High Nature Value Services are recruiting two project officers to work with the ACRES Burren Aran CP Team on a 6-month contract.
Background
ACRES is the national agri-environment climate measure (AECM) with over 54,000 participating farmers throughout Ireland. Using a habitats-based approach, delivered through a mix of results-based and prescriptive actions, ACRES aims to achieve improved biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes. Through a hybrid payment model farmers will be rewarded and incentivised to maintain and enhance the environmental condition of their farms.
Farmers participating in the Co-operation approach have the assistance of a Local Co Operation Project (CP) Team, who assist with the implementation of the scheme at local level. For more information on the scheme see www.acresburrenaran.ie
Location
Project Officers will be assigned to different local areas within the Burren Aran region . The role will involve a mix of field and office-based work and candidates will be based in our office in Carron.
Job Description
The Project Officers' primary role is to support farmers and farm advisors throughout the delivery of the scheme. They will actively engage with farmers to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the opportunities available to them through the scheme and to encourage their active participation with a view to achieving better environmental outcomes that are most relevant and beneficial to the local area. The job is an opportunity for somebody motivated to promote farming practices that maintain and enhance the environmental quality of the Burren, South Galway and Aran Island areas.
Duties and responsibilities
- Main point of contact between farmers and the project team.
- Screening farm actions proposed by farm advisors (includes Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) and Landscape Actions (LAs)).
- Submission of Landscape Action plans as well as verification checks of completed works.
- Continual liaison with the farming community in respective local area.
- Provide agri-environmental advice and support to participant farmers.
- Preparation of reports, training materials, and presentations as required.
- Work closely with the wider project team. Any other duties as assigned by the Project Manager.
Key Details
- Salary: €39,000 pa gross FTE (pro-rata; + employer pension contribution as standard rates) Flexible working: Part-time options can be discussed
- Location: Carron, Co. Clare, partial hybrid options can be discussed.
- Contract type: Initially six months with possible extension.
- Benefits: Auto-enrolment for eligible employees in MyFutureFund, the new State sponsored retirement saving scheme with employer contributions; flexible working hours; and invaluable training and experience working alongside highly skilled and experienced professionals.
- Expenses: Travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed on a monthly basis.
- Annual leave: 22 day per annum pro rata.
- Other details: A small budget will be available to cover personal protective equipment required to fulfil the role.
The Ideal Candidate
This role would be ideally suited to someone who wishes to develop a career in the growing agri-environmental sector. The ideal candidate should enjoy working indoors and outdoors, have excellent communication and organisational skills, and a keen interest in farming, the environment and biodiversity.
Essential criteria:
- A degree in agriculture, ecology, environmental or related discipline.
- A full clean driver’s licence.
- Own transport.
- Fluent spoken and written English.
- Be eligible to work in Ireland.
- Applicants should have some experience in the agriculture / ecology / agri environmental sectors.
Desirable criteria:
- A strong knowledge and understanding about farming, particularly about farming in the Burren or Aran Islands landscape.
- DAFM FAS Approved.
- A keen interest in botany, ornithology, archaeology, invasive species removal and/or water quality.
To Apply:
Applicants should send a covering letter, detailed CV outlining relevant experience and skills, and the names and contact numbers of at least two referees via e-mail (in Word or PDF format only) to: [email protected]. Applicants must put Project Officer in the subject line of e-mail applications.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 14th August 2026. Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
Interviews are planned to be held in person Gort, Co.Galway Thursday 27th August 2026.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified, and details of those deemed suitable for appointment will be retained on an internal panel for consideration should similar posts arise in the future.
Pay: €39,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Carran, County Clare
