Position description
ESB owns and operates hydroelectric power plants on the Shannon, Lee, Liffey, Erne and Clady rivers. Through the Sustainable Rivers Strategy, ESB is progressing work to improve fish passage, river connectivity and fish abundance, and to support a nature-positive approach on owned riversides and lakesides.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Fish Telemetry and Survey Specialist with a minimum of five years' relevant professional experience for a 36-month fixed-term position. This is a practical, field-led role combining fish capture and handling, telemetry tagging and receiver deployment, electrofishing surveys, project design, data analysis and technical reporting.
The postholder will plan and deliver telemetry studies focused principally on European eel and Atlantic salmon in and around river sites on the Shannon and Erne, with potential work on the Lee and other ESB catchments depending on programme requirements. These telemetry studies are aimed at assessing fish survival, movement behaviour and delays, and route selection around dams and associated infrastructure. The specialist will also lead the annual summer electrofishing programme across a range of river sites. This role will help support ESB Strategic objectives of decarbonizing electricity, sustainability and social responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of this role will include but are not limited to the following:
- Plan and deliver field-based telemetry programmes for European eel and Atlantic salmon, including salmon smolts and adult salmon, at river and hydropower sites.
- Capture or coordinate the capture of fish using appropriate trapping and netting systems, including liaison with ESB contracted commercial fishers, as required.
- Lead and coordinate support field staff to safely and effectively capture, tag and release Atlantic salmon and European eels.
- Lead / undertake fish anaesthesia, telemetry tag implantation, suturing, recovery monitoring and release in accordance with approved HPRA licences, protocols and animal-welfare requirements.
- Deploy, inspect, maintain, calibrate and retrieve telemetry receivers and associated equipment from riverbanks, boats, impounded waters, fish passes and locations near hydropower infrastructure.
- Lead ESB electrofishing surveys during the summer field season across a range of sites in rotation each year, including sites on the Shannon, Erne, Lee, Liffey and Clady, as required by the programme.
- Prior to the telemetry fieldwork starting, complete the study design, including study objectives, sampling design, equipment requirements, field schedules and data-management arrangements.
- Prepare and support applications for required HPRA authorisations and other relevant permissions, and ensure field work follows approved conditions.
- Use appropriate statistical, programming and telemetry-analysis software to assess fish movement, behaviour, survival and interactions with hydropower infrastructure.
- Report telemetry findings and contribute to peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- A minimum of five years experience in telemetry study design and fish surveys, implementation, coordination, data analysis and technical reporting. Expected experience with fish telemetry techniques may include acoustic, PIT, radio, floy, CWT and/or PSAT tagging, including tag implantation and post-tagging monitoring.
- A PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental or Aquatic/Marine Science or a related field is preferred; but candidates with a suitable MSc and strong relevant experience will also be considered.
- Demonstrated practical experience of handling live fish and delivering field studies in river environments.
- Practical experience of electrofishing surveys and the competence to lead survey teams and operate electrofishing equipment safely.
- Expertise in data analysis or programming software, such as R, and familiarity with telemetry or tracking software, such as Fathom.
- A full driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to river sites and work flexibly outside standard office hours as required.
Desirable
- Current or previous HPRA/ASPA authorisation or demonstrated competence in fish handling, aseptic techniques, anaesthesia, surgical telemetry tag implantation and suturing.
Location
This position will be centrally based in 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, D02 KT92. Candidates based outside Dublin will be considered.
However, this role will require regular travel to river sites across Ireland.
Please note: This role is a predominantly field based in the rivers ESB has responsibility for. The timing of field activities will be determined by fish welfare considerations, migration timing, river and weather conditions, trapping schedules, access arrangements and operational requirements.
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
€59,980 - €70,564 per annum
Closing Date
15th October 2026
Interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:
- Accountable and Ethical
- Collaborative
- Growing and Adaptive
- Proactive
- Respectful and Supportive
More information available on Our People Promise
Notes
Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.
The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland prior to commencement of employment.