Principal Ecologist – Munster

Job Title: Principal Ecologist
Location: Munster / Hybrid working

About the Opportunity

Embankment Group is working on behalf of our client to support the appointment of a Principal Ecologist across the Munster region.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ecology consultant who is ready to take on a senior role involving project leadership, technical delivery, client management and team mentoring.

The role will suit someone with strong ecological consultancy experience in Ireland, a good understanding of Irish planning and environmental legislation, and the confidence to lead survey programmes, assessments and reporting across a varied portfolio of projects.

Our client offers hybrid working, with flexibility between home, site and office-based work. Candidates based across Munster will be considered.

The Role

As Principal Ecologist, you will manage and deliver ecological inputs across a range of local and national projects. You will take responsibility for medium and large-scale projects, oversee survey design and delivery, manage project teams and provide high-quality technical advice to clients.

The role will involve a combination of fieldwork, project management, technical review, client liaison, mentoring and business development support. There will also be scope to help develop specialist areas within the ecology team, such as ornithology, bats, freshwater ecology, marine ecology or other technical disciplines.

This position would suit a proactive and ambitious ecologist who enjoys managing projects, supporting colleagues and delivering robust, commercially aware ecological advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver medium and large-scale ecology projects from inception through to completion.
• Lead and coordinate ecological surveys, assessments and reporting.
• Scope survey requirements and design appropriate fieldwork programmes.
• Prepare and review technical reports, including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EcIAs, Appropriate Assessment Screening Reports, Natura Impact Statements and biodiversity management plans.
• Provide clear technical advice to clients across planning, biodiversity and ecological constraints.
• Act as a key point of contact for ecology matters on assigned projects.
• Manage project budgets, programmes, resources, subcontractors, risk and quality assurance.
• Support the delivery of projects on time, within budget and to a high technical standard.
• Coordinate ecology surveyors and mentor junior members of the team.
• Review ecological reports prepared by colleagues and provide constructive technical feedback.
• Support business development through fee proposals, quotations and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Work collaboratively with ecologists and wider environmental professionals across the region.
• Undertake fieldwork, including out-of-hours surveys and occasional work away from home where required.
• Keep up to date with relevant guidance, legislation, emerging science and industry best practice.
• Act with professional integrity and apply sound judgement across project work and client advice.

Key Requirements

Essential

• Degree in ecology, zoology, biology, environmental science or a closely related subject.
• Strong ecological consultancy experience, ideally around seven years or more.
• Previous experience in a senior or project-leading ecology role.
• Strong working knowledge of Irish ecology, planning requirements, environmental legislation and survey techniques.
• Experience with protected species surveys, mitigation and ecological impact assessment.
• Ability to scope, coordinate and deliver ecological fieldwork programmes.
• Experience producing high-quality technical reports to a professional standard.
• Experience managing projects, budgets, resources, subcontractors and delivery programmes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage your own time, solve problems and deliver work to agreed standards.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues and supporting team development.
• Membership of CIEEM at a level appropriate to experience.
• Full driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Willingness to travel for site work, meetings and surveys, including occasional out-of-hours work.

Desirable

• Specialist experience in ornithology, bats, freshwater ecology, marine ecology or another ecology discipline.
• Experience helping develop or grow a technical specialism within an ecology team.
• Strong client network across the Irish ecology, planning, infrastructure, renewables or development sectors.
• Experience preparing quotations, tenders and fee proposals.
• Experience reviewing technical reports and supporting quality assurance across a team.
• Interest in continued professional development, conferences, training and technical progression.

What’s on Offer

• Permanent full-time role with hybrid working.
• Flexibility to work between home, site and office.
• Opportunity to be based across the Munster region.
• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• Leadership mentoring and clear progression pathway.
• Annual CPD support.
• Paid professional membership.
• Company pension contribution.
• Company-paid life assurance.
• Flexible benefits programme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Regular career training and development.
• Opportunity to help shape and grow ecology services across the region.