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Fish Telemetry and Survey Specialist (36 Months)

 
Vacancy Number:  27317
Category:  Science
Job Type:  Full-time
 

Position Description

At the ESB, we own and operate several hydroelectric power plants on the Shannon, Lee, Liffey, Erne, and Clady rivers. As a responsible company, we are committed to sustainable practices and minimizing the environmental impact of our operations. Our Sustainable River Strategy (SRS) aims to improve fish passage infrastructure, enhance river connectivity, increase fish abundance in our hydro rivers, and adopt a Nature Positive Approach (NPA) on owned riversides and lakesides.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Fish Telemetry and Survey Specialist for a fixed-term position of 3 years. The ideal candidate will carry out work on the river systems and have expertise in fish surveys and electrofishing, fish telemetry with floy, acoustic, PIT, radio, CWT and/or PSATs tags, data analysis and reporting. The role involves conducting field studies, research, data collection, and report writing to gather data to support the delivery of ESB’s Sustainable River Strategy (SRS) and to improve river connectivity across Ireland.

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct fish telemetry studies to estimate hydro-turbine mortality rates for downstream migrating European eels and Atlantic salmon smolts, and to test fish behaviour around fish guidance/deterrence systems.
  • Design and implement fish telemetry projects to monitor fish movement and behaviour around fish passes and locks, to improve, retrofit, or build new fish pass infrastructure.
  • Perform electrofishing surveys to assess fish population abundance and distribution in the River Shannon, Lee, Liffey, Erne, and Clady, upstream and downstream of power stations.
  • Assist with the analysis of hydrometric data around fish pass and dam/weir infrastructure to inform future improvements.
  • Collect, manage, and analyse data related to fish populations and river health.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations on findings and project progress. Publish research findings and information in peer reviewed journals.
  • Collaborate with the sustainable rivers team to develop and implement fish passage improvement projects.
  • Conduct site visits to hydropower and river development sites to assist with project implementation.

 

Experience and Qualifications 

Essential 

  • Minimum of 5 years experience in survey design, implementation, coordination, data analysis, and reporting (resulting in peer-reviewed publications).
  • PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (preferred but candidates with suitable MSc degree will be also considered).
  • Extensive experience with fish survey and telemetry techniques (floy, acoustic, PIT, radio, CWT and/or PSATs tags).
  • Expertise in data analysis/programming software e.g. R; and familiarity with fish telemetry/tracking software e.g. Fathom.
  • Full driving license.

 Desirable 

  • HPRA license for fish handling, aseptic techniques, anaesthesia, and telemetry tag implantation.
  • A background knowledge of hydropower generation and fish passage science.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

 

Location 

This position will be based in 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, D02 KT92.

 

Please note that due to the nature of this work, some responsibilities will be carried out on the river systems at specific times of the year.

 

Reporting To

Sustainable Rivers Strategy Delivery Manager.

 

Why Work with Us?

  • Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
  • Career development through mentoring and training 
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
  • Sports and Social Clubs
  • Networking opportunities
  • Credit Union
  • Generous Pension
  • Access to staff well-being programmes
  • Generous parental leave entitlements
  • Strong values-based and inclusive culture
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

 

Salary

€57,950 - €68,150


Closing Date

2nd October 2025

 

Note: Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, recruitment@esb.ie

If you have any queries in relation to this job, please contact recruitment@esb.ie

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law. 

Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, recruitment@esb.ie.  

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.
 

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