Location: Cork

Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid

Optimize Recruitment partnering with a leading environmental consultancy

Optimize Recruitment is delighted to partner with a respected Irish environmental consultancy to hire an experienced Ecologist / Environmental Consultant for their Cork office.

This role is ideal for a motivated ecologist looking to deepen their technical expertise, contribute to nationally significant environmental projects, and grow within a collaborative consultancy environment. You will work across ecological assessment, biodiversity management, environmental compliance, and multidisciplinary project delivery.

The position offers a balance of fieldwork, reporting, and client interaction, with exposure to a diverse range of projects across infrastructure, renewable energy, utilities, and conservation sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver ecological field surveys, including habitat assessments and protected species surveys (with emphasis on ornithology).
• Analyse and interpret ecological data; prepare outputs using QGIS and other relevant tools.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, including:
  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
  • Appropriate Assessments (AA)
  • Natura Impact Statements (NIS)
  • EIAR biodiversity/ecology chapters
  • Species-specific and conservation reports
• Support multidisciplinary project teams through ecological input and environmental assessment.
• Liaise with clients, statutory bodies, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Assist with project management tasks for both large and small ecology-led assignments.
• Contribute to tender submissions, fee proposals, and new project opportunities.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior ecologists.
• Participate in surveys requiring early mornings, evenings, or occasional overnight stays.

About You

• 2–5 years of professional ecological experience (consultancy experience advantageous).
• Degree in ecology, environmental science, zoology, natural sciences, or related discipline.
• Strong track record in producing AAs, NIS, EcIAs, and EIAR biodiversity chapters.
• Hands‑on experience conducting ecological surveys and habitat classifications.
• Excellent understanding of Irish conservation legislation, ecological policy, and best‑practice guidance.
• Strong organisational, time-management, and project coordination skills.
• Collaborative team player with excellent communication abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and GIS applications.
• Full clean driver’s licence.
• Eligible to work in Ireland.

Desirable Qualifications

• MSc in an ecology or environmental discipline.
• Experience working within an environmental consultancy environment.
• Membership of CIEEM (or eligibility to join).