Senior or Principal Ecologist - Naas

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist for Ireland, based in Naas or Dublin. The role covers diverse projects including infrastructure, renewable energy, and large Strategic Infrastructure Development.

You will plan and conduct ecological surveys, prepare EIAR chapters, AA reports, and liaise with clients and regulators. Key duties include mentoring junior staff, maintaining strong client relations, and participating in weekly ecologist meetings.

Qualifications

• Appropriate academic qualification and/or related professional experience.
• Experience with Irish habitats and derogation licences from NPWS.
• Experience with Ecological Impact Assessment (EIAR) and writing EIAR chapters.
• Experience with Appropriate Assessment procedures.
• Strong communication skills, solution‑focused and proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct ecological surveys for infrastructure and large projects.
• Prepare ecological outputs such as EIAR chapters and AA reports.
• Maintain client liaison and manage project components.
• Consult and negotiate with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative working environment.
• Participate in regular weekly and monthly ecologist meetings.

Skills

Ecology experience

Strong communication

Regulatory liaison

Education

Academic qualification or related professional experience

Job description

Senior or Principal Ecologist – Ireland

Location: Naas or Dublin. The role is part of the Nature Services Team and will involve working on a range of projects, including infrastructure, renewable energy, utility refurbishment and large Strategic Infrastructure Development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct ecological surveys, including flood habitat surveys and protected species surveys (e.g., badger, otter, bat, smooth newt).
• Prepare tenders and deliver ecological outputs such as Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EIAR chapters and Appropriate Assessment reports.
• Maintain client liaison and manage project components.
• Consult and negotiate with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative working environment.
• Participate in regular weekly and monthly ecologist meetings.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Appropriate academic qualification and/or related professional experience.
• Experience working across a variety of Irish habitats and, ideally, securing derogation licences from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Experience with Ecological Impact Assessment and writing EIAR chapters.
• Experience with Appropriate Assessment procedures.
• Strong communication skills, solution‑focused and proactive mindset.

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities. If you require workplace adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other protected characteristics.