Principal Ecologist - Lead Ecology Growth & Strategy

Gaia Talent; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Bonuses (performance-related)

Professional development and charterry

Income protection and employee benefi

Leadership opportunity to grow ecology

Job summary

Gaia Talent is partnering with an established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy to recruit a Principal Ecologist to lead, develop and expand its ecology offering. This role blends technical leadership, team growth and business development within a well‑established firm.

You will lead a growing team of ecologists, oversee EIAR, EcIA and NIS work, manage complex projects across infrastructure and energy, and shape the service\'s future direction while developing client relationships and

Qualifications

• Over 10 years' experience in ecological consultancy.
• Deep knowledge of Irish ecological assessments, legislation and planning.
• Proven project leadership and mentoring of ecologists.
• Commercial acumen with client relationship management.
• CIEEM membership or equivalent recognition.
• Full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a growing ecology team.
• Provide technical oversight of EcIA, EIAR Biodiversity Chapters, NIS and AA Screening.
• Oversee protected species surveys, habitat assessments and management plans.
• Manage complex ecological projects across infrastructure, energy, industrial and development sectors.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to tenders and proposals.
• Collaborate with senior management to shape the future direction of the ecology service.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client management

Project management

Team development

Education

CIEEM membership (or equivalent)

Tools

EcIA

AA Screening

NIS (Natura Impact Statements)

Job description

Gaia Talent is partnering with an established multidisciplinary environmental consultancy to recruit a Principal Ecologist to lead, develop and expand its ecology offering. This role blends technical leadership, team growth and business development within a well‑established firm.

You will lead a growing team of ecologists, oversee EIAR, EcIA and NIS work, manage complex projects across infrastructure and energy, and shape the service\'s future direction while developing client relationships and