A day in the life of a fisheries officer (2020)
What is it like to work on the ground for Inland Fisheries Ireland and could this be a job for you? Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched a recruitment campaign for Seasonal Fisheries Officers. Current officer Padraig Carroll gives his story.
4th March 2020 Inland Fisheries Ireland
Fisheries Officer: Padraig Carroll
Based in: Cavan
River Basin District (RBD): North Western River Basin District
What does a typical day in the life of a fishery officer look like?
My day generally consists of going into the office in the morning, checking a few emails, before heading out on site assessing structures for repair/replacement or general maintenance, meeting landowners and planning the week ahead for the team.
Did you always want to be a fishery officer and what persuaded you to become one?
I have always loved angling and I’ve been an angler all my life. My father taught me how to fish when I was six and I never looked back. I have worked in fisheries since 2017.
When did you decide you wanted to be a fishery officer and how did you get started?
In my local angling club, we had completed work with Inland Fisheries Ireland (we had them in to do some surveys) and I just thought it was a great job to be in. The opportunity came when a General Operative job arose in Roscommon. I was working in construction at the time so I said that was my chance. I applied for the job and was lucky enough to get that contract. Then, the following season, I became a Fisheries Officer. One thing led to another, I went for a job in Cavan and then became a Fisheries Officer on a permanent basis. I’ve since become an Assistant Fisheries Inspector in the North West region.
What is your favourite thing about the job?
The variety of the job – you never know what you’re going to come across or what you’re going to be doing. You could go from power boating to putting up stiles or bridges, meeting anglers or weighing catches at the World Pairs Angling Championship 2019, like we did last year when the event was held in Cavan. That was a great experience, we met World Champions and international anglers and got to talk to them and get their opinions. I would have seen those anglers in magazines when I was growing up and all of a sudden you’re there beside them getting photos – amazing.
When it comes to fisheries development work, seeing the improvements you’ve made to angling structures make a difference is very rewarding. You could see a lake or river with no structure (like stands or slipways) and then we meet with the angling club, install the structures and then you see the anglers using them. Building and putting up stands and actually coming back to see anglers sitting on them and enjoying their visit, that sort of thing keeps you motivated. It’s great to see the progress which we can make; we have one completed and we’re working on the next one and before you know it, there’s an angler using it straight away. It’s the best thing to see. Also, seeing how the updated angling infrastructure keeps kids safe by ensuring they’re not standing in muck and water when fishing – that’s all important work if we want to secure the future of angling in Ireland.
What do you think about the most important skills needed for this position?
Communication and common sense. Also a knowledge of angling as well, that’s 90% of it I’d say.
What, in your opinion, is the biggest challenge facing the fisheries resource?
A decline in youth angling, I have noticed it both in my own fishing and patrolling the Cavan area. We need to get more young people fishing, simple as that. From speaking to the likes of international anglers, it’s the same for other countries.
What is the most interesting thing you have discovered or seen in your job?
There’s lots of things but I suppose doing salmonid redd counts. You know, seeing the spawning and the spawning habitat.
What are you most proud of in your working life?
Seeing angling structures which we have installed make a difference. It is great to see the hard work we put in actually benefiting local communities and clubs. Also, working as part of a team is an important part of the job for me.
What do you do in your spare time to unwind?
Simple – angling and being in the outdoors!
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in fisheries?
I’d say go for it! You could end up with a lifelong career, especially if you love the outdoors and if you’re into angling. You don’t have to love just angling, but an appreciation for the outdoors would be useful as well. If you enjoy the natural world and like working on or near water then it’s the job for you. The variety of the job and working in the fresh air is great!
Spend your summer in some of Ireland’s most beautiful locations patrolling, protecting and enhancing our lakes, rivers and waterways
Inland Fisheries Ireland are delighted to announce the launch of their Seasonal Recruitment Campaign for the role of Fisheries Officers.
The roles are available on a six-month basis with contracts commencing from Monday 11th of May 2020 and training provided to all new recruits. The closing date for applications is Monday 16th of March 2020. Interviews will take place on the 1st and 2nd of April 2020. The locations for the new positions will be based across the country in the following districts:
- Eastern River Basin District: Drogheda, County Louth | Virginia, County Cavan | Kilcoole, County Wicklow
- South Eastern River Basin District: Carrick on Suir, County Tipperary |Enniscorthy, County Wexford
- South Western River Basin District: Kenmare, County Kerry
- Shannon River Basin District: Listowel, County Kerry | Limerick, County Limerick | County Clare | Lough Sheelin, County Cavan
- Western River Basin District: Galway, County Galway | Bangor, County Mayo | Ballina, County Mayo
- North Western River Basin District: Letterkenny, County Donegal | Ballyshannon, County Donegal | Clady Crolly, Gweedore, County Donegal | Cavan, County Cavan
If you think you have what it takes and would like to see a full job description and to find out how to apply please go to www.fisheriesireland.ie/careers
About Inland Fisheries Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.