Senior Ecologist

Senior Ecologist ( Curran Recruitment is exclusively working with Scott Cawley on this role)

THE ROLE

To carry out a range of ecological consultancy services which will include:

• Responsibility for the design, commissioning, scheduling, supervision and management of large geographical scale ecological survey programmes (including habitat, botanic, mammals, bats, birds etc.) on large and complex projects around the island of Ireland as well as undertaking multi-disciplinary and specialist ecological surveys as necessary.
• Co-ordinating, supervising and mentoring other ecologists’ (in-house staff and external sub-contractors) work to ensure safe and efficient delivery of work on time and within budget.  The role will require managing work schedules/resourcing, providing assistance, guidance and technical review of other team members’ work and providing on the job training and feedback to other staff.
• Carrying out complex data analysis and interpretation, including use of GIS software for collecting, analysing and preparing digital materials.
• Working closely with other members of staff and multi-disciplinary design teams to provide appropriate ecological design solutions and advice. This will require dealing with project team members and understanding environmental, planning and development-related issues including those outside of the field of ecology.
• Preparation of specialist ecological reports and monitoring (e.g. invasive species management plans, habitat restoration plans, woodland management plans, biodiversity action plans etc.).
• Responsibility for undertaking and for the project management and delivery of Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Biodiversity chapters and Appropriate Assessment reports (AA Screening, NIS, NIR) which will include; carrying out site surveys, assessing impacts of proposed developments and activities, and recommending mitigation measures.
• Provide technical ecological advice and recommendations to clients in particular where risks may be posed to a project timescale or delivery, including verbal, written and face-to-face contact.
• Excellent client liaison and communication skills, to liaise with people outside of the company including clients, design team members, sub-contractors, statutory consultees etc. on most project types, including on complex issues.
• Excellent project management, time management and organisational skills to independently manage large and complex project types.
• Management and oversight of project finances including monitoring and tracking budgets, meeting targets and monitoring of profitability for individual projects.
• Maintaining up to date knowledge of industry changes, best practice, guidelines, legislation and policy and providing leadership on same to other staff members.
• Acting as mentor for less experienced staff, providing assistance, guidance, oversight and technical review of their work.
• Fulfil line management function, involving oversight of work schedule/resourcing for direct reports, undertaking annual and quarterly performance reviews, managing HR issues.
• Contribute to internal training and CPD.
• Responsibility for the preparation of affidavits and evidence for oral hearings for their projects, as well as acting as expert witness at oral hearing.
• Ability to work independently only drawing on senior support and advice for non-standard and complex issues.
• Consultation with relevant stakeholders including: central government departments, planning authorities, Heritage and Biodiversity officers, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland and other public bodies.
• Reporting regularly to line manager, project managers or Pod Leads on significant issues arising.
• Requirement to work as part of a team promoting the business and maintaining the company’s reputation and standards.
• Supporting the Tendering team in preparation of tenders.

The role will be varied and while the main focus will be on ecology, there will also be a requirement to input into a range of other areas such as assisting in researching and preparing fee proposals and conducting routine office administrative duties.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must have:

• An honours degree in ecology or a related discipline (post graduate qualification highly desirable)
• A minimum of 5 years experience in ecological consultancy.
• Full or eligibility for full membership of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent technical report writing skills, including proven track record in writing reports for EcIA and AA.
• Excellent working knowledge of Irish and EU wildlife and planning legislation.
• Excellent working knowledge of habitat and species survey design and implementation to relevant industry best practice guidelines
• Excellent working knowledge of impact assessment and mitigation practices for large development types and for European and Irish protected species.
• Excellent problem solving skills and initiative.
• A proven track record in implementing/management of EcIA and AA for large projects
• Ability to critically review others work to ensure quality and accuracy of technical information
• A proven track record in excellent communication and mentoring other staff.
• Strong organisational, project and time management skills (including technical, financial and quality aspects)
• A passion for ecology, working outdoors in all conditions, a scientific approach to work and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a busy environment unsupervised and using own initiative.
• Ability to take instruction and willingness to learn new skills.
• Flexible friendly attitude and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of a growing business.
• Commitment to a high level of client care and service delivery; and
• Commercial awareness of the ecological consultancy market.

Contact Maeve@curranrecruitment.ie / 0879066831

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Paid membership of CIEEM
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Employer’s contribution towards the cost of private health insurance*
• Company pension scheme with employer’s contribution*
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing platform
• Long-term illness benefit / Death in service benefit
• Fieldwork clothing allowance
• Family leave supports / Paid sick leave
• Excellent future career opportunities