Job Title: Ecologist
Job type: Permanent | Region: Ireland | Job Category: Ecologist | Vicinity: Dublin South | Wages: €60,255 - €83,758 (LSI2) | Posted date: 26th March 2026 | Closing date: 23rd April 2026 | Location: South Dublin
Overview
Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.
Essential Education, Training and Experience
* Hold an honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Science; or
* Have at least five years satisfactory experience of scientific work; and
* Possess a high standard of technical training and experience.
Desirable Education, Training and Experience
* Hold a recognised degree (at least level 8) in a subject relevant to Ecology, or hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (level 9) in Ecology.
* Possess a high standard of technical training relevant to the areas of Ecology.
* Have a minimum of five years’ work experience as a professional ecologist, gained after attaining the level 8 qualification stated above. (Experience gained while working for a post‑graduate qualification, or while undertaking post‑doctoral research, may, if relevant, count towards this requirement.)
* Excellent overview understanding of and familiarity with the ecology of natural habitats and protected species of Ireland.
* Excellent understanding of and familiarity with nature conservation and environmental legislation, in particular the Habitats Directive, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) regulations 2011, and related provisions of Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended.
* Proven experience and skills in carrying out appropriate assessments.
* Familiarity with the Irish planning process.
* Excellent scientific analysis and report writing skills.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Experience in carrying out ecological field surveys.
* Project management experience.
* Ability to operate in wide and varied professional capacities.
* Experience working with diverse stakeholders.
* Strong work ethic and ability to prioritise tasks, meet tight deadlines and work independently as well as in a team.
* Commitment to continuous professional development.
* Knowledge of current Health and Safety Legislation & Regulations and their implications.
Key Competencies / Skills
* Management and change
* Delivering results
* Performance through People
* Personal effectiveness
* Local government knowledge and understanding
Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role.
Duties
* Work within the Planning Department of the Local Authority to ensure obligations under natural heritage legislation including the Habitats and Birds Directives and the Wildlife Act are fulfilled.
* Work with multi‑disciplinary teams on the development of biodiversity policies as part of plan making and other processes.
* Work with the planning team to advance the County's Green Infrastructure Strategy.
* Input to SEA as required in plan making.
* Provide ecological support and advice to planning staff at all stages of the development management process.
* Input to plans and projects being prepared by other departments of the local authority as required.
* Assess relevant sections of EIA, AA, and Ecological Impact Assessments and write considered reports to reflect the assessment.
* Communicate the Local Authority's obligations under environmental legislation to various stakeholders, both within and outside the Local Authority.
* Assist in the development of indicators for ecological health and the monitoring of the same.
* Develop projects and / or assist with projects and their implementation, as required.
* Work with the Heritage Officer and / or Biodiversity Officer within the Council to enhance biodiversity within the County.
Applications will only be accepted through SDCC's e‑Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 23rd April 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr