Ecologist Opportunity starts here Come to SDCC to do your greatest work. Were forward-thinking and focused on diversity, inclusion and community. As an equal opportunities employer, were opening the doors to new careers, creating flexible ways of working and putting people at the heart of everything we do. Were the people responsible for local government in South Dublin County. Aside from the exciting range of opportunities to make a real difference in your community, SDCC is a great place to work. Working with us will give you the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of local government and to develop your career in a diverse work environment. At SDCC we provide plenty of opportunity for career progression with structured training, personal development, coaching and mentoring. We offer flexible working including blended working arrangements and a positive work environment. Read our accompanying Employee Value Proposition to find out more. Welcome to a team thats making a difference powered by people like you. Applications Applications will only be accepted through SDCCs e-Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 23rd April 2026. The Role The ecologist will report to their line manager and be responsible for implementing programmes of work in the Planning Department having regard to environmental legislation and national policy. A key part of the role will be to advise on the integration of environmental considerations into the planning process, both at plan making stage and in decisions on planning applications. The advancement of SDCCs Green Infrastructure Strategy from both a policy and practical perspective will be important to this. The ecologist will be expected to work both on their own initiative and within a multi-disciplinary team as the situation requires, helping to bring forward high quality plans and projects including where they relate to: Forward Planning and Active Land Management Delivery of Plans Development Management Communication of ecology and wider environmental principles The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area. Salary €60,255 - €62,447 - €64,640 - €66,837 - €69,032 - €71,226 - €73,423 - €75,606 - €77,813 - €80,001 - €82,523 (LSI1) - €83,758 (LSI2) Hours of Work The successful candidates normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. SDCC reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time. Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days. Qualifications Character Candidates will be of good character. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Essential Education, Training and Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: 1. Hold an honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Science; or 2. Have at least five years satisfactory experience of scientific work; and 3. Possess a high standard of technical training and experience. Desirable Education, Training and Experience The ideal candidate should 1. Hold a recognised degree (at least level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a subject relevant to Ecology, including but not limited to Environmental Science, Zoology, Botany or Natural Resources Management or related area and/or Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (level 9 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Ecology, including but not limited to Environmental Science, Zoology, Botany, or Natural Resources Management or related area 2. Possess a high standard of technical training relevant to the areas of Ecology 3. Have a minimum of five years work experience as a professional ecologist, such experience having been gained after attaining their level 8 qualification outlined in (1) above. (Experience gained while working for a post-graduate qualification, or while undertaking post-doctoral research, may, if relevant, count towards this requirement.) The ideal candidate should also ideally have; Excellent overview understanding of and familiarity with the ecology of natural habitats and protected species of Ireland; Excellent understanding of and familiarity with nature conservation and environmental legislation, in particular the Habitats Directive, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) regulations 2011, and parallel provisions relating to appropriate Assessment in planning legislation (i.e. currently Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended and associated Regulations). Proven experience and skills in carrying out appropriate assessments; Familiarity with the Irish planning process; Excellent scientific analysis and report writing skills; Excellent communication skills (listening, written and verbal); Experience in carrying out ecological field surveys; Project management experience; Ability to operate in wide and sometimes varied professional capacities; Experience working with diverse stakeholders involved in the ecology arena; A strong work ethic and ability to prioritise tasks, deliver to tight deadlines and to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team; and Commitment to continuous professional development. Have knowledge and awareness of current Health and Safety Legislation & Regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their implication in the workplace. Key Competencies / Skills Management and change Delivering results Performance through People Personal effectiveness Local government knowledge and understanding Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post. Duties The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. 1. Work within the Planning Department of the Local Authority to ensure that obligations under natural heritage legislation including the Habitats and Birds Directives and the Wildlife Act are fulfilled; 2. Work with multi-disciplinary teams on the development of biodiversity policies as part of plan making and other processes 3. Work with the planning team to advance the Countys Green Infrastructure Strategy 4. Input to SEA as required in plan making 5. Provide ecological support and advice to planning staff at all stages of the development management process 6. Input to plans and projects being prepared by other departments of the local authority as required 7. Assess relevant sections of EIA, AA, and Ecological Impact Assessments and write considered reports to reflect the assessment 8. Communicate the Local Authoritys obligations under environmental legislation to various stakeholders, both within and outside the Local Authority 9. Assist in the development of indicators for ecological health and the monitoring of same 10. Develop projects and / or assist with projects and their implementation, as required 11. Work with the Heritage Officer and / or Biodiversity Officer within the Council to enhance biodiversity within the County These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general guidance.