Wildlife Ranger jobs

stevespring

Hi all,

Wildlife Ranger jobs have recently been advertised on public jobs.ie. Might be the last time these jobs are advertised for a while, so be sure to get your name in if you have any interest.

https://publicjobs.ie/en/index.php?option=com_jobsearch&view=jobdetails&Itemid=263&cid=128018&campaignId=20260401

Itsawelsummer

Has anyone heard anything from Pas about this post since the closing date.

SavageSpuds

Not a tap. 6 weeks and counting since applying... starting to wonder if the job even exists...

Stihl waters

Out of interest, what qualifications or training would you need for a job like this

stevespring

There's been a lot of movement around NPWS lately, so there are definitely jobs available. Might be a similar amount taken on as the last intake - 20ish over the next couple of years. There's been a good amount of interest this time around but not as much as there was in 2016.

PAS have a very poor reputation so don't be putting too much stock on not hearing anything yet. They will get around to it eventually.

fryup

Stihl waters wrote: »

Out of interest, what qualifications or training would you need for a job like this

i suppose a qualification in biology or maybe horticulture or anything nature related,

don't know tbh, like to know myself

SavageSpuds

fryup wrote: »

i suppose a qualification in biology or maybe horticulture or anything nature related,

don't know tbh, like to know myself

Direct quote from the information booklet: 'Essential: candidates must have 1) relevant experience* in wildlife management or nature conservation. * - experience can come from current or previous job role, your education (including relevant experience gained on work placement) or other experience you may have including voluntary work. 2) possess a satisfactory knowledge and keen interest in wildlife or nature conservation.

Desirable: a biology or other related science degree.'

So degree in science isn't essential but would be a big plus...

Received a message as any one who applied would have that they are only getting round to shortlisting candidates from Monday... so we'll be waiting another while before we get any news back but least we know they're doing something!

fryup

are these vacancies nationwide? and do applicants have a choice in where they are based?

SavageSpuds

Yes they are nationwide, you're asked to specify three counties of preference in the application ranked first, second and third.

stevespring

The shortlist for interviews has been completed.

Rumours of a very BIG recruitment of rangers to take place following the interviews. Interesting times ahead but I have no idea where the new rangers are going to be deployed if the numbers i hear are correct. Besides the obvious need for vacant ranger areas to be filled, if they start splitting existing ranger areas there will be a lot unhappy NPWS staff.

Any one called for interview make sure you do a good interview as you might have a very good chance of getting a job.

hirondelle

stevespring wrote: »

The shortlist for interviews has been completed.

Rumours of a very BIG recruitment of rangers to take place following the interviews. Interesting times ahead but I have no idea where the new rangers are going to be deployed if the numbers i hear are correct. Besides the obvious need for vacant ranger areas to be filled, if they start splitting existing ranger areas there will be a lot unhappy NPWS staff.

Any one called for interview make sure you do a good interview as you might have a very good chance of getting a job.

I don't really get the point about unhappy NPWS with increased staff to be honest- there is one ranger for my county at the moment so surely a second one would make the job more effective and satisfying for both if they aren't permanently overwhelmed by workload?

fryup

will these roles have anything to do with an coilte? or is it completely separate from them?

*btw - i suppose having a drivers licence would be a big plus

fiacha

fryup wrote: »

*btw - i suppose having a drivers licence would be a big plus

If I remember correctly a full drivers license was mandatory.

OpenYourEyes

fryup wrote: »

will these roles have anything to do with an coilte? or is it completely separate from them?

*btw - i suppose having a drivers licence would be a big plus

Completely seperate from Coillte.

cbsam74

Just wondering did anyone who applied for the post get shortlisted or called for interview yet

cbsam74

Hi
Just wondering if anyone got shortlisted or had interview for conservation/wildlife ranger posts with Publicjobs

Itsawelsummer

cbsam74 wrote: »

Hi
Just wondering if anyone got shortlisted or had interview for conservation/wildlife ranger posts with Publicjobs

I was placed on a reserve list for interviews, so missed out in been shortlisted but still could be called. (very unlikely to be called I imagine)

Camabu

The willingness to except low pay, long hours and no resources are the main criteria - A quote given to me by a Wildlife Ranger Friend of 20+ years when asked what are the necessary traits to get a job as an NPWS Conservation Ranger. As an aside he loved his job.

