Senior Ecologist

This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist team delivering high-quality ecological consultancy services across a diverse range of nationally significant projects, including renewable energy, transport, infrastructure, utilities, technology, industrial and residential developments.

Our client has built an excellent reputation for delivering innovative, practical ecological solutions that protect and restore biodiversity, while supporting responsible development.

As a Senior Ecologist, you will play an important role in managing complex ecological projects, leading field surveys, providing technical expertise and supporting the development of other ecologists.

If you enjoy combining hands-on ecological work with project management, technical reporting and mentoring colleagues, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

Key Responsibilities

Ecological Surveys and Technical Delivery

• Design, undertake and manage ecological surveys across a variety of habitats and development projects.

• Lead ecological fieldwork on large-scale and technically complex projects throughout Ireland.

• Collect, analyse and interpret ecological data using specialist survey equipment, GIS and other technical tools.

• Prepare, review and oversee ecological reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Appropriate Assessments (AA) and Biodiversity Plans.

• Provide expert ecological advice to clients, project teams and relevant stakeholders.

• Ensure ecological assessments and recommendations align with relevant legislation, planning requirements and best practice.

Project Management and Client Relationships

• Take responsibility for the successful delivery of ecological projects, managing budgets, resources and timescales.

• Coordinate fieldwork, technical reporting and project deliverables.

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.

• Identify and resolve project challenges while maintaining high technical and professional standards.

• Contribute to the delivery of biodiversity-positive outcomes across a range of development sectors.

Team Leadership and Development

• Provide technical guidance, mentoring and support to junior and developing ecologists.

• Support the management of team workloads, resources and performance.

• Contribute to internal training, knowledge sharing and continuous professional development.

• Assist with technical research, the development of best-practice standards and tender submissions.

• Play an active role in supporting the continued growth and development of the ecology team.

About You

We would welcome applications from experienced ecological consultants who enjoy a combination of technical delivery, project responsibility and collaborative working.

Essential Experience and Skills

• A degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Sciences or a related biological discipline.

• Strong experience in ecological field surveying, data collection, analysis and interpretation.

• Experience preparing and reviewing ecological impact assessments and technical reports.

• Good working knowledge of Irish and EU environmental legislation, ecological planning requirements and relevant case law.

• Experience managing ecological projects, including budgets, resources and deadlines.

• Previous experience mentoring, supervising or supporting other ecologists.

• Strong communication skills and confidence working directly with clients and stakeholders.

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing project priorities.

• A proactive, practical and solutions-focused approach to ecological consultancy.

• A full driving licence, access to a car and willingness to travel throughout Ireland, including occasional overnight stays.

Desirable Experience

• A postgraduate qualification in Ecology or a related environmental discipline.

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

• Experience delivering ecological assessments for large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy or other complex developments.

• Experience contributing to technical tenders, training or business development activities.

What's on Offer?

Our client recognises the importance of investing in its people and creating an environment where ecologists can build rewarding, long-term careers.

You can expect:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

• Opportunities to work on diverse and nationally significant projects.

• Exposure to technically challenging ecological assessments and biodiversity initiatives.

• Support for continuous professional development and specialist training.

• Opportunities for career progression within an established and growing consultancy.

• A collaborative team environment where technical expertise and individual contributions are valued.

• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing, safety and work-life balance.

This is an opportunity to develop your technical and leadership experience while contributing to projects that make a meaningful difference to biodiversity and the natural environment.

Interested in Finding Out More?

Whether you are an established Senior Ecologist looking for a fresh challenge or an experienced ecological consultant ready to take on greater project responsibility, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Ocean to Earth Recruitment specialises in connecting environmental professionals with consultancies where their expertise, ambitions and values align.

To apply or arrange a confidential discussion, please contact:

Vicky Kenrick
Co-Founder and Director
Ocean to Earth Recruitment

Email: vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk
Telephone: 07341 020135
Website: www.oceantoearth.co.uk

Please send your CV to vicky@oceantoearth.co.uk.