Job Title: Ecologist
Location: Kildare/Offaly
Duration: Permanent
The Role:
• Provide general ecological support to the Planning Team on Renewable Energy Projects. This will include baseline ecological survey of cutaway bogs to contribute to the client ecology baseline dataset and inform constraints datasets for project design, updating site specific rehabilitation plans for inclusion in the EIAR, review of design iterations and proposed mitigation/enhancement measures from an ecology/ornithology perspective. Proactively support data management and the maintenance and development of various internal databases.
• Support the delivery of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Statement for the propose development. Liaise with project 3rd party consultants with respect to habitat mapping, ecological support, engagement with relevant stakeholders, reviewing reports, participating in meetings and data management.
• Provide ecological expertise and support in relation to the delivery of other Renewable Energy projects across the wider Renewable Energy business from site feasibility through to project inception and delivery.
• Develop and update site-specific EPA rehabilitation plans and contribute to the rehabilitation programme. Deliver other rehabilitation requirements (stakeholder consultation and management, liaising with NPWS staff, data management, Monitoring and Verification, habitat surveys, bird surveys, other ecological surveys, GIS mapping, liaison and support of other staff, AA screening and NIS support). Support any statutory and legal reporting obligations
such as AER's and the communication and agreement of bog rehabilitation plans with the EPA.
• Support other projects and assist in the delivery of the company's Biodiversity Action Plan. Engage with internal stakeholders to consult on and raise awareness of the Biodiversity Action Plan. Identify new projects that will facilitate delivery of the biodiversity objective.
• Keep abreast of changes in ecology/environmental legislation, policy decisions and updates to national, regional and local authority development plans to inform Business Strategy, to ensure compliance with Planning and Environmental requirements, and maximise outcomes for the company.
• Ensure that all works carried out under your remit complies with Health & Safety and Environmental policies and all relevant EU and National policies and statutory requirements. All employees are expected to co-operate fully with all provisions taken by the company for ensuring the Health, Safety and Welfare of employees and members of the public using the premises.
• Proactively participate in the Performance Management process to ensure delivery of own, and the wider team's objectives.
• Assist the Community Engagement and Stakeholder Engagement teams as required with respect to communications and consultation with local communities and other relevant stakeholders including statutory and non-statutory consultees.
• Work as part of the Ecology Team. Proactively participate in team meetings, in the preparation of weekly Team updates and status reports, time management reporting, data management, and the recording and reporting of key performance indicators. Liaise with and support other staff, where needed.
The Person:
• Level 8+ qualification in ecology or related scientific subject or equivalent. 10+ years of industry experience and proven track record. Membership of CIEEM would be an advantage.
• Experience with EIA and AA Process for large scale projects, including Ecological Constraints identification, Impact Assessment and recommendation of Mitigation and Enhancement measures essential. Experience with EIAR Chapter and AA/NIS write up and review essential. Experience in ecological surveying, habitat and species identification, specific species surveys, report writing essential. Experience in peatland species and habitats highly desirable.
• Experience with renewable energy projects desirable. Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project and GIS (ArcGIS). Experience in digital capturing of data using GPS tablets, processing and manipulation of survey data desirable. A full clean driving licence is required for the role. Excellent communications skills.
Bonus:
• Competitive salary.
• Annual bonus.
• Annual allowance.
• Pension scheme.
• Healthcare.
• Hybrid work.
• Long term stability, flexibility and progression.