Boycetown Catchment Agricultural Community Animator

Role: Boycetown Catchment Agricultural Community Animator

Fixed Term Contract: end date 31 December 2027

Salary: €56,461 pa.

Location: Remote

Apply: Via email (details below)

The Boyne Rivers Trust was set up in October 2021 as a not-for-profit organisation. The vision of the Trust is for a Thriving River Catchment, valued and protected by its communities. As a member of the Rivers Trusts movement in Ireland and the UK, the Boyne Rivers Trust aligns to the ethos of a “wet feet” organisation which seeks to create “wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all”.

We are recruiting an Agricultural Community Animator, funded under the Farming for Water EIP Project. The Water European Innovation Partnership Agriculture (EIP-Agri) project, Farming for Water EIP, is a groundbreaking initiative led by the River Basin Management Service, in partnership with Teagasc and Dairy Industry Ireland (DII). This national, integrated agri-environment initiative focuses on incentivising farmers to implement targeted measures to improve water quality.

Role: The Boycetown Catchment Agricultural Community Animator

Initially focused on the Boycetown Catchment, a waterbody of the Boyne, this role will focus on engaging farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and integrating community participation into EIP funded project outcomes.

This role will focus on water quality improvements, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change mitigation, targeting specific challenges in the Boycetown catchment area near Trim in Co. Meath.

Responsibilities

• Farmer Engagement: Recruit farmers into the Farming for Water EIP based on local objectives.
• Community Collaboration: Leverage synergies with community-led initiatives to enhance the project’s impact.
• Showcasing Best Practices: Promote exemplary cases of sustainable practices.
• Public Outreach: Convene public meetings and engage with local farming communities.
• Guidance Development: Contribute to creating guidance documents and training materials.
• Plan Development: Design Rainwater Management Plans and other project-required plans, and guide farmers in choosing appropriate water protection measures for their farm.
• Funding and Support: Apply for grants on behalf of farmers to implement water quality protection measures and support farmers through the application and implementation process.
• Measure Validation: Ensure implemented measures are effective and compliant.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Conduct periodic checks on measures and provide maintenance guidance.
• Communication: Promote the project’s philosophy through community networks, local media, and national platforms.
• Collaboration: Work with the wider Boyne Rivers Trust team, other Rivers Trusts, EIP team, Teagasc, Farm Advisors and other partners to share best practice and communication goals.
• Compliance: Adhere to all relevant legislation, including GDPR and environmental laws.
• Strategic Objectives: Align efforts with the Boyne Vision and Boyne Rivers Trust’s Strategic Plan.
• Reporting: Submit Quarterly Progress Report to EIP Team, and other updates as required.

Candidate Profile:

Essential Requirements

• FETAC/QQI Level 8 qualification (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, or related subjects. OR show five years or more relevant work experience.
• Have three years or more experience of community engagement work, with a minimum of 1-year prior experience with farmers and agricultural communities.
• Possess strong organisational and project management skills to plan and lead the project within the catchment ensuring all project requirements are met and documented.
• Be proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Be an excellent communicator, capable of representing the Boyne Rivers Trust and the EIP project in person and via social media and local press.
• Have strong grant application and analysis skills, the position includes responsibility for securing additional funding to sustain and expand the role.
• Be able to work well with others and show a track record of engaging with farmers and communities on sustainability projects.
• Show knowledge of farming businesses, communities and the challenges they face.
• Be knowledgeable of health and safety regulations and their practical applications.
• Must have good MS office IT skills, including Excel.
• Candidates must have permission to live and work in Ireland.
• The candidate must have their own vehicle, a full Irish driving license, and insurance for business use.

Desirable Requirements

• Exhibit a solid understanding of water quality, biodiversity, and climate change issues and potential on-farm mitigation measures. Knowledge of land drainage and WFD hydromorphology issues.
• Experience with farm-based measures and nature-based solutions for improving on-farm sustainability is essential.
• Experience with agricultural grants and schemes is highly desirable.
• Proficiency using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is highly desirable.
• Previous training in Teagasc ASSAP programme is desirable.
• An understanding of relevant regulations and legislation.

Terms of Employment

• This is a full-time position, 39 hours per week. Occasional weekend and evening work will be required due to the nature of the role.
• The role reports to the Board of the Boyne Rivers Trust, supported by Farming for Water EIP Assistant Project Manager.
• Fixed-term contract until December 2027, with a six-month probationary period. Continued funding will be subject to annual reviews.
• This is a remote-working role, however candidates must be present in the Boycetown catchment area for at least three days per week and be able to regularly travel to the Slane area and within the wider Boyne catchment.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter setting out your interest and relevant experience for the role to info@boyneriverstrust.ie with the heading “Boycetown Catchment Agricultural Community Animator” no later than Sunday 11th October 2026.

• Interview Dates: Week commencing 19th October 2026. Final candidates will be asked to prepare a short presentation to the panel as part of the interview process.
• Inquiries: Direct any questions about the role to info@boyneriverstrust.ie