Senior Ecologist

PUNCH Consulting Engineers; Cork; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

PUNCH Consulting Engineers in Cork is seeking a Senior Ecologist with specialism in ornithology and/or bat ecology. You will lead field surveys, deliver high-quality ecological reports, and support project teams across diverse infrastructure projects.

The role requires strong technical expertise, client-facing capability, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary environment. A permanent contract (35 hours/week) is offered, with a competitive package in a leading Irish engineering consultancy.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in ornithology and/or bat ecology.
• Experience in consultancy, research, or academia.
• Proven field survey skills with standard methods.
• Demonstrable ecological reporting experience (AA Stage 1/AA Stage 2, EcIA).
• Proficiency in GIS/data management; report writing; regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver ecological surveys focused on ornithology and/or bat ecology.
• Design and implement survey methodologies for ecology projects.
• Analyse data and prepare ecological assessment reports for planning/consenting.
• Advise on ecological constraints, licensing, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage ecological inputs.
• Support project managers with planning and coordination.
• Contribute to GIS mapping and data management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and best practices.
• Assist in licence applications and health & safety during fieldwork.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.
• Experience with infrastructure or civil projects is a plus.

Skills

Ornithology

Bat ecology

Report writing

Client-facing

Mentoring

Tools

GIS

Job description

Role: Senior Ecologist (Ornithology / Bat Specialist)

Permanent Contract, 35 hours a week

Location: Cork

Reports to: Technical Director of Ecology

The Opportunity

PUNCH Consulting Engineers is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist with a specialism in ornithology and/or bat ecology to support and expand our growing Ecology service offering. This opportunity is ideal for a candidate with a strong technical background in these areas, and we welcome applications from individuals with relevant experience in consultancy, research, or academia. As part of our multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality ecological services across a diverse portfolio of projects. You will contribute technical expertise, provide client-facing support, and take ownership of project delivery, while also collaborating effectively with colleagues across various disciplines. This role offers the chance to work both independently and as part of a dynamic team in a supportive and forward-thinking environment, and the opportunity to shape the direction of a growing ecology service.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Lead and deliver ecological surveys with a particular focus on ornithology and/or bat ecology, including breeding bird surveys, wintering bird surveys, bat activity surveys, and roost assessments.
• Design and implement appropriate survey methodologies, providing expert technical input across a range of ecology-related projects.
• Analyse ecological data and prepare high-quality reports, including ecological assessments, species-specific reports, and documentation to support planning and consenting processes.
• Provide advice on ecological constraints, mitigation strategies, licensing requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary project teams, clients, and external stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Support project managers with programme planning, scheduling, and coordination of ecological inputs.
• Contribute to data management processes and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to support project outputs.
• Ensure all work is carried out in compliance with relevant environmental legislation, standards, and best practice.
• Support the preparation and submission of licence applications where required.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety during all fieldwork activities.
• Mentor junior team members, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing across the ecology function.
• Experience in ecology.
• Demonstrable expertise in ornithology and/or bat ecology.
• Relevant experience gained through consultancy, research, academia, or a comparable applied ecology role.
• Strong field survey skills with practical knowledge of standard ecological survey methodologies.
• Proven ability in ecological reporting, with demonstrable authorship of key assessment and management documents, including Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening (Stage 1) and Natura Impact Statements (AA Stage 2) in line with the Habitats Directive, as well as Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) and Biodiversity Chapters for planning applications. Experience should also include preparing environmental management documentation such as Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) and Biodiversity Environmental Management Plans (BEMP), along with undertaking and reporting on Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA).
• Proficiency in GIS and ecological data management.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Membership of a relevant professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), or a clear commitment to working towards achieving this accreditation.
• Good understanding of environmental legislation, planning policy, and ecological best practice.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Experience supporting ecological licensing or consent processes.
• Project management experience or experience leading small teams.
• Experience working on infrastructure, civil engineering, or multidisciplinary development projects.

What We Offer You

• A role within one of Ireland’s leading engineering consultancies.
• The opportunity to help shape and expand PUNCH’s Ecology offering in a collaborative environment with a strong focus on technical quality and sustainable outcomes. A competitive remuneration package is on offer, commensurate with experience, with a salary band of €50,000 to €68,000
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• An ISO: 9001 Accredited Company with BM Trada from our quality management system and our Environmental Management System.