Senior Ecologist – Freshwater / Aquatic Specialist
Location: Galway, Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, or Sligo.
Purpose & Scope Of The Role
A Senior Ecologist – Freshwater/Aquatic Specialist is a pivotal role within the Ecology Team. The role involves managing, progressing, and delivering ecology advice and assessments for a range of development and infrastructure projects across Ireland, providing specialist input on freshwater and aquatic technical matters. Key technical responsibilities include freshwater habitats and fisheries surveys, Q‑value survey, RHAT survey, species‑specific surveys, aquatic botany, eDNA surveys, and, where applicable, electrofishing and/or Stage 1–4 freshwater pearl mussel surveys. The specialist will also advise on hydro‑geomorphological matters affecting aquatic systems, support design and consenting of in‑stream works such as flood relief schemes and barrier removal projects, and contribute to complex project assessment.
Your Impact In This Position
The specialist’s work shapes ecological strategy and technical delivery of projects with significant freshwater considerations. Delivering high‑quality field surveys, accurate analysis, and defensible reporting aids clients in progressing projects while protecting aquatic environments. Contributions ensure biodiversity and freshwater constraints are identified early and managed, benefiting project outcomes and environmental performance.
Core Capabilities
Technical Expertise & Knowledge
Competent aquatic/freshwater ecologist with a growing professional reputation in the specialism, possessing a strong technical understanding of ecological matters associated with the development, design, and consenting of complex projects, and proven experience in freshwater survey and assessment work.
Reporting, Documentation & Compliance
Produces accurate, clear, and timely reports and technical documentation to a high standard, maintaining strong attention to detail and ensuring compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and quality, safety, and environmental frameworks.
Freshwater Survey Delivery
Competent in core field survey skills, particularly freshwater/aquatic habitat and species surveys including Q‑value, RHAT, species‑specific surveys, aquatic botany, and eDNA. Experience in electrofishing and/or freshwater pearl mussel surveys is desirable.
GIS, Data Analysis & Assessment
Competent in capturing, manipulating, and analysing ecological desk study and field data in GIS tools such as Fieldmaps or similar, supporting evidence‑based ecological assessment and interpretation of survey outputs.
Project Delivery, Advice & Collaboration
Able to lead ecological assessment for complex projects, develop appropriate strategies using the mitigation hierarchy, advise on consenting risks, work with internal and external stakeholders, and collaborate with aquatic specialists across wider teams.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
Honours Degree in Ecology
Proven experience in freshwater/aquatic ecology or ecological consultancy
Strong practical experience in freshwater habitat and species survey work
Experience with Q‑value, RHAT, aquatic botany, eDNA, or species‑specific freshwater surveys
Competence in using GIS for ecological data capture and analysis
Strong understanding of Irish and European environmental legislation and consenting processes
Experience contributing to ecological assessments for complex development or infrastructure projects
Strong report writing and peer review skills
Full clean driving licence and access to own vehicle
Desired
Postgraduate qualification (MSc) in a relevant biological or environmental science subject with an ecological component and practical experience
Experience in electrofishing surveys and/or Stage 1–4 freshwater pearl mussel surveys
Ability to advise on hydro‑geomorphological matters relating to aquatic systems
Experience with projects involving in‑stream works such as flood relief schemes, barrier removal projects, or infrastructure upgrades
Experience in one or more non‑aquatic survey areas such as bats, large mammals, ornithology, or invasive alien plant species
Membership of CIEEM, or equivalent, working towards Chartership
A developing professional reputation in biodiversity and/or ecological consultancy
Working Environment
This role offers agile working with hybrid flexibility as standard. The position may be based from any of the listed office locations, with regular travel required to support fieldwork and project delivery across Ireland. A full clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle are required to meet the fieldwork requirements of the role.
Equality & Inclusion
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.
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