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Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Ecologist. The ideal candidate will carry out work on the river systems and have expertise in fish surveys and electrofishing, fish telemetry with floy, acoustic, PIT, radio, CWT and/or PSATs tags, data analysis and reporting. The role involves conducting field studies, research, data collection, and report writing to gather data to support the delivery of ESB’s Sustainable River Strategy (SRS) and to improve river connectivity across Ireland.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct fish telemetry studies to estimate hydro-turbine mortality rates for downstream migrating European eels and Atlantic salmon smolts, and to test fish behaviour around fish guidance/deterrence systems.
- Design and implement fish telemetry projects to monitor fish movement and behaviour around fish passes and locks, to improve, retrofit, or build new fish pass infrastructure.
- Perform electrofishing surveys to assess fish population abundance and distribution in the River Shannon, Lee, Liffey, Erne, and Clady, upstream and downstream power stations.
- Assist with the analysis of hydrometric data around fish pass and dam/weir infrastructure to inform future improvements.
- Collect, manage, and analyse data related to fish populations and river health.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations on findings and project progress. Publish research findings and information in peer reviewed journals.
- Collaborate with the sustainable rivers team to develop and implement fish passage improvement projects.
- Conduct site visits to hydropower and river development sites to assist with project implementation.
Experience and Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in survey design, implementation, coordination, data analysis, and reporting (resulting in peer-reviewed publications).
- Degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (preferred but candidates with suitable MSc degree will be also considered).
- Experience with fish survey and telemetry techniques (floy, acoustic, PIT, radio, CWT and/or PSATs tags).
- Expertise in data analysis/programming software e.g. R; and familiarity with fish telemetry/tracking software e.g. Fathom.
- Full driving license.
