Overview
AtkinsRéalis is driving innovation and sustainability in major infrastructure projects in Ireland. As an Associate Director specialising in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), you will be the lead technical expert on major projects such as roads, energy supply, water and wastewater infrastructure, commercial/industrial and residential developments, and marine projects. This is a hands‑on role where you will use your experience and expert knowledge of EIARs and environmental planning/legislation to manage specialists, budgets, and project timelines, ultimately securing a positive outcome for our key clients. You will be supported by our in‑house experts in the environment, water and ecology. If you are ambitious, driven by the environment and sustainability, and are a natural leader and mentor, we would love to hear from you.
Your role
Lead Major EIA Projects: Provide senior environmental expertise as the EIA lead on a diverse range of major infrastructure projects, ensuring all deliverables are technically robust while also meeting project objectives and stakeholder expectations.
Optioneering Assessments: Provide senior environmental expertise in the feasibility and optioneering stages of a project and be familiar with Multi‑Criteria Assessment procedures for major infrastructure projects.
EIAR Screening: Oversee EIAR screenings for projects, ensuring the screening process follows planning and environmental legislation and guidelines.
EIA Coordination & Technical Quality: Coordinate and review complex environmental documentation – including planning applications, EIARs, Natura Impact Statements (NIS), and related studies – to ensure technical excellence, accuracy, and full compliance with Irish planning laws and EU environmental legislation.
Consenting Strategy & Compliance: Develop and implement effective environmental consenting strategies, guide projects through Ireland’s planning approval processes, and lead the environmental components of Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) and local Part 10 planning applications for major projects, liaising with An Coimisiún Pleanála and local authorities. Lead projects through the MAC application process with MARA.
Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Coordinate inputs from a wide range of technical specialists – ecologists, planners, engineers, hydrologists, air quality and noise experts, landscape architects, cultural heritage consultants, contaminated land experts, GIS analysts, and others – to produce cohesive, comprehensive EIARs and environmental reports. Provide clear direction and mentorship to project teams.
Waste Management: Provide expertise in waste management and be familiar with relevant legislation and guidelines.
Engagement with Engineering Teams: Coordinate with in‑house and external engineers during the EIAR process, advising on design to de‑risk projects and liaising on major infrastructure projects.
Engagement with Third‑Party Specialists: Proactively work with third‑party consultants by preparing a scope of work, agreeing budgets, and providing project updates.
Innovation & Risk Management: Identify and implement innovative solutions to de‑risk the environmental consenting process, improve programme certainty, and enhance environmental outcomes.
Client Engagement & Advisory: Serve as a senior environmental advisor to clients, providing strategic guidance on EIA scope, planning and consent implications, and environmental best practices. Represent AtkinsRéalis in engagements with stakeholders, regulators, and the public, including leading presentations at pre‑planning meetings, public consultations, and hearings.
Business Development: Champion business growth by contributing to and leading tender proposals and bids for new projects, working closely with market leads to win new commissions and develop pricing and delivery strategies for EIA services.
Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams across AtkinsRéalis – transport planners, design engineers, and other environmental discipline leads – to ensure integrated project delivery. Coordinate with colleagues across our Ireland and UK offices and manage external environmental sub‑consultants.
Project & People Management: Oversee project planning, budgets, and resources for environmental workstreams; manage and mentor team members, fostering a positive and inclusive team environment and supporting recruitment to build capacity in our EIA team.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in an environmental science, planning, engineering, or related discipline (e.g., Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Planning, Sustainability).
Master’s degree in an environmental, planning or sustainability specialism is preferred.
Chartership
Chartered status with a relevant professional body (e.g., Engineers Ireland, CIEEM, CIWEM, or equivalent).
Professional Experience
Substantial experience in environmental consultancy, successfully managing, coordinating and delivering complex EIA/EIARs for major projects in Ireland.
Experience with multidisciplinary infrastructure projects, ideally in the transportation and/or linear infrastructure sectors (roads, rail, energy, flood risk).
Proficient at navigating projects through Irish planning and consent processes from feasibility to approval.
Regulatory & Technical Knowledge
In‑depth knowledge of Irish planning legislation and EU environmental regulations relevant to EIA.
Strong understanding of environmental assessment guidelines and standards, including the EU EIA Directive and EPA/EIAR guidance documents.
Familiarity with sector‑specific guidelines such as Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s Project Management Guidelines, National Transport Authority’s Project Approval Guidelines, the Transport Appraisal Framework, and the MAC process with MARA.
Consenting & Stakeholder Engagement
Proven experience driving projects through statutory consent processes in Ireland.
Experience engaging with An Coimisiún Pleanála and coordinating public consultation processes.
Ability to address stakeholder concerns and regulatory feedback within EIA and planning submissions.
Evidence of giving evidence at an oral hearing is advantageous.
Leadership & Collaboration
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and motivate multidisciplinary teams.
Proactive leadership style with a genuine interest in developing team members’ skills.
Experience coordinating inputs from diverse technical disciplines and external sub‑consultants on large projects.
Technical Excellence
Expert capabilities in environmental assessment and reporting, including scoping, coordinating specialist studies, and producing high‑quality EIAR documentation.
Commitment to quality assurance in report writing, data analysis, and technical review.
Innovation & Problem‑Solving
Track record of employing innovative approaches to improve environmental deliverables and consenting outcomes.
Familiarity with tools and practices for enhancing EIAR processes (digital EIA tools, GIS analysis, sustainability assessments).
Client & Business Skills
Strong client‑facing skills: effective communication, presentation, and stakeholder management.
Proven ability to develop and maintain client relationships and contribute to successful project bids and proposals.
Commercial acumen and understanding of business priorities in consultancy delivery.
Other Requirements
Excellent technical report writing and verbal communication skills in English; ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
Full clean driving licence and willingness to travel for site visits, client meetings, and project commitments across Ireland.
Rewards & benefits
Enjoy competitive salaries and a broad range of health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle benefits. Benefit from training and professional development opportunities, a hybrid working culture, international remote working, and flexible holiday allowances.
About AtkinsRéalis
We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organisation that connects people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems.
Additional information
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone belongs. We offer family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.
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