Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Conservation Officer - Nature- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working Life
Conservation Officers are concerned with the local environment towards preserving and protecting our heritage, areas of natural beauty, and promoting biodiversity.
Their role typically involves promoting awareness of environmental issues and encouraging people to use the countryside in an informed and respectful manner. Conservation Officers may also work with national organisations such as the National Trust, The Heritage Council, and charities engaged in conservation work.
Some roles may involve advising local government, for example, work with local authorities on conservation protected species. Conservation Offcers also work for national organisations such as the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and conservation charities such as the Irish Wildlife Trust or Birdwatch Ireland. There may also be opportunities with Private Consultancy firms.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
- Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
- Apply principles of specialised fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
- Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programmes or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
- Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.
Further Information
- Nature conservation officer- from: GradIreland
- Water conservation officer- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Conservation Officer - Nature
As a Conservation officer you must be:
Buildings & Sites
- Committed to the Protection of Architectural Conservation Areas and structures which are included in the Record of Protected Structures
- Focused on Provision of professional advice to owners of protected structures on conservation issues
- Able to deliver the provision of professional advice on planning applications, Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) proposals and forward planning proposals
- Comfrotable with provision of advice to the Enforcement Section regarding unauthorised development and endangerment of protected structures
- Provision of advice on conservation policy within the council and input to the Development Plan
- Management of the Record of Protected Structures
- Designation of Architectural Conservation Areas
Biodiversity & The Environment
- Enthusiasm for the ecology and conservation issues
- Confidence and assertiveness
- The ability to explain technical and scientific issues to a variety of audiences
- Effecitive communication skills, with individuals and in talks, presentations and meetings
- Tact and diplomacy
- Good IT skills.
Interests - Conservation Officer - Nature
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
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.
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.
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.
Entry / Progression - Conservation Officer - Nature
Some entrants begin their careers as volunteers and move into paid employment once they have gained a significant amount of experience.
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: law, architecture, environmental, biodiversity.
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: law, architecture, environmental, biodiversity.
Search for PLC Courses
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: law, architecture, environmental, biodiversity, heritage studies.
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: sales, business, accounts, management, financial advice.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Conservation Officer - Nature
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €80k
Salaries vary by employer (State or Semi state), location, experience, role, duties, and shift patterns.
Data Source(s):
Gov.ie/ Payscale/ Forsa/ WEI
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Conservation Officer - Nature
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.
In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.
This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.
Useful Contacts - Conservation Officer - Nature
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National Parks and Wildlife Service
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- PO Box 3000 Johnstown Castle Estate Wexford
- 053-916 0600
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
- Custom House, Dublin, D01 W6X0
- (01) 888 2000
- Click Here