SavageSpuds

cbsam74 wrote: »

Just wondering did anyone who applied for the post get shortlisted or called for interview yet

I got a message on my public jobs account at the end of March to say that I was being put on a panel and would not be invited for interview at this time. I would love to hear from anyone who actually did get an interview to hear how it went!

fryup

is investigating illegal dumping part of the remit?

magicbastarder

i think that's the council's job, is it not?

hirondelle

magicbastarder wrote: »

i think that's the council's job, is it not?

Generally yes, if on public land or visible from a public place the council's job is to investigate it- I guess if dumping occurs within a national park the ranger might need to be more directly involved.

Graces7

After the recent Killarney National Park fires, a statement was issued mentioning they had appointed 50 more Rangers.

cbsam74

Just got word that I am placed no1 on the panel for my location preference. Emailed PAS about upcoming posts and they told me that no posts are currently available throughout the country- no recruitment has taken place yet

Rainbow2000

Hi Guys. I had an interview for this in April 2021 and have been placed on the panel at No.7. Not sure how many jobs are going or where, although there is rumoured to be 50 across the country which is great as more rangers are needed for sure. The interview was on Zoom and was actually pretty nice. A representative from PAS, A Wildlife Officer and a lady from the department of finance. They really put me at ease. No very technical questions, just explaining your application form in more detail. Asked about any volunteer work and experience surveying. I work in consultancy and asked about different mitigation measures I might recommend for a windfarm proposal on blogland for example. Anyways if anyone knows the number of rangers being recruited and in what location I would love to know!

Rainbow2000

cbsam74 wrote: »

Just got word that I am placed no1 on the panel for my location preference. Emailed PAS about upcoming posts and they told me that no posts are currently available throughout the country- no recruitment has taken place yet

Congrats hope you hear back soon. Its a ridiculously slow processes... a waiting game now!

cbsam74

Rainbow2000 wrote: »

Congrats hope you hear back soon. Its a ridiculously slow processes... a waiting game now!

I do hope we get some luck on our locations.. fingers crossed. I know there is a big push on increasing the numbers as some rangers have 3 to 4 counties to look after.

Rainbow2000

cbsam74 wrote: »

I do hope we get some luck on our locations.. fingers crossed. I know there is a big push on increasing the numbers as some rangers have 3 to 4 counties to look after.

Hopefully! If its true that they will recruit 50 rangers then that averages at around 12 per division the way I see it. I am guessing Kerry, Mayo, Galway Leitrim and Donegal will be the areas where the most are recruited as a lot of ground to cover and due to the increasing issues such as wildfires etc. in these areas - but I could be wrong! I am sure they will recruit at least 1 per county anyways so I'd say you will get the call soon!

cbsam74

Rainbow2000 wrote: »

Hopefully! If its true that they will recruit 50 rangers then that averages at around 12 per division the way I see it. I am guessing Kerry, Mayo, Galway Leitrim and Donegal will be the areas where the most are recruited as a lot of ground to cover and due to the increasing issues such as wildfires etc. in these areas - but I could be wrong! I am sure they will recruit at least 1 per county anyways so I'd say you will get the call soon!

Just found out that they are hoping to recruit 60-62.

Rainbow2000

cbsam74 wrote: »

Just found out that they are hoping to recruit 60-62.

I contacted the HR section in the department of heritage and they said offers should be made by PAS to successful candidates "in due course". I asked about exact numbers and locations but no response. It's very difficult to get a direct answer on anything! Am curious to know the timeline to recruit all these rangers. I am assuming it will be over the panel lifetime - 2 years.

cbsam74

Rainbow2000 wrote: »

I contacted the HR section in the department of heritage and they said offers should be made by PAS to successful candidates "in due course". I asked about exact numbers and locations but no response. It's very difficult to get a direct answer on anything! Am curious to know the timeline to recruit all these rangers. I am assuming it will be over the panel lifetime - 2 years.

