Principal Ecologist

Location/s: Dublin or Cork, IE
Recruiter contact: Laura Easdon

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. 

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. 

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the division 
Environmental and social considerations are central to Mott MacDonald’s Purpose and its offerings across all sectors and territories. Our environment and social business provides essential services and innovative solutions which anticipate our clients' needs across all sectors.

Overview of the role
Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Work and support cross disciplinary teams working on feasibility and optioneering stages informing preliminary design, statutory consent, and construction stage projects in the energy, water and transport sectors including marine based projects
• Draft high-quality reports including; Biodiversity sections of Environmental Reports and
• Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statements and other biodiversity related reporting
• Have coastal and marine ecology/ ornithology experience
• Have knowledge and experience of interpreting and managing ecological monitoring data
• Have experience of conducting ecology related surveys (e.g. bats, non-volant mammals, habitats, flora, ornithology, aquatic ecology, marine)
• Manage data using GIS (ArcGIS), preparing shapefiles and maps (preferred)
• Have a sound appreciation of Irish environmental and planning reporting processes and relevant legislation and guidance

Candidate specification
Essential:

• Relevant Degree (e.g. Ecology / Botany / Zoology/ Environmental Sciences) Consultancy experience focused on ecology
• Excellent reporting ability with examples (preferably) available
• Experience of ecological assessment/ reporting requirements in particular for large scale linear projects in the water, energy or transport sectors
• Field ecology survey experience; habitat, non-volant mammals, birds, aquatic and other more specialised groups
• Experience in liaising with key stakeholders (for example National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland)
• Knowledge of relevant Irish and European legislation, policy and guidance
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience of GIS
• CIEEM membership or working towards same
• Willingness to travel

Desirable:

• Have coastal and marine ecology/ ornithology experience
• Experience of managing ecology survey databases
• Experience of line management and mentoring more junior ecologist staff

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

Agile working  

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• Flexible working
• Pension matched up to 7% of base salary
• Competitive annual leave
• An annual professional institution subscription
• Life insurance
• Income continuance
• Enhanced Paternity leave
• Annual company performance bonus scheme – Subject to company performance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel TaxSaver tickets
• Commitment to Continuing Professional Development – we are accredited by Engineers Ireland
• Mentoring and support for career development and progression

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.