanding of the:
• European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations.
• Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).
• Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977-1990.
• EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)
• Nitrates Directive (Directive 91/676/EEC)
• Inland Fisheries Act 2010
• Water Quality and impacts of pollution.
An enthusiasm for fieldwork along with an existing knowledge and or experience in Catchment Science and Management and salmon conservation, freshwater habitats and sustainable river management will be an advantage.
Key Responsibilities
The Water Quality Analyst / Science Officer’s duties will include, but may not be limited to:
- Supporting water-quality monitoring and river-health assessment across the Ballisodare Catchment using portable and fixed electronic water quality sondes.
- Helping identify pressures affecting rivers, water quality, salmon habitat, biodiversity and climate resilience.
- Delivering programmes of work including community discussions, training programmes, project plans, surveys and project reports.
- Supporting habitat improvement works, river clean-ups, balsam bashes and other practical conservation activities with contractors and volunteers.
- Maintaining accurate records, internal spreadsheets, correspondence, timesheets, event records and volunteer hours.
- Preparing project reports and updates for the Board, funders and interested stakeholders.
- Coordinating Ballisodare Fishing Club CLG programmes as agreed with the Board.
- Organising volunteer events and public engagement activities.
- Liaising with schools, community organisations and local stakeholders to raise awareness of water quality, salmon conservation, biodiversity and environmental protection.
- Managing and maintaining project assets and equipment.
- Identifying funding opportunities for environmental projects, including opportunities that support staff and administrative costs.
- Working with Directors to prepare project proposals and submit funding applications.
- Identifying opportunities for local companies to support the organisation through Corporate Social Responsibility sponsorship.
- Liaising with LAWPRO’s Community Water Officer and Catchment Science Lead in the Ballisodare catchment area when required.
- Liaising with ATU Sligo’s Environmental Science Department Lecturers and Placement Students.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have:
- Knowledge of environmental matters, particularly rivers, water quality, biodiversity, climate change and catchment pressures.
- A strong interest in salmon conservation, freshwater habitats and sustainable river management.
- Knowledge and experience of ecological and botanical assessments, water quality testing and the use of GIS.
- Knowledge and experience of field work and of various sampling protocols (e.g., grab samples, discrete depth sampling, or benthic kick sampling) while avoiding sample contamination.
- Experience engaging with the general public, community groups and interested individuals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
- Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders and the ability to build networks and successfully influence key internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience delivering community projects or environmental programmes.
- An understanding of Nature-Based Solutions, or a willingness to learn.
- Experience managing projects with deadlines and producing reports for funders.
- Knowledge of agricultural practices and an understanding of agricultural impacts on water quality and the environment.
- Ability to work independently and solve problems, pinpoint the critical information and address issues logically.
- Good IT skills and experience in maintaining records or spreadsheets.
- Good understanding of environmental policy, regulation and legislation.
- Good knowledge and awareness of the statutory obligations of Health and Safety Legislation, particularly working around water and the implications for health and safety for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.
- Experience developing project proposals and funding applications would be beneficial.
Education, Training and Experience
Applicants must, on the date of appointment hold:
- A FETAC / QQI Level 8 or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering, ideally with a minimum of two years’ relevant post-qualification experience;
- or
- A FETAC / QQI Level 8 or equivalent qualification in Sustainable Rural Development or Community Development, ideally with a minimum of two years’ relevant post-qualification experience;
- or
- A minimum of five years’ experience relevant to the requirements of the role.
Employees are required to attend and participate fully in any training programmes and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.
Verification of Educational Qualifications
Prior to the appointment, the candidate will be required to present original evidence of their certificate, diploma and/or degree.
* Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications; overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document
Transport and Driving Licence
The successful candidate must have their own transport, hold a current full driving license in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License on the latest date for the receipt of completed applications, and their vehicle must be insured for business use in addition to domestic use.
Hours of Work
This is a part-time role of 20 hours per week, which may include occasional evening and weekend work. Flexible working hours will apply, with time in lieu where appropriate.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the future of the Ballisodare River Catchment.
You will help protect and improve local rivers, support wild salmon and freshwater biodiversity, work with local communities, and contribute to meaningful environmental projects in County Sligo.
For someone passionate about water quality, river conservation and community-led environmental action, this role offers the chance to be part of practical, visible and long-term change.
How to Apply
Please email:
- A CV, and
- A covering letter outlining your relevant experience and what you will bring to the role and to the communities of Sligo / Ballisodare Catchment.
📩 Email: [email protected]
📝 Subject line: Water Quality Analyst / Science Officer Application – [Your Name]
Ballisodare Fishing Club reserves the right to shortlist applications in accordance with the qualifications for the post, and each application may be assessed against pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position as outlined. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to provide a detailed and accurate account of their qualifications and/or experience in their application form and to outline the relevance of their application.
