Principal Ecologist

Gaia Talent; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Healthcare allowance

Career development benefits

Job summary

Gaia Talent is seeking a Principal Ecologist for a full-time, permanent hybrid role with multiple locations across Ireland. You will support renewable energy and peatland rehabilitation projects, delivering biodiversity-focused initiatives and integrating ecological input from feasibility through to delivery.

The role combines fieldwork with project input, baseline surveys, habitat mapping, EIARs and Natura Impact Statements, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Ecology or related field
• Extensive experience with ecological surveys, reporting, and impact assessment
• Experience with EIA and AA processes for large-scale projects
• Knowledge of Irish habitats, species, and legislation
• Proficiency with GIS (ArcGIS) and data management
• Good communication and driving licence

Responsibilities

• Support renewable energy projects with ecological input from feasibility through to delivery
• Carry out baseline surveys, habitat mapping, and ecological assessments
• Contribute to EIARs and Natura Impact Statements
• Collaborate with consultants, review reports, and support data management
• Assist peatland rehabilitation plans, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement
• Support biodiversity initiatives and wider environmental projects
• Keep up to date with environmental legislation and policy
• Collaborate with internal teams and contribute to ongoing project delivery

Skills

Ecology surveys

Ecological reporting

Impact assessment

GIS (ArcGIS)

Data management

Communication skills

Driving licence

Renewable energy knowledge

Education

Degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid Working – Multiple locations available across Ireland

Our clients are hiring Principal Ecologists to support renewable energy and peatland rehabilitation projects. This role offers a great mix of fieldwork, project input, and biodiversity-focused initiatives, contributing to large-scale environmental projects across Ireland.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting renewable energy projects with ecological input from feasibility through to delivery
• Carrying out baseline surveys, habitat mapping, and ecological assessments
• Contributing to EIARs and Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statements
• Working with consultants, reviewing reports, and supporting data management
• Assisting with peatland rehabilitation plans, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement
• Supporting biodiversity initiatives and wider environmental projects
• Keeping up to date with environmental legislation and policy
• Collaborating with internal teams and contributing to ongoing project delivery

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Ecology or a related field
• Strong experience in ecological surveys, reporting, and impact assessment
• Experience contributing to EIA and AA processes for large-scale projects
• Knowledge of Irish habitats, species, and environmental legislation
• Experience with GIS (e.g. ArcGIS) and ecological data management
• Background in peatland ecology or renewable energy projects is an advantage
• Strong communication skills and a full clean driving licence

What’s on offer:

• Industry-leading salary range
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Healthcare allowance
• Additional well-being and career development benefits