Environmental Scientist – Peatlands Restoration
Restore Landscapes. Protect Climate. Shape a Sustainable Future.
We’re proud to be delivering nationally significant peatland restoration programmes across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, supporting ambitious national strategies for nature recovery and climate action. With long‑term government frameworks and a growing pipeline of restoration projects, we currently have an opportunity for an Environmental Scientist – Peatlands Restoration to join our specialist team in Belfast.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to climate resilience, carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable land management. If you are passionate about environmental science, fieldwork, and GIS‑based restoration planning, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative, mission‑driven environment.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
As an Environmental Scientist, you will develop and deliver peatland restoration plans for government agencies, water authorities, and private clients. This role balances field‑based work (typically 30–40%) with desk‑based GIS analysis, reporting, and planning. You will carry out site surveys to measure peat depth, assess restoration features, and collect data using digital tools, often working in remote upland environments.
You will analyse peatland topography, hydrology, and land‑use constraints using ArcGIS Pro, LiDAR data, and aerial imagery to produce robust restoration plans that align with national peatland strategies. The role also involves preparing tender documentation for contractors, supporting project delivery, and engaging with stakeholders such as clients and landowners through meetings and workshops. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialists across ecology, hydrology, engineering, and GIS.
Your Impact in this Position
In the short term, you will contribute to high‑quality site surveys and develop GIS‑based restoration plans for active frameworks. Over the medium term, you will take greater ownership of key restoration project components, leading aspects of data collection, analysis, and reporting. In the long term, you will contribute to national peatland strategies, influence best practice approaches, and support Tetra Tech RPS in growing its role as a leader in peatland restoration and environmental resilience across the island of Ireland.
Your Toolkit for Success at RPS
At RPS, we recruit using core capabilities – the essential skills, experience, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience In Developing Peatland Restoration Plans
You will have experience developing peatland restoration plans that integrate ecological principles, hydrological processes, and land management considerations. You will understand how to design restoration measures that support national climate commitments, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity enhancement. Your technical expertise will enable you to deliver robust, site‑specific plans that improve long‑term environmental resilience.
Fieldwork & Data Collection
Fieldwork is a central component of this role. You will undertake detailed peat depth surveys, map restoration features, and work across remote and challenging terrains while maintaining high standards of accuracy and safety. This role requires resilience, excellent fieldwork capability, and the flexibility to work long days or occasional overnight stays during survey periods. Your ability to adapt to varying weather and ground conditions will ensure the collection of reliable data to support effective restoration planning.
Mapping & Interpretation of Peatland Topography
You will bring strong GIS skills and advanced proficiency in ArcGIS Pro to manage complex spatial datasets and create accurate restoration maps. You will interpret LiDAR datasets to understand peatland topography, drainage patterns, and hydrological connectivity – crucial elements in designing effective restoration solutions. Digitising restoration features from aerial imagery and translating spatial insights into actionable plans will form a significant part of your day‑to‑day work.
Teamwork
Collaboration is at the heart of peatland restoration. You will work closely with colleagues across ecology, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, and GIS to deliver integrated restoration plans. You will support knowledge sharing, contribute to problem‑solving discussions, and engage proactively with your team to ensure high‑quality outcomes. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset are essential.
Stakeholder Engagement
You will engage with clients, landowners, and wider stakeholders through meetings and workshops, ensuring restoration plans are practical, understood, and supported. This requires strong communication skills, the ability to explain technical findings clearly, and the confidence to navigate diverse perspectives. You will represent Tetra Tech RPS professionally, building trust and maintaining strong working relationships throughout project delivery.
Mandatory Requirements
* Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Hydrogeology, or equivalent relevant experience.
* Solid experience in environmental fieldwork, data collection, and reporting, particularly within peatland or upland environments.
* Advanced GIS skills, field capability, and an understanding of environmental regulations.
Desirable
* Experience working on peatland restoration projects.
* Familiarity with hydrological analysis within GIS platforms.
* Knowledge of government‑led environmental programmes.
* Experience of long‑term field campaigns and remote‑area working.
About Tetra Tech RPS
Tetra Tech RPS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment across all areas of our organisation. We recognise that a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives contributes to a more dynamic, innovative, and supportive workplace where every individual is empowered to share their ideas and contribute meaningfully. We are dedicated to building a culture of respect and equity, where people are valued regardless of their ethnicity, gender identity, age, belief system, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.
Recruitment Agencies: We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr