Environmental Officer

JOB OPPORTUNITY - ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER
The Role
We are looking for a capable and efficient person with a passion for the mountain environment to join the Mountaineering Ireland team as our Environmental Officer.
This new role has a particular focus on co-ordinating the delivery of the recently announced two-year Helping the Hills capacity-building programme to address upland path erosion (this programme is funded by the by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG). The Environmental Officer's work on this programme will focus on organising and promoting training courses and network events. The Environmental Officer will also be leading on communications with members of the Helping the Hills Network and managing the programme budget.
This role also includes working with our Access & Environment Manager to support other aspects of Mountaineering Ireland's work on access and the environment, as set out in our new Strategic Plan .
The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and competent, with a proven interest in the upland environment. This role offers scope to make a significant contribution to sustainable outdoor recreation activity across the island of Ireland.
Key elements of this role
Responsibilities shall include but are not limited to the following:
Working with our Access & Environment Manager, the Helping the Hills Steering Group and the Trainer & Technical Adviser, to co-ordinate the delivery of the Helping the Hills programme, this includes:

• Working with the Trainer & Technical Adviser to develop a suite of progressive learning opportunities (the Helping the Hills training programme ), including assisting with the production of course materials and videos;
• Organising and promoting Helping the Hills training courses and a minimum of two network events each year;
• Managing upgrade and update of the Helping the Hills website ;
• Producing reports of network events and project case studies;
• Sharing information with the Helping the Hills Network through social media and a biannual newsletter;
• Leading review of year one achievements, development of draft plan for year two and preparation of report to funders;
• Liaising with and supporting the Helping the Hills Steering Group.

The other part of this post is working with and supporting our Access & Environment Manager with Mountaineering Ireland's wider work on access and the environment, this includes:

• Managing registration for environmental workshops and training events, and promoting these on social media;
• Supporting and expanding conservation volunteering opportunities for Mountaineering Ireland members;
• Producing and sharing social media content to communicate our work and to encourage responsible recreation;
• Working with Mountaineering Ireland staff and volunteers to identify and promote climate actions for Mountaineering Ireland and our members;
• Producing environmental resources to support club environmental officers, training providers and trainee leaders.
• Minute-taking for committee and sub-group meetings;
• Developing relationships with Mountaineering Ireland volunteers, club environmental officers, training providers and external partners.

General Responsibilities

• Prioritising workload and managing competing demands effectively.
• Producing reports, dealing with correspondence and attending relevant meetings.
• Assisting in managing all financial aspects of the role and preparing, monitoring and managing budgets effectively.
• Acting as an ambassador for Mountaineering Ireland and representing the organisation professionally.
• Other tasks which may be required in the support of Mountaineering Ireland's work as designated by line management.

The Helping the Hills Training programme will include courses on upland path condition survey techniques; path monitoring and maintenance; upland path repair and construction; and the management of upland path projects. The programme uses the Outdoors Recreation Infrastructure Knowledge and Skills Framework (ORIKS) as its reference.
Remuneration, benefits and role location

• Salary band between €40,000 - €45,000 per annum subject to qualifications and experience.
• Mountaineering Ireland offers a competitive employer pension contribution, outdoor clothing allowance and the bike-to-work scheme, as well as training and development opportunities.
• The successful candidate will be subject to a six-month probation period.
• This is a 3-year contract, subject to available funding for year 3). The role is 35 hours per week and will require evening and weekend work at times, with time off in lieu.
• Annual leave 23 days per annum, increasing by one day per year of service up to 26 days.
• The position is based at the National Sports Campus Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, with flexible hybrid working options available.
• Mountaineering Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Process
Please complete this Application Form and send email to: (only information submitted on the application form will be considered; CVs will not be accepted).
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 1st April 2026
Interviews will be held in-person on Tuesday 14th April 2026