Senior Ecologist

Location: Galway, Ireland – Hybrid
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: Ecology & Environmental Consultancy

About the Role

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join its growing Ecology team in Galway.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious ecologist to lead complex projects across renewable energy, transport, water, infrastructure and private-sector developments. You will work across terrestrial, freshwater and/or marine environments while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead ecological projects from inception through to completion.
• Plan and undertake ecological surveys and fieldwork.
• Prepare Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Natura Impact Statements, management plans and technical reports.
• Coordinate ecological inputs for planning, consent and regulatory processes.
• Review and quality-check internal and third-party technical outputs.
• Manage multiple projects, resources, programmes and budgets.
• Build strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders.
• Provide strategic ecological advice throughout project delivery.
• Review work produced by junior and other team members.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists.
• Manage workload and team capacity to meet project deadlines.
• Contribute to business development and maintain strong client relationships.
• Provide specialist input at planning processes and oral hearings where required.

About You

• Third-level qualification in Ecology, Botany, Natural Sciences or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years’ post-graduate experience in a relevant ecological consultancy role.
• Broad ecological experience across large-scale development or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of the EU Habitats and EIA Directives and their application to ecological assessments.
• Excellent technical report writing, review and quality assurance skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing project budgets.
• Confident client-facing and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven ability to manage a busy and varied project workload.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable: Full CIEEM membership or equivalent professional membership, and experience acting as an expert witness or contributing to oral hearings.

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid working from Galway.
• Opportunity to work on major national projects.
• Exposure to diverse ecological disciplines and sectors.
• Strong professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Supportive multidisciplinary environment.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package