Principal Ecologist

AllSite Staffing; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive benefits

Professional development

Job summary

AllSite Staffing, on behalf of a leading ecological consultancy in Ireland, seeks a Principal Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects, mentor staff, and drive technical excellence.

You will contribute to bid writing, client engagement, and regulatory reporting (EcIA and AA) while applying strong knowledge of Irish and EU environmental law.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology or environmental science (postgraduate qualification desirable).
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM) desirable.
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including fieldwork, reporting, and project management.
• Strong technical report writing and review experience.
• Experience delivering EcIA and AA for complex projects.
• Excellent knowledge of planning systems, environmental legislation, and policy.
• Experience in team leadership and mentoring.
• Strong commercial awareness and project delivery focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the scoping, coordination, and delivery of large-scale and complex ecological projects.
• Manage and analyse ecological data using GIS and related tools.
• Oversee and produce high-quality technical reports (EcIA, AA, Biodiversity Management Plans, etc.).
• Conduct technical reviews and sign off on project deliverables.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Provide expert input at oral hearings and contribute to legal and judicial review processes where required.
• Manage project budgets, timelines and resources.
• Lead, mentor, and line manage team members, supporting their development and performance.
• Promote best practice, innovation, and continuous improvement within the ecology team.
• Contribute to business development activities including tendering and technical input.

Skills

Leadership

Client engagement

Project management

Team mentorship

Communication

Education

Degree in ecology or environmental science

Postgraduate qualification desirable

Tools

GIS software

EcIA reporting tools

Job description

A leading, long-established ecological consultancy in Ireland is seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist to join its growing team. Renowned for delivering innovative, best-practice solutions, the organisation works across a wide range of sectors including transport, energy, utilities, residential, pharmaceutical, industrial, and technology—supporting projects that protect, enhance, and restore biodiversity.

This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior role on nationally important, nature-positive projects while contributing to a collaborative and forward-thinking team environment.

The organisation places strong emphasis on professional development, employee wellbeing, and career progression, offering a supportive culture, competitive benefits, and flexible hybrid working arrangements.

About You

You are a motivated and solution-focused ecologist with a passion for biodiversity and environmental protection. You enjoy leading projects and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, while also being confident working on your own initiative.

You will bring:

• Strong leadership capability with a proactive and organised approach
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with clients and stakeholders
• A commitment to high-quality project delivery and continuous professional development
• A collaborative mindset aligned with values such as excellence, growth, partnership, and positive culture

You will also have:

• Proven experience designing and delivering ecological surveys, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Appropriate Assessments (AA)
• Strong knowledge of Irish and EU environmental legislation, planning policy, and guidance
• A track record of managing complex projects and working within multidisciplinary teams
• A full driving licence, access to a car, and flexibility to travel across Ireland (including occasional overnight stays)

Role Overview

As a Principal Ecologist, you will play a key leadership role in managing and delivering complex ecological projects while supporting and mentoring team members. You will contribute to technical excellence, project performance, and client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the scoping, coordination, and delivery of large-scale and complex ecological projects
• Manage and analyse ecological data using advanced survey techniques, GIS, and related tools
• Oversee and produce high-quality technical reports (EcIA, AA, Biodiversity Management Plans, etc.)
• Conduct technical reviews and sign off on project deliverables
• Act as a key point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and project teams
• Provide expert input at oral hearings and contribute to legal and judicial review processes (where required)
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively
• Lead, mentor, and line manage team members, supporting their development and performance
• Promote best practice, innovation, and continuous improvement within the ecology team
• Contribute to business development activities including tendering and technical input

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline (postgraduate qualification desirable)
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM) desirable
• Extensive experience in ecological consultancy, including fieldwork, reporting, and project management
• Strong technical report writing and review experience
• Experience delivering EcIA and AA for complex projects
• Excellent knowledge of planning systems, environmental legislation, and policy
• Experience in team leadership and mentoring
• Strong commercial awareness and project delivery focus