Senior Ecologist – Freshwater / Aquatic Specialist
Location: Galway, Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, or Sligo
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Freshwater Ecology and Biodiversity Delivery
We are looking for a technically strong Senior Ecologist – Freshwater/Aquatic Specialist to join a collaborative Ecology Team delivering high-quality advice and assessments on complex development and infrastructure projects across Ireland. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced aquatic ecologist to apply specialist technical knowledge, influence project outcomes, and contribute to the delivery of sustainable solutions for clients and the environment.
Purpose & Scope Of The Role
A Senior Ecologist – Freshwater/Aquatic Specialist is a pivotal role within the Ecology Team. Working with senior colleagues, you will be responsible for the management, progression, and delivery of ecology advice and assessments for a wide range of development and infrastructure projects in Ireland, while also providing specialist input on freshwater and aquatic technical matters.
This role requires strong competency in freshwater ecology survey work, including freshwater habitats and fisheries surveys, Q-value survey, RHAT survey, species-specific surveys, aquatic botany, and eDNA surveys. Experience in electrofishing and/or Stage 1–4 freshwater pearl mussel surveys is desirable, as is the ability to advise on hydrogeomorphological matters affecting aquatic systems.
You will also contribute to the assessment of complex projects, including the design, consenting, and implementation of in-stream works and their associated impacts, such as flood relief schemes, barrier removal projects, and infrastructure upgrades. In addition to aquatic expertise, general habitat mapping and botanical survey skills, alongside competence in at least one other specialist area, are desirable. The role also involves the use of GIS tools for ecological data capture and analysis, and a sound understanding of relevant Irish and European legislation, consenting processes, and mitigation requirements.
Your Impact In This Position
In this role, you will help shape the ecological strategy and technical delivery of projects with significant freshwater and aquatic considerations. Your specialist knowledge will support robust ecological assessments, informed consenting strategies, and practical mitigation solutions that help clients move projects forward while protecting aquatic environments.
You will have direct impact through high-quality field survey delivery, accurate analysis and reporting, effective client support, and the preparation of technically defensible assessments. Your contribution will help ensure that biodiversity and freshwater constraints are identified early and managed appropriately, improving both project outcomes and environmental performance.
Core Capabilities
Technical Expertise & Knowledge:
Competent aquatic/freshwater ecologist with an increasing professional reputation in the specialism. Strong technical understanding of ecological matters associated with the development, design, and consenting of complex projects, with proven experience in freshwater survey and assessment work.
Reporting, Documentation & Compliance
Produces accurate, clear, and timely reports and technical documentation to a high standard. Maintains strong attention to detail and ensures 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. Able to support evidence-based ecological assessment and interpretation of survey outputs.
Project Delivery, Advice & Collaboration
Able to lead on ecological assessment for complex projects and develop appropriate strategies using the mitigation hierarchy. Confident advising on consenting risks, working with internal and external stakeholders, and collaborating with aquatic specialists across wider teams.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
Honours Degree in Ecology.
Proven experience in freshwater/aquatic ecology or ecological consultancy.
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 Qualifications & Experience:
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 hydrogeomorphological 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.
EEO Statement
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.
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