Job Opportunities

Job title: ACRES Donegal Project Officer

Background

ACRES (Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme) is the new national agri-environment climate measure (AECM) that will be available to 46,000 farmers throughout Ireland from 2023. 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. There are two approaches under the scheme:

• an ACRES General approach offering a range of measures for individual farmers (both targeted and general); and

• an ACRES Co-operation approach, available to farmers in eight high-priority geographical areas, who opt to undertake measures, as well as bespoke farm, and landscape actions.

Farmers participating in the Co-operation approach will have the assistance of a Local Co-operation Project (CP) Team, who will assist with the implementation of the scheme at the local level. Inishowen Farm Innovations in partnership with the Inishowen Development Partnership have been appointed to fulfil the role of the local CP team for Donegal, referred to as the Donegal Co-operation Project.

Job Description

The primary role of the Project Officer is to support farmers and farm advisors in Donegal throughout the delivery of the ACRES scheme. The role will involve actively engaging 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 environmental targets of the local area. The job is an opportunity for somebody motivated to promote farming practices that maintain and enhance the environmental quality of Donegal’s farming landscape. 

Location

The Project Officer will work within the Donegal CP area which entails an area stretching from southwest Donegal to Inishowen. The role will be largely field based with a hybrid working arrangement between home and the local project office depending on project needs.

Responsibilities and Duties

Project officers will be assigned to different local areas within the Donegal CP area which entails an area stretching from southwest Donegal to Inishowen. The role will be largely field based with a hybrid working arrangement between home and the local project office depending on project needs.

Requirements

•      A degree in agriculture, ecology or related discipline is desirable however other non-degree qualifications may be considered for experienced candidates.

•       A full clean driver’s licence.

•       Applicants should have a minimum of two years relevant work experience in the agriculture / ecology / agri-environmental sectors (those with <2 yrs experience may apply but will only be considered for more junior roles on the project which will be filled over the coming year).

•       Knowledge of farmland and upland habitats (peatland & grassland) and their indicator species.

Further minimum and desirable qualifications and experience can be viewed on the Job Description