Principal Ecologist

Waterjobsuk; Cork, Dublin, Carlow; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterjobsuk is seeking a Principal Ecologist to join its Ecology team in Ireland, with locations in Cork, Dublin or Carlow. The role delivers specialist ecological services across renewable energy, waste management and civil infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will have 10+ years in environmental consultancy, a degree in Ecology, and membership of CIEEM/CIWEM, plus strong report-writing and client-relations skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' post-graduate experience in environmental consultancy.
• Membership of CIEEM, CIWEM or equivalent.
• Proven experience preparing and overseeing CEMPs.
• Experience with AA, EcIA and EIAR biodiversity reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of Irish wildlife and conservation legislation.
• Experience as expert witness and in Oral Hearings.
• Excellent technical report-writing and communication skills.
• Strong project management and coordination abilities.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Full, clean driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ecological contracts within budgets and programmes.
• Provide specialist ecological input across multidisciplinary projects.
• Plan, undertake and supervise ecological surveys and fieldwork.
• Prepare and oversee CEMPs implementation.
• Lead assessments (AA, EcIA, EIAR biodiversity chapters).
• Produce and review high-quality technical reports and deliverables.
• Ensure quality control and timely project delivery.
• Support continuous ecology team development.
• Act as expert witness at Oral Hearings when required.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and attend meetings with design teams.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners and other environmental specialists.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Client engagement

Technical report writing

Expert witness

Education

Ecology degree

Job description

Location: Cork, Dublin or Carlow, Ireland
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Opportunity

An established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to join its growing Ecology team. This senior position offers the opportunity to contribute to business growth while delivering specialist ecological services across renewable energy, waste management and civil infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will bring at least 10 years' experience in environmental consultancy, providing technical leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects involving coastal, freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecology.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee ecological contracts, ensuring the delivery of high-quality consultancy services within agreed programmes and budgets.

• Provide specialist ecological advice and technical input across multidisciplinary projects.

• Plan, undertake and supervise ecological surveys and fieldwork activities.

• Prepare and oversee the implementation of Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs).

• Lead the preparation of Appropriate Assessments, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), EIAR biodiversity chapters and other environmental reports.

• Produce and review high-quality technical reports and project deliverables.

• Maintain rigorous quality control, ensuring accuracy, attention to detail and timely project delivery.

• Support continuous improvement and technical development within the ecology team.

• Act as an expert witness at Oral Hearings when required.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and participate in client and design team meetings.

• Collaborate effectively with engineers, planners and other environmental specialists.

About You

• Degree in Ecology or a related environmental discipline.

• Minimum 10 years' post-graduate experience in environmental consultancy.

• Membership of CIEEM, CIWEM or an equivalent professional body.

• Proven experience preparing and overseeing the implementation of CEMPs.

• Strong experience in Appropriate Assessment, EcIA and EIAR biodiversity reporting.

• In-depth knowledge of Irish wildlife and nature conservation legislation.

• Previous experience acting as an expert witness and participating in Oral Hearings.

• Excellent technical report-writing and communication skills.

• Strong project management, organisational and coordination abilities.

• Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Full, clean driving licence.

What’s on Offer?

• Opportunity to work on major renewable energy, waste management and infrastructure projects.

• Senior technical role within an established multidisciplinary ecology team.

• Exposure to a broad range of ecological disciplines and projects.

• Opportunities to contribute to business growth and technical development.

• Structured career progression and professional development opportunities.

Job Ref: 0511E

Closing Date: 31/12/2026

Salary Description: Competitive Salary Offered

Start Date: ASAP

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