Senior Ecologist – Freshwater / Aquatic Specialist
Location: Galway, Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny or Sligo
Job Type: Full-time
Sector: Ecology / Environment
Overview
We are seeking a technically strong Senior Ecologist – Freshwater/Aquatic Specialist to join a collaborative Ecology Team delivering ecological advice and assessments for complex development and infrastructure projects across Ireland.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced aquatic ecologist to apply specialist knowledge, influence project outcomes and contribute to sustainable solutions that protect freshwater environments and biodiversity.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver freshwater and aquatic ecology surveys and assessments.
- Undertake freshwater habitat and fisheries surveys, Q-value and RHAT surveys, aquatic botany, eDNA and species-specific surveys.
- Provide specialist ecological advice on complex infrastructure and development projects.
- Contribute to the assessment, consenting and implementation of in-stream works, including flood relief, barrier removal and infrastructure upgrades.
- Support ecological strategy, mitigation and consenting approaches.
- Prepare accurate, technically robust reports and assessments.
- Use GIS tools for ecological data collection, mapping and analysis.
- Advise clients and project teams on ecological constraints, risks and mitigation requirements.
- Collaborate with internal specialists, external stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Support quality assurance, peer review and technical development.
Requirements
- Honours Degree in Ecology or a relevant discipline.
- Proven professional experience in freshwater/aquatic ecology or ecological consultancy.
- Strong practical experience in freshwater habitat and species surveys.
- Experience with Q-value, RHAT, aquatic botany, eDNA or species-specific surveys.
- Competence using GIS for ecological data capture and analysis.
- Strong knowledge of Irish and European environmental legislation and consenting processes.
- Experience contributing to ecological assessments for complex projects.
- Excellent report writing and peer-review skills.
- Full clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
Desirable
An MSc in a relevant environmental or biological science, electrofishing or freshwater pearl mussel survey experience, hydrogeomorphological knowledge, and experience with in-stream infrastructure projects would be advantageous. Experience in additional areas such as bats, ornithology, mammals or invasive species is also desirable.
Membership of CIEEM or equivalent professional development towards chartership would be beneficial.
Benefits
Hybrid and agile working, professional development opportunities and varied fieldwork across Ireland within a collaborative ecological environment.
