Senior Ecologist - Ornithology

Galway / Hybrid Working

Optimize Recruitment is delighted to partner with one of Ireland's leading environmental consultancies in the appointment of a Senior Ecologist (Ornithology) for their growing Galway team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced ecology professional with a passion for ornithology to join a highly respected, multidisciplinary organisation delivering some of Ireland's most significant renewable energy, infrastructure, water, transport, and environmental projects.

As part of a market-leading ecology division, you'll work alongside a team of recognised experts, contributing to projects that have a lasting impact on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. This role offers the perfect blend of field expertise, project leadership, client engagement, and career progression within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Overview: 

As a Senior Ecologist specialising in Ornithology, you will take the lead on a wide range of ecological and ornithological projects from initial design through to delivery. You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, oversee complex ecological assessments, and play a key role in mentoring and developing junior team members.

Working across large-scale renewable energy developments, transport infrastructure, water projects, and private sector developments, you will help shape environmentally responsible solutions while ensuring the highest technical standards are maintained.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Lead and manage ornithology and ecology projects throughout their full lifecycle.
• Design, coordinate, and oversee bird survey programmes and ecological fieldwork.
• Prepare and review high-quality technical reports, including:
  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
  • Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR)
  • Appropriate Assessments (AA)
  • Natura Impact Statements (NIS)
• Provide expert ornithological input to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Liaise with clients, planning authorities, statutory bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Mentor and support junior ecologists, helping to develop technical capabilities across the team.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and quality standards.
• Contribute to business development activities, proposal preparation, and client relationship management.

You are an ambitious and commercially aware ecologist who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent project management and leadership skills. You enjoy managing complex projects, building client relationships, and delivering practical environmental solutions.

Requirements include: 

• Degree qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' professional experience within ecology or environmental consultancy.
• Strong ornithology expertise with detailed knowledge of Irish and UK bird species, habitats, and conservation issues.
• Proven experience delivering EcIA, EIAR, Appropriate Assessment, and Habitats Directive assessments.
• Demonstrated project management experience with responsibility for budgets, programmes, and client delivery.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing junior team members.
• Full clean driving licence.

On offer:

• Galway-based role with flexible hybrid working options.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to some of Ireland's leading environmental specialists.
• Clear career progression pathway within an expanding organisation.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive, collaborative, and innovative working culture.

For a confidential discussion regarding this Senior Ecologist - Ornithology opportunity, or other ecology and environmental positions, contact:

Eoin Carey
056-7786631 / 087 0505417
Eoin@optimizerecruitment.ie

Eoin is available between 9:00am and 5:30pm, with evening calls or meetings available by arrangement.

Please submit your CV via the link provided. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence and your details will never be forwarded to any client without your prior consent.

Job Ref: OR-14828
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