Principal Ecologist - Engineering & Environmental Consultancy - Dublin / Cork / Carlow

Office/Project Location: Dublin, Cork, or Carlow, Ireland

Employment Type: Full time

Work Location: Hybrid (Office & Site Visits)

Pay: Salary 75k - 85k

Experience: 10+ years' experience in ecological consultancy

Visa: EU passport or Stamp 4 visa required

Our client is a leading Irish engineering and environmental consultancy delivering major infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development projects nationwide.

The Principal Ecologist is required to lead the delivery of high-quality ecological consultancy services, overseeing individual contracts and driving project success across the renewable energy, civil infrastructure, and waste management sectors.

They will plan, conduct, and supervise comprehensive ecological surveys and field activities.

Lead the preparation of Appropriate Assessments (AA/NIS), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), and Biodiversity Chapters for Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs).

Oversee the preparation and implementation of Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs).

Ensure robust quality control across all technical outputs, maintaining strict standards for accuracy, timeliness, and technical rigor.

Act as an expert witness at Oral Hearings and planning enquiries when required.

Foster and maintain strong client relationships, representing the ecology team in multi-disciplinary design and project meetings.

Requirements

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Botany, or a related discipline

10+ years of post-graduate experience in ecological consultancy

Full or Chartered membership of CIEEM, CIWEM, or an equivalent professional body

In-depth knowledge of Irish wildlife, habitat, and environmental conservation legislation

Proven track record preparing and reviewing AA/NIS, EcIAs, CEMPs, and EIAR chapters

Demonstrated experience acting as an expert witness at Oral Hearings

Full, clean driving licence

Strong leadership, report writing, and project management capabilities

Package

Salary 75k - 85k depending on experience

22 to 27 days annual leave plus 4 company days per year

Flexi-start system, hybrid working options, and early weekend starts (shorter Fridays)

Health and lifestyle contribution to support individual and family wellness

Full financial support for professional membership fees (CIEEM / CIWEM)

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) support with 5 dedicated learning days per year

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental health first aid support

Complimentary gym membership (Dublin office) and regular health screenings

Bike to Work scheme and complimentary office parking

Social club events and sports activities throughout the year

Contact

Andrew Taylor is the consultant managing this position.

If you are a Principal Ecologist interested in roles in Dublin, Cork, or Carlow, you can contact Andrew by e-mail andrew@jobcontax.com or phone +353-1-5310097 for a confidential chat.

JobContax do not send CVs to clients without candidate permission.

With over 50 years of technical recruitment experience, JobContax is the leading recruiter of Ecologists in Ireland.

Due to the large volume of applications, JobContax may not be able to respond directly to every individual.

tagciv