Senior EIA Specialist

Gaia Talent; Leinster; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gaia Talent is seeking a Senior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialist to lead EIAR preparation and project management for energy, infrastructure, residential and commercial developments in Ireland.

You will coordinate multidisciplinary inputs (ecology, hydrology, noise, traffic, landscape), manage scope, programme and budgets, and lead EIAR reviews with quality and compliance. This role offers progression and exposure to major projects shaping Ireland’s infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience leading EIARs for large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and authorship of EIARs in line with Irish and EU guidance.
• Coordinate inputs from ecology, hydrology, noise, traffic, landscape and other disciplines.
• Manage projects from inception to completion: scope, programme, resources, budgets and profitability.
• Lead EIARs through the Irish planning and consenting process from scoping to decision.

Skills

EIAR leadership

EIA legislation knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Environmental Science/Engineering degree

Job description

Senior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialist

About the Role:

An established planning and environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialist to join its growing environmental team in Ireland. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced EIA professional to lead the preparation, project management and technical quality of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs) and supporting consenting documentation across energy, infrastructure, residential and commercial projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and authorship of EIARs in accordance with Irish and EU environmental legislation and guidance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs including ecology, hydrology, noise, traffic, landscape and visual, cultural heritage, air quality and other environmental disciplines.
• Manage projects from inception to completion, including scope, programme, resources, budgets and profitability.
• Lead EIARs through the Irish planning and consenting process, from scoping through to decision.
• Coordinate junior staff, specialist consultants and sub-consultants.
• Review technical reports and ensure high standards of quality and consistency.
• Build strong relationships with clients, regulators, statutory bodies and project stakeholders.
• Identify and manage project risks, deadlines and resource requirements.
• Support business development through fee proposals, client engagement and identifying new opportunities.
• Present environmental findings to clients, stakeholders and at public or oral hearings where required.

About You:

• Third-level qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience leading EIARs for large-scale projects.
• Proven experience managing EIARs through the Irish planning process.
• Strong knowledge of EIA legislation, planning legislation, Habitats Directive requirements and Irish EIAR guidance.
• Experience with major infrastructure projects, including energy, transport, water or wastewater.
• Strong multidisciplinary project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent technical report writing, reviewing and communication abilities.
• Experience managing project finances, programmes and deadlines.
• Chartered status or relevant professional membership, or working towards same, is desirable.
• Full clean driving licence.

This role offers excellent opportunities for career progression, leadership development and involvement in major projects shaping Ireland’s infrastructure and environment.