Senior or Principal Ecologist - Naas

WSP; Naas; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive programme

Virtual GP

Gymflex

Menopause support

Job summary

WSP Ireland is seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join our Nature Services Team in Naas or Dublin, delivering ecological assessments and environmental impact work on major infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

You will lead surveys (Fossitt habitat, protected species), prepare EIAR and Appropriate Assessment chapters, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with regulators and clients to drive high‑quality ecological deliverables across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• An appropriate academic qualification and/or experience in ecology or a related discipline.
• Experience across Irish habitats and knowledge of derogation licences from NPWS is a plus.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment (EIAR) and writing EIAR chapters.
• Experience of Appropriate Assessment (AA).
• Strong communication and proactive problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake ecology surveys (Fossitt habitat surveys, protected species surveys).
• Prepare tenders and deliverables including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EIAR chapters and AA reports.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a supportive working environment.
• Attend regular Ecology team meetings and engage with training opportunities.

Skills

Ecology

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role…

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologistto join our growing Nature Services Team in Naas or Dublin and work on some engaging projects within a supportive team of technical experts.

We work closely with our sister office in Belfast to deliver a diverse range of projects, including nationally significant infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects, utility refurbishment projects and large Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) projects.

We collaborate with a range of interrelated disciplines including Biodiversity Net Gain and Natural Capital specialists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, hydrologists, environmental scientists and geotechnical specialists.

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team, so even if you’re not sure you match everything in our job description, we are still keen for you to make an application.

Asa Senior or Principal Ecologist you will be embedded within our Ireland Nature Services Team and will be involved in the following activities:

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including Fossitt habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, smooth newt, etc).
• Preparation of tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including; Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EIAR chapters and Appropriate Assessment reports.
• Client liaison and project management.
• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.
• Mentoring junior team members.
• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.
• Attending regular weekly and monthly Ecology team meetings.
• Availing of a generous training and career development budget to complete training (in-house and external).

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• An appropriate academic qualification and/or experience in a related discipline.
• Experience across a range of Irish habitats and ideally has experience with securing derogation licences from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing EIAR chapters.
• Experience of Appropriate Assessment.
• Good communication skills, and is solution‑focused and proactive.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work‑life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.