Title: Lead Ecologist
Location: Anywhere in Ireland. Hybrid and remote options available. Candidates need to be based in Ireland
Job Type: Permanent
About the Role:
An established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy is looking to appoint a Lead Ecologist to join its expanding Ecology team in Ireland. This is an opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of nationally significant projects across infrastructure, renewable energy, utilities and strategic development, while collaborating with specialists in environmental planning, hydrology, landscape, arboriculture, biodiversity and natural capital. A key aspect of this role is providing ecological support to one of Ireland's largest infrastructure projects, alongside a varied workload across the wider business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and undertake ecological field surveys, including: fossitt habitat surveys and protected species surveys (including bat, badger, otter and smooth newt)
- Prepare a range of technical ecological reports, including: Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEAs), Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA/EIAR) chapters, Appropriate Assessment (AA) reports
- Provide ecological input throughout project design and delivery.
- Manage client relationships and coordinate ecological projects.
- Liaise with statutory bodies, regulators and key stakeholders.
- Mentor and support junior ecologists.
- Contribute to the continued development of a collaborative and technically strong ecology team.
- Participate in regular technical meetings and ongoing professional development.
Technical Project Opportunity:
This position offers the opportunity to spend part of your time supporting one of Ireland's most significant transport infrastructure projects, working alongside another senior ecologist to provide technical ecological input and guide ecological decision-making throughout project delivery.
The remainder of your workload will involve supporting a diverse range of environmental and infrastructure projects across Ireland.
What's on Offer:
- Fully remote working available, with the option to attend the office once or twice per week if preferred.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Appointment available at either Senior Ecologist or Principal Ecologist level, depending on experience.
- Strong commitment to professional development and technical training.
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
- Collaborative multidisciplinary environment with excellent career progression.
Requirements:
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Ecology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of Irish habitats and ecological survey methodologies.
- Experience undertaking protected species surveys.
- Experience preparing Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA/EIAR chapters).
- Experience preparing Appropriate Assessment reports.
- Ideally, experience obtaining derogation licences from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
- Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and project management skills.
- Proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
