Project Officers wanted
Project Officers – ACRES Co-operation Project
Closing date for applications is August 14th 2026
The Hen Harrier Programme Ltd have been contracted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to operate 3 of the ACRES Co-operation Projects that are part of Irelands CAP Strategic Plan. Our company is delivering ACRES Breifne, ACRES Leinster and ACRES Munster South Connacht.
Location: Options Nationwide
We are looking for Project Officers to join our teams in any of our regional locations Leitrim, Kerry, Galway, Waterford, and Wicklow.The initial contract is for 15 months.
Role Overview
Project Officers are the primary farmer facing role within the Co-operation Project. They have a key role in the delivery of a locally relevant agri-environment programme that addresses the many challenges for our environment. The Project Officer is there to support farmers in the programme and ensure that the outputs from a farmer’s participation in the scheme are optimised.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess habitats and participate in the quality control of habitat assessments submitted by farm advisors
- Produce farm plans
- Participate in the monitoring of key species/habitats and chemical physical parameters as required
- Assist in the assessment of risks to biodiversity, archaeological heritage, and water quality
- Assess fire, flooding, and nest predation risks at a local level
- Assist in the selection and design of landscape actions
- Participate in commonage assessments throughout the country
- Assist the Remote Sensing officer with drone surveys
- Develop engagement with local communities, NGOs and other local stakeholders
- Provide support to staff, DAFM, NPWS and other stakeholders as directed
- Screen proposed non-productive investments and landscape actions
- Deliver training to farmers, advisors, and other stakeholders
Professional Development
Following initial training, Project Officers will undergo a detailed Continuous Professional Development Programme, including opportunities in:
Wildlife Monitoring
Nest Protection
Habitat remediation
Rewetting
Wildfire Resilience
Control of Invasive Species
Methods of Instruction
Mountain Safety
Small Boat Handling
Drone Piloting
You will also gain experience with advanced Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence technologies.
Career Progression:
Opportunities to progress to Senior Project Officer or Team Lead level may be available for suitable candidates after a period of service.
Requirements:
Level 8 degree in Agriculture, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Zoology or similar
Full clean driving licence
Eligible to work in Ireland
Desirable Qualifications:
FAS Approval as a Farm Advisor
Approval as a Pesticide Advisor
Membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)
Experience in Bat/Bird Monitoring, Hydrology or Environmental Impact Assessment
GIS especially ArcGIS and QGIS
Compensation & Benefits
Starting salary:
Project Officer (2> 2 years Experience €38,000 in Year 1, rising to €41,000 in year 2)
Graduate Project Officer €33,000 in Year 1 rising to €37,000 in year 2 and €41,000 in year 3.
Mileage and other allowances
+ €700 personal equipment allowance on appointment
+ €200 annual replenishment allowance
+ €500 sustainability allowance for plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle users
24 days annual leave
Pension scheme with employer matching up to 4% on commencement of contract.
How to Apply
Closing date for applications is August 14th 2026. Please apply by uploading your cover letter, CV and other relevant documents. For queries, contact our head office on (091) 792 865