Senior/Principal Ecologist (CAAS Ltd)
As one of the longest established providers of environmental and planning consultants in Ireland with over three decades of in-house expertise and experience, CAAS Ltd. are pioneers in planning, EIA and AA. We manage a diverse range of clients and projects predominantly for local and national government land use planning and policy applications.
If you would like to apply your ecological expertise, management experience and creative mind in a position that has a diverse and challenging body of work, then this role is for you.
This role will involve working with our senior management team to manage and expand our ecology services. This position offers a great opportunity to utilise your experience, specialisations and interests to manage and grow an ecology department and get creative in the process!
Additional responsibilities include reviewing and writing ecological impact assessments and appropriate assessment reports (Screenings for AA and Natura Impact Statements); procurement and budgeting and leading on developing new tendering avenues.
This role would suit a confident, creative and determined individual, who has significant ecological skills and management experience, and is ready for new challenges and areas of self-led professional growth.
Essential criteria
• At least 5 years’ experience in ecological consultancy (10 years for the Principal role).
• Postgraduate degree in ecological, biodiversity, conservation or other ecology related discipline – or equivalent relevant experience in ecological consultancy
• Significant experience in leading the production and review of Ecological Impact Assessments and Appropriate Assessment reports
• Experience in designing and performing field surveys; particularly habitat surveys and multidisciplinary ecological walkover surveys, with at least one specialism.
• Experience in project management and working successfully autonomously, preferably in the consultancy environment
• Associate CIEEM member, or eligibility to apply (Full membership for the Principal role)
• Excellent understanding of the relevant wildlife legislation and policy in Ireland and Europe
• High degree of familiarity with relevant survey and ecological guidelines for planning and development in Ireland
• Full driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
• Willingness to work flexible hours for fieldwork purposes when required; i.e., travel within Ireland and overnight stays, dusk or dawn surveys etc.
Desirable criteria
• Specialism in at least 1 of the following: bats, ornithology, botany; freshwater ecology; non-volant/terrestrial mammals (otter, badger, pine marten etc.)
• Experience in design and application of mitigation measures for projects
• Up to date knowledge of case law, policy and legislation relevant to the role
• Ability to use GIS (Arc or Q) for mapping with R/Excel for data manipulation and analysis
• Experience working directly with clients and various stakeholders, with an ability to understand or anticipate client needs
• Experience with procurement (e.g., E-tenders in Ireland) / funding applications and budgeting
• Experience in Biodiversity Net Gain assessments
• Experience with protected species licencing
• Publications (conference presentations, journal articles, etc.)
• Utilisation of recent technological advancements in data collection and survey methods
Company benefits
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience (linked to public sector salary scales)
• Family-flex hybrid working / WFH available, with a TOIL (time off in lieu) policy
• Workplace pension scheme
• Annual CPD budget – with options to take on additional company-funded further education (subject to discussion and agreement with Directors)
• Statutory annual leave (including bank holidays) – rising by one day for each additional year until a maximum entitlement
• Highly supportive environment for professional development and personal development to ensure a healthy work-life balance
• Cycle to Work scheme
How to apply:
Please email a CV (max 3 pages) with details of two references with a cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing your suitability for the role to: info@caas.ie, with “Senior Ecologist + NAME” or “Principal Ecologist + NAME” in the subject line.
Position open until filled.