Ignite your passion for all thing’s ecology and wildlife. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.

"The National Parks and Wildlife Service have partnered with Munster Technological University and Leave No Trace Ireland to deliver a new, unique level 6 accredited training course."

For those interested in a career less ordinary.

Are you passionate about environmental conservation and looking for a new career path? If you are someone who would love to work in a job with elements like ecology, wildlife biology, sustainability, and communication, then this course is for you! The Certificate in Nature Animation has been developed in response to demand from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which is a line division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to increase the number of park rangers for National Parks, Nature Reserves and Wildfowl sanctuaries throughout Ireland.

Applications are now open for this amazing opportunity to learn with the NPWS and Munster Technological University (MTU). The course is a free NFQ level 6 accredited course and is available to anyone with a level 5 qualification or above. The programme will be delivered part-time through blended learning at MTU (Kerry Campus). The programme will include guest speakers, site visits, online discussion forums, practical projects and three months of paid work experience.

Beginning in April 2021 and running until December 2021, the course modules will include;

• Module 1: Nature Wildlife & Habitats in Ireland
• Module 2: Communications and Visitor Experiance
• Module 3: Work-Based Learning
• Module 4: Sustainable Handling of Our Wildlife Habitats
• Module 5: Practicing Nature Interpretation.  

Graduates of the course will be;

• A communicator of knowledge of Irish nature and natural processes.
• An effective interpreter of nature and its protection to a range of stakeholder groups.
• A practitioner of national park experience design and provision.
• A demonstrator of responsible use of national parks.
• An accredited Leave No Trace Trainer.

The Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan TD expressed his support for the course, ”I am delighted that the next generation of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Rangers will get this incredible opportunity at the Munster Technological University in Kerry - fittingly so close to one of the most outstanding national parks Ireland has to offer.

Our Rangers at the NPWS are among the most dedicated, hard-working people you could ever meet. It is not an easy job by any means. They have the responsibility for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage, including species protection and biodiversity at a regional and national level. Not one day in the field is the same. The opportunity to learn from some of our best, through blended learning and out in the field, is something few ever get to do. I am confident that many Rangers of the future will emerge from this course.”

Mary Rose Stafford, Executive Head of School for Business, Computing & Humanities at MTU, discussed the development of this exciting new course, “Munster Technological University Ireland's newest University, is delighted to collaborate with NPWS and Leave No Trace Ireland in developing and delivering this new initiative.  It is an exciting programme for new entrants who wish to work in Ireland's most scenic spots while gaining a qualification in Nature Animation. This is the only programme of its kind in Ireland and the MTU is ready to lead new opportunities in a new world of learning.

Speaking about the course development, Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland, encouraged those interested in a career in environmental conservation to apply. "This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from both an excellent educational institution and from experienced National Park Veterans. The blending of subjects will give graduates a highly versatile skill set for future employment”.

Applications for the course can be downloaded here or visit www.leavenotraceireland.org for more information. Completed applications must be returned to noel@leavenotraceireland.org by 1:00pm Monday the 22nd of February. Applications submitted after the date will not be considered. Due to the expected high demand and limited space, applications will then be shortlisted. Interviews will be organised to ensure the most suitable candidates are selected.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Press and Information Office
Dr Noel Doyle, Leave No Trace Ireland
Tel: 085 1222 184
Email: Noel@leavenotraceireland.org
Website: www.leavenotraceireland.org