Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

A Fisheries Conservation Technologist works outdoors and in the office. Fisheries Conservation Technologists spend their days surveying fish, exploring waterways, and using science to help restore and protect Ireland's freshwater habitats. 

One day may involve surveying fish populations in a river using electrofishing equipment, while another may involve analysing ecological data, writing environmental reports, or advising on habitat restoration projects.

Fisheries Conservation Technologists use exciting technology like drones to survey rivers from the air, GPS (Global Positioning System) to record exact locations, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to create digital maps of habitats, and environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect fish and other wildlife from tiny traces of DNA found in water samples.

They often work with ecologists, engineers, scientists, landowners, and government agencies to protect freshwater habitats.

Employers include NPWS, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), BIM, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), universities, local authorities, and environmental consultancies.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Fish Population Monitoring

• Conduct electrofishing surveys.
• Identify fish species.
• Carry out fish stock assessments.

Habitat Assessment

• Survey rivers, spawning grounds, and wetlands.
• Assess fish passage barriers.

Environmental Monitoring

• Collect water quality data.
• Gather habitat data.
• Record biodiversity data.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse survey results.
• Prepare maps.
• Produce technical reports.

Habitat Restoration

• Support river restoration projects.
• Assist with fish passage improvements.
• Contribute to conservation projects.

Legislation & Compliance

• Assist with appropriate assessments.
• Support compliance with environmental legislation.
• Assist with licensing requirements. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
• Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
• Collect and analyse biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyse data.
• Supervise biological technicians and technologists and other scientists.
• Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species.
• Communicate test results to state and federal representatives and general public.
• Prepare requests for proposals or statements of work.
• Represent employer in a technical capacity at conferences.
• Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

A Fisheries Conservation Technologist needs to have a passion for nature, strong observation skills, and an interest in science and the environment. The role requires good problem-solving, team-working, and communication skills, as well as the ability to collect and analyse data accurately. Being physically fit, adaptable, and comfortable working in all weather conditions is important.

Typical entry routes into a career as a Fisheries Conservation Technologist include a Level 8 degree in marine, environmental, or biological sciences, followed by practical field experience and specialist training.

Leaving Certificate subjects that would benefit this role include:

•Biology •Geography •Agricultural Science •Mathematics •Computer Science

Entry and Training

• Complete Leaving Certificate. 
• Study Biology, Geography, Agricultural Science, or Environmental Science where possible.
• Complete a Level 8 degree in a relevant environmental or marine discipline.
• Gain practical experience through summer placements, volunteering or internships.
• Complete specialist BIM or industry training (e.g. marine safety, aquaculture, fisheries).
• Apply for graduate or technician roles with IFI, NPWS, consultancies or research organisations.
• Continue professional development through ecological survey, GIS, or habitat assessment training.

Course Examples

Entry and Training Timeline

Start Your Journey

Roles: Field Assistant, Fisheries Technician, Environmental Technician, Seasonal Survey Assistant

Time: 0-3 years

Qualifications: Leaving Certificate, followed by a Level 7 or Level 8 degree in marine biology, environmental science, ecology, zoology, fisheries science, or a related discipline. Gain practical experience through fieldwork, volunteering, internships, or BIM training.

Grow Your Expertise

Roles: Fisheries Conservation Technologist, Aquatic Ecologist, Habitat Restoration Officer, Environmental Consultant

Time: 3-8 years

Qualifications: Relevant degree, experience in ecological surveys, fish monitoring, and data analysis, plus specialist skills such as GIS mapping, environmental DNA (eDNA), habitat assessment and water quality monitoring.

Advance to Senior Roles

Roles: Senior Fisheries Scientist, Conservation Manager, Freshwater Ecologist, Environmental Project Manager, Research Scientist, Policy Advisor

Time: 8+ years

Qualifications: Extensive field and project experience, strong leadership and report-writing skills, and postgraduate qualifications or specialist training in fisheries management, ecology or environmental science may be beneficial.

This timeline is for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on individual qualifications, experience and career pathway.

Career Pathways and Opportunities

Careers typically begin with a degree in marine biology, environmental science, ecology, fisheries science, or a related discipline, supported by practical field experience and specialist training. In Ireland, opportunities exist with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local authorities, universities, and environmental consultancies. 

A typical career pathway may begin as a Field Technician, Fisheries Technician or Environmental Technician, progressing to Fisheries Conservation Technologist or Aquatic Ecologist. Many Fisheries Conservation Technologists also complete postgraduate study in fisheries management, freshwater ecology or aquatic conservation.

With experience, you could advance to roles such as Senior Fisheries Scientist, Freshwater Ecologist, Conservation Manager, Environmental Consultant, Research Scientist, or Policy Advisor, helping to shape the future of Ireland's freshwater conservation and sustainable fisheries management.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: Environmental Studies/Science, Ecology, Conservation, Field Ecology, Biological Sciences. 

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: Environmental Science/Studies, Ecology, Laboratory Science, Biological Science, Sustainable Development.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Laboratory Technician 

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: Fisheries Science, Aquatic Science, Freshwater Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Sciences. 

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: Fisheries Management, Fisheries Science, Aquatic Ecology, Freshwater Ecology, applied coastal and marine management, applied marine conservation, coastal and marine environments, physical processes policy and practice, marine biological resources, marine sciences, structured, bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, research.

Search for Postgraduate Courses