Peatland Restoration Officer

As a Peatland Restoration Officer you plan and implement projects to rewet, restore and monitor Ireland's raised and blanket bogs, working to reverse decades of drainage and turf cutting. You survey vegetation and hydrology, analyse environmental data, and assess the impact of restoration measures on carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Day-to-day work takes you into the field to oversee contractors installing dams and blocking drains, as well as into the office to write reports, apply for funding and liaise with landowners, Teagasc advisors and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff. You may also deliver community outreach events and engage with local farmers, schools and heritage groups to build understanding of peatland ecology and climate action goals.

A strong Leaving Certificate including Biology, Geography and Chemistry at Higher level is an excellent foundation for entry into this field. Most Peatland Restoration Officers hold an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Botany, Geography or Natural Resource Management, available at universities including UCC, University of Galway, UCD, and technological universities such as ATU and TUS. Some entrants hold a Level 9 postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in Environmental Science, Wetland Science or Climate Action, which can be particularly advantageous for specialist or senior roles. Graduates sometimes build relevant experience through NPWS seasonal ranger contracts, voluntary conservation work with bodies such as the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, or Springboard+ upskilling programmes in environmental sustainability. No single statutory registration body governs this role, but membership of professional bodies such as the Ecological Association of Ireland or the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is valued by employers.