Senior Ecology & EIA Leader (Ireland)

Ayesa Engineering - UK and Ireland; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Employer Pension Match

Income Protection

Life Assurance

Training and Development

Family & Well-Being Support

Sports and Social

25 days annual leave

Recognition Awards

Job summary

Ayesa Engineering Ireland invites an Associate Director to lead its ecology and EIA team, guiding major EIAR projects and client relations across sectors. The role blends technical leadership with business development to grow environmental services in Ireland.

The candidate will deliver complex ecological assessments, mentor a high-performing team, and drive strategic opportunities aligned with Ayesa’s goals while maintaining regulatory excellence.

Qualifications

• Degree (and preferably postgraduate qualification) in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in ecological assessment, habitat and species surveys, and environmental reporting in line with Irish and EU legislation.
• Strong working knowledge of EIAR requirements, Habitats Directive and national planning processes.
• Proven ability to act as technical lead on large, multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological and environmental inputs for major EIAR projects across multiple sectors.
• Provide expert advice on ecological assessments, protected species, habitats, mitigation, and Irish/EU environmental legislation.
• Oversee AA Screening and Natura Impact Statements and large-scale ecology surveys.
• Line-manage ecologists and environmental professionals across Ireland and mentor staff.
• Build team capability through coaching, recruitment, and knowledge sharing.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture with a focus on quality and client delivery.

Skills

Ecology expert

EIA/EIAR knowledge

Habitats & species surveys

Regulatory knowledge (Irish/EU)

Project leadership

Mentoring teams

Business development

Client liaison

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Chartered Environmentalist (or working toward)

Tools

GIS

Environmental reporting software

Job description

Ayesa Engineering Ireland invites an Associate Director to lead its ecology and EIA team, guiding major EIAR projects and client relations across sectors. The role blends technical leadership with business development to grow environmental services in Ireland.

The candidate will deliver complex ecological assessments, mentor a high-performing team, and drive strategic opportunities aligned with Ayesa’s goals while maintaining regulatory excellence.