I do hope we are included. The panel lasts for 18 months approx. Did you select many locations.

Rainbow2000

cbsam74 wrote: »

I do hope we are included. The panel lasts for 18 months approx. Did you select many locations.

If you are No.1 on the panel I don't think you will have to worry regardless of your location. If they are recruiting 50/60 rangers surely there will be at the very least, 1 per county! I put down 3 locations: Mayo (no.7 on panel) Galway (no.9) and Sligo (N/A was on my results). Not too confident that I will get an offer anytime soon, but will have to wait and see!

Rainbow2000

Just an update I saw on this. The first 20 successful candidates are to be assigned to the role in the coming weeks.

https://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2021-06-24a.100&s=speaker%3A528

cbsam74

Rainbow2000 wrote: »

Just an update I saw on this. The first 20 successful candidates are to be assigned to the role in the coming weeks.

https://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2021-06-24a.100&s=speaker%3A528

Cheers for sharing that. I haven't heard any word on my side yet.

Rainbow2000

I received an email from PAS today saying that I am being considered for the role and to complete garda vetting, medical forms and to provide them with contact details for previous and current employer.

I'm not too sure if this means I am likely to get offered a position (provided my clearance is acceptable). I am a little weary about providing my current employers contact details!!

cbsam74

Rainbow2000 wrote: »

I received an email from PAS today saying that I am being considered for the role and to complete garda vetting, medical forms and to provide them with contact details for previous and current employer.

I'm not too sure if this means I am likely to get offered a position (provided my clearance is acceptable). I am a little weary about providing my current employers contact details!!

Wow that's great news..moving fast so.. no moves in my locations which is a bit of bummer

Rainbow2000

cbsam74 wrote: »

Wow that's great news..moving fast so.. no moves in my locations which is a bit of bummer

That's very annoying. From what I gather from other similar positions, they appear to go by county. It might be worth emailing PAS to see if they have any update from the department on upcoming recruitment at your location. Fingers crossed it will be very soon.

cbsam74

Rainbow2000 wrote: »

That's very annoying. From what I gather from other similar positions, they appear to go by county. It might be worth emailing PAS to see if they have any update from the department on upcoming recruitment at your location. Fingers crossed it will be very soon.

I just sent them an email there so hopefully might turn up..fingers crossed

fryup

any updates??

did any of you get a job? if so do you like it?

SavageSpuds

Just got a message on Public jobs... apparently they're interviewing more candidates off the 2021 panel so the panel must be expiring soon. Was asked to confirm if still interested in the role.

I had a look back through my messages as it was so long ago that I applied that I forgot what the result was. I got a message after they did the shortlisting to say they split successful applicants into 2 groups - 1st group had obvious experience and they were being interviewed immediately, 2nd group had some experience but not as strong as 1st group. These candidates would be placed on a reserve list and would be contacted later if more vacancies arise while the panel is still active.

Lets see what happens...

SavageSpuds

Don't suppose anyone happens to have the booklet with all the details re the role? 2 years after applying they contacted me to arrange an interview... who knew

luna11

I done the interview and am high enough on the panel for my area. Is there any way to find out when there might be offers or how many are been recruited overall even? How did you get on with the interview?

SavageSpuds

@luna11 Congrats! Yes if you email PAS (not sure what the email address for this competition is but if you check the messages you got when you got the interview etc it should be there somewhere) you can ask them where abouts you are in the panel now incase there has been much movement on the panel (depends on how high up on the panel you were after the interview - it may not be that useful if you were very high up). Not sure if they'd be able to say how many they are planning on recruiting or anything like that. I got on pretty well too, was pleasantly surprised! Fairly high up on the panel too but nothing since the interview; guessing there weren't many vacancies in my county and so the first person offered it accepted the offer!