Project Ecologist

Tetra Tech Europe; Galway; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech Europe seeks an experienced Senior Ecologist to join their Ecology Team, contributing to a range of development projects across Ireland. The role is essential in delivering ecology advice and assessments, requiring strong qualifications in ecological consultancy and field surveys.

The successful candidate will have a relevant degree and a proven track record in habitat mapping and ecological surveys. This position offers hybrid working flexibility, requiring travel for fieldwork.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in ecological consultancy or a related biodiversity role.
• Strong field survey experience, particularly habitat mapping and botanical surveys.
• Experience in at least one specialist ecological survey area.

Responsibilities

• Manage ecology advice and assessments for development projects.
• Lead ecological survey, analysis, and reporting activities.
• Contribute to biodiversity assessments for complex projects.

Skills

Ecological consultancy

Field survey expertise

GIS tools

Habitat mapping

Botanical surveys

Education

Honours Degree in Ecology

Tools

Fieldmaps

Job description

Senior Ecologist

Location: Galway, Dublin, Cork, Sligo

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Ecology and Biodiversity Delivery

We are seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join a dynamic Ecology Team working on a diverse portfolio of development and infrastructure projects across Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong ecologist with excellent field survey, assessment, reporting, and project delivery skills to play a key role in shaping sustainable outcomes for clients and communities.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

A Senior Ecologist is a pivotal member of the Ecology Team, responsible for the management, progression, and delivery of ecology advice and assessments for a wide range of development and infrastructure projects in Ireland. Working closely with senior colleagues, the role involves leading ecological survey, desk study, analysis, assessment, and reporting activities across projects from inception through to consenting. The successful candidate will be a competent ecological surveyor with proven experience in habitat mapping and botanical surveys, alongside at least one specialist area of ecological expertise such as bats, freshwater/aquatic ecology, large mammals, or invasive alien plant species. The role also requires confidence in using GIS tools for in-field data capture and analysis, along with a strong understanding of the relevant Irish and European legislative and planning framework governing ecological assessment and consenting.

Your Impact in This Position

In this role, you will help shape the ecological strategy and delivery of complex projects, ensuring high-quality advice that supports successful consenting outcomes. You will contribute directly to biodiversity assessments, including EIAR, EcIA, Appropriate Assessment, and WFD-related work, helping clients navigate ecological constraints and mitigation requirements.

You will also have a meaningful impact through client management, project coordination, fee and scope preparation, and the delivery of technically robust reports and assessments. Your work will support both project success and the broader protection and enhancement of biodiversity.

Core Capabilities

Technical Expertise & Knowledge: Strong technical capability in ecological matters relating to the development, design, and consenting of complex projects. Competent in habitat mapping, botanical surveys, and at least one specialist ecological survey area. Able to apply ecological knowledge to project strategy, assessment, and deliverables.

Reporting, Documentation & Compliance: Produces accurate, clear, and timely reports and technical documentation to a high standard. Maintains strong attention to detail, with a clear understanding of internal procedures, regulatory requirements, and quality, safety, and environmental standards.

Project Management & Client Support: Able to manage multiple projects, prepare scopes and fee proposals, and advise clients on ecological risks and opportunities. Demonstrates a developing professional reputation and contributes to project delivery, financial management, and team collaboration.

GIS, Data Capture & Analysis: Competent in capturing, manipulating, and analysing ecological desk study and field data using GIS tools such as Fieldmaps or similar platforms. Able to support survey planning, analysis, and evidence-based assessment.

Ecological Assessment & Consenting Support: Experienced in leading ecological assessments for complex projects and applying guidance, legislation, and the mitigation hierarchy to develop practical and effective solutions. Familiar with the consenting process in Ireland and its biodiversity implications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Honours Degree in Ecology; Proven experience in ecological consultancy or a related biodiversity role.
• Strong field survey experience, particularly habitat mapping and botanical surveys.
• Experience in at least one specialist ecological survey area; Competent use of GIS tools for ecological data capture and analysis.
• Strong understanding of Irish and European ecology-related legislation and policy.
• Experience preparing or contributing to EIAR, EcIA, Appropriate Assessment, and/or WFD assessments.
• Full clean driving licence and access to own vehicle.

Desired

• Postgraduate qualification (MSc) in a relevant biological or environmental science subject with an ecological component and practical experience.
• Membership of CIEEM, or equivalent professional body.
• Working towards Chartership through CIEEM or similar.
• Experience managing client relationships and project finances.
• Experience advising on consenting risk and biodiversity strategy for complex infrastructure or development projects.
• Demonstrable professional reputation in biodiversity and/or ecological consultancy. Experience working with agile teams and across multiple office locations.

Working Environment

This role offers agile working with hybrid flexibility as standard. The position may be based from any of the listed office locations, with regular travel required to support fieldwork and project delivery across Ireland. A full clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle are required to fulfil the fieldwork element of the role.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.