JOB OPPORTUNITY – HELPING THE HILLS TRAINER & TECHNICAL ADVISER (part-time)
The Role
The main focus of the Trainer and Technical Adviser role is on developing and delivering specialist training courses. The Trainer and Technical Adviser will also provide bespoke technical advice on how to address upland path erosion or related issues.
The ideal candidate will be recognised for their achievements in this specialist sector, they will be self-motivated, competent and have demonstrated experience of training others in hand-built upland path work.
The Trainer and Technical Adviser will work closely with Mountaineering Ireland’s Environmental Officer (new role), and report to Mountaineering Ireland’s Access & Environment Manager. The role will also include engagement with the Helping the Hills Steering Group. The Helping the Hills programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG).
This is a part-time (core work – two days per week) hybrid or remote role that will involve a needs-based mix of face-to-face engagement and desk work, with consequent travel to upland areas across the country. Additional work is anticipated where clients (e.g. local authorities or local development companies) request site-specific, specialist technical advice.
Key responsibilities
· Lead the delivery of the Helping the Hills training programme, at times working in conjunction with external trainers and local site managers.
· Develop a suite of training opportunities including: upland path condition survey techniques; path monitoring and maintenance; upland path repair and construction; and the management of upland path projects (see proposed programme in Appendix 1).
· Create training materials and resources (including defined learning outcomes, guidance notes and instructional videos) to support the Helping the Hills training programme.
· Work with the Environmental Officer to plan and facilitate training courses and two network events each year.
· Provide technical input, including text, photos and videos, for Helping the Hills communications, case studies, website and publications.
· Provision of technical advice and mentoring (online and over the phone) to Helping the Hills Network members and other relevant organisations.
· Engage with and provide quarterly reports to the Helping the Hills Steering Group.
· Ensure connection with Scotland’s Upland Path Advisory Group, including attending one event per year and reporting back to the Helping the Hills Network.
· Provide specialist technical advice on request (eg from local authorities or local development companies), including site visits to identify repair/management options and project supervision for upland path works, at both design and construction stages. Note: this work is not included in the core hours for this role; these additional days will be agreed with the Trainer and Technical Adviser on a case-by-case basis with costs covered by the beneficiary).
Remuneration, benefits and role location
· The salary for two days a week will be in the range of €26,000 – €31,000 per annum, commensurate with skills and experience. Any additional days in the delivery of specialist technical advice to external bodies will be paid at the same rate.
· Mountaineering Ireland offers a competitive employer pension contribution, outdoor clothing allowance and the bike-to-work scheme, as well as training and development opportunities.
· This is a two-year contract, subject to successful completion of a six-month probation period. The role will require evening and weekend work at times, with time off in lieu.
· Annual leave 9.5 days per annum in year one, 10 days in year two (based on a full-time equivalent of 23 days in year one and 24 in year two). Leave entitlement will increase pro rata for any additional days worked in the provision of technical advice on request.
· 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: jobs@mountaineering.ie (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 Wednesday 15th April 2026
For more information go to mountaineering.ie/news/?id=644