Description

Employer: Lough Neagh Partnership
Job Title: Lough Neagh Ranger
Responsible To: Shoreline and Islands Team Manager
Based At: Lough Neagh Partnership Offices, Unit 3, 135a Shore Road, Ballyronan, BT45 6JA
Ranger duties will be undertaken on or around the entire Lough Neagh area

Salary and Contract

• Salary: Local Government Salary Scale 6, Point 18 (gross £31,537 per annum)
• Contract: Fixed-term until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of a further 4-year extension subject to continued funding under the DAERA Environment Fund.

Purpose of the Job

The Lough Neagh Ranger will undertake practical survey, monitoring, and conservation work as part of the Lough Neagh Partnership ‘Lough Neagh ASSI Management’ project, aimed at restoring and maintaining favourable condition of the Lough Neagh SPA and ASSI.

The role will include survey, monitoring, and habitat management on Lough Neagh island breeding bird sites and shoreline sites, including Killycolpy, Killywoolaghan, Rea’s Wood & Farrs Bay SAC, and the School Lands at Derrytresk and Derrylaughan.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Deliver the ASSI Management project on the Lough Neagh islands and other shoreline sites.
2. Undertake habitat, bird, flora, fauna, and invertebrate surveys and monitoring (e.g. WeBS surveys, heronry surveys, Northern Ireland seabird and curlew surveys). Some surveys will be undertaken by boat.
3. Upload survey data to the CEDaR website and share data with colleagues from DAERA, NIEA, and partner organisations as required.
4. Carry out habitat management works and, where appropriate and consented, predator control activities.
5. Prepare and submit survey and monitoring reports (habitat, invertebrates, birds, etc.).
6. Engage with stakeholders, including landowners, farmers, fishermen, sand traders, wildfowlers, community groups, marinas, and recreational users.
7. Develop, organise, and supervise a volunteer network and volunteer events.
8. Undertake boat handling duties and maintain boats and habitat management equipment.
9. Prepare risk assessments for all activities and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements, with sign-off from the Line Manager.
10. Prepare and submit applications for consents and wildlife licences to DAERA/NIEA, ensuring all works comply with consent conditions.
11. Liaise with and assist other members of the Lough Neagh Partnership team as required.
12. Undertake representational duties on behalf of the Lough Neagh Partnership when required.
13. Assist with media engagement as and when required.
14. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.