Senior / Principal Ecologist
Location:
Ireland |
Discipline:
Environmental Planning & Sustainability
Work Model:
Hybrid |
Seniority Level:
Senior / Principal | Full-Time
Lead the Future of Sustainable Infrastructure
At
Ayesa
, we design and deliver complex infrastructure solutions that respect, protect, and enhance the natural environment. We are seeking an experienced
Senior or Principal Ecologist
to play a key role in the delivery of environmental services across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and utility projects.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of infrastructure in Ireland—supporting national development goals while protecting ecologically sensitive areas. If you're an ambitious ecologist ready to take the next step, lead teams, and influence major public infrastructure projects, we want to hear from you.
What You'll Do
Project & Technical Leadership
• Deliver and oversee ecological services including
EcIA, NIS, EIA
, and
planning application support
• Manage end-to-end environmental inputs for
infrastructure projects
, from feasibility through to construction
• Coordinate
baseline studies, constraints mapping
, and
impact assessments
• Author and review
Natura Impact Statements (NIS)
and
Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs)
• Design
practical, achievable mitigation measures
to reduce environmental risks
Team & Client Management
• Lead and mentor ecology teams and sub-consultants
• Support and develop junior team members, promoting a culture of professional growth
• Ensure deliverables meet high-quality standards within deadlines and budgets
• Build and manage strong relationships with clients and stakeholders including
Irish Water
,
OPW
, and regulatory agencies
Strategic Development
• Contribute to business development through
tender submissions, pricing, and estimating
• Champion best practices in
ecology, planning, and environmental legislation
• Ensure KPI tracking, quality assurance, and compliance across project life cycles
What You Bring
Qualifications & Credentials
• Honours Degree in
Environmental Science
,
Ecology
, or related field (Level 8 minimum; Level 9 preferred)
• Minimum
10 years' post-graduate experience
, with at least
5 years in consultancy
•
Chartered status
(e.g., CIWEM or equivalent) is highly desirable
• Full
Class B driving licence
required
Skills & Experience
• Proven record in managing
environmental inputs
to public infrastructure projects in Ireland
• Expertise in
flood defence
and
water infrastructure
schemes highly desirable
• Strong working knowledge of
Irish and European environmental and planning legislation
• Experience with
GIS tools
and
data management
in ecological assessments
• Confident in
client liaison
, regulatory interaction, and stakeholder engagement
• Familiarity with contract types including
FIDIC
and
Public Works Contracts
What's in It for You
Competitive Salary & Performance-Based Bonuses
Hybrid Work Model (2–3 days from home)
Flexible Hours 37.5 per week (Core: 10am–4pm Mon–Thu, 10am–3pm Fri)
Pension Matching & Financial Planning Support
Income Protection & Life Assurance
Professional Development and Chartership Support
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Sustainability & Innovation-Focused Culture
Socials, Recognition Awards & Wellbeing Initiatives
Generous Annual Leave with Additional Days Based on Service
We're Inclusive by Design
Ayesa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.