Principal Ecologist

Key Talent Solutions; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

Key Talent Solutions is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to lead complex ecological consultancy projects across renewable energy, transport and infrastructure sectors in Ireland. The role blends technical leadership, client engagement and project ownership within a dynamic environmental practice.

You will design survey programmes, review biodiversity chapters and mentor staff, while managing budgets and delivering high-quality reports. Hybrid working and career progression are offered.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related environmental discipline.
• Membership of CIEEM, CIWEM or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological consultancy projects across renewable energy, waste management, transport and civil infrastructure sectors.
• Provide senior ecological advice to clients and multidisciplinary design teams.
• Design, manage and oversee ecological survey programmes across terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal environments.
• Lead or technically review AA Screening Reports, NIS, EcIA and EIAR Biodiversity Chapters.
• Prepare and oversee CEMPs, ecological mitigation strategies and biodiversity management plans.
• Support construction-stage ecology through ECoW activities and licensing.
• Deliver high-quality technical reports and QA across outputs.
• Represent projects as an expert witness during hearings and inquiries.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resources and subcontractors.

Skills

Project leadership

Client communication

Technical writing

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Ecology

Chartered Ecologist (CIEEM)

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Principal Ecologist to join a leading engineering and environmental consultancy.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior ecology professional to combine technical leadership, project ownership, client engagement and commercial responsibility while working on nationally significant projects across renewable energy, civil infrastructure, waste management and wider development sectors.

This role would suit an established Principal Ecologist, Associate Ecologist, or Senior Ecologist ready to take the next step.

The Role

• Lead ecological consultancy projects across renewable energy, waste management, transport and civil infrastructure sectors
• Provide senior ecological advice to clients and multidisciplinary design teams
• Design, manage and oversee ecological survey programmes across terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal environments
• Lead or technically review AA Screening Reports, NIS, EcIA and EIAR Biodiversity Chapters
• Prepare and oversee CEMPs, ecological mitigation strategies and biodiversity management plans
• Support construction-stage ecology through ECoW activities, protected species licensing, ecological monitoring and contractor liaison
• Deliver high-quality technical reports and provide quality assurance across project outputs
• Represent projects as an expert witness during Oral Hearings and planning inquiries
• Manage project programmes, budgets, resources and subcontractors

What we are looking for

• Degree in Ecology or a related environmental discipline
• Minimum 10 years’ post-graduate environmental consultancy experience
• Membership of CIEEM, CIWEM or an equivalent professional body
• Strong experience preparing and reviewing AA, NIS, EcIA and EIAR Biodiversity Chapters
• Strong knowledge of Irish wildlife legislation and planning processes
• Experience preparing and implementing CEMPs
• Experience managing multidisciplinary consultancy projects
• Excellent technical writing, report review and client communication skills
• Renewable Energy, including wind, solar or grid infrastructure
• Roads and transport infrastructure
• Protected species licensing
• Chartered Ecologist, Chartered Environmentalist, or chartered status through CIEEM or CIWEM

What is on offer

• Hybrid working arrangements
• Flexible working hours
• Structured career progression
• Five CPD days annually
• Generous annual leave plus additional company days
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Family-friendly policies