We are seeking a Senior or Principal Ecologist to join our growing Ecology Team in Naas and work on some engaging projects within a supportive team of technical experts.

We work closely with our sister office in Belfast and although work would primarily be in Ireland, the Ireland and Scotland Ecology Teams work together to deliver a diverse range of projects, including nationally significant infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects, utility refurbishment projects and large Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) projects.

We collaborate with a range of interrelated disciplines including Biodiversity Net Gain and Natural Capital specialists, arboriculturists, landscape architects, hydrologists, environmental scientists and geotechnical specialists.

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive team, so even if you’re not sure you match everything in our job description, we are still keen for you to make an application.

We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready!

In today’s world it’s important to work for a company that has clear purpose, giving back to communities and supporting what is truly important in the world.

When considering a career move its vital to work for a business that is aligned to your values and goals, a place where you can belong.

To find out more about our business click on the following link and discover what awaits you at WSP: Who We Are | WSP (https://www.wsp.com/en-gb/who-we-are)

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Work-life balance?

WSP recognises that work is only one part of your life and making time for other things is important – whether that’s for your families, friends, or yourself.

Our hybrid working policy allows the flexibility to work from the comfort of your own home as well as collaborating in our contemporary offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Diversity?

We want our people to achieve rewarding careers, bringing their whole selves to work. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing diversity to create a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Our employee resource groups VIBE (LGBTQ+ employees), CREED (Championing Racial Equality and Ethnic Diversity) and our Gender Balance Group, in tandem with WSP’s Neurodiverse Community Group, WSP Connect Group (visible and non-visible disabilities) help us promote the right environment for you to reach your full potential.

Health & Wellbeing?

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Med24 gives you and your family unrestricted telephone access to an NHS doctor where you can call day or night or have a face-to-face video consultation.

Flex your time?

For improved work life balance, WSP offers the “WSP Hour” which enables you to take one hour per day to do as you wish and make up the time earlier or later that day. We also offer part time and flexible working arrangements plus the option to flex your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development?

We appreciate that development and training is important to you and that’s why we have a supportive environment that invests in your development, whether that’s chartership, training or mentoring.

APPLY NOW AND BE THE FUTURE OF WSP!

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Please note WSP reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date.

As a Senior or Principal Ecologist you will be embedded within our Ireland and Scotland Ecology Regional Team and will be involved in the following activities:

• Planning and undertaking ecology surveys including Fossitt habitat surveys and protected species surveys (badger, otter, bat, smooth newt, etc).

• Preparation of tenders and a range of ecological deliverables including; Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, EIAR chapters and Appropriate Assessment reports.

• Client liaison and project management.

• Consultation and negotiation with regulators and stakeholders.

• Mentoring junior team members.

• Helping to nurture an enthusiastic, supportive, and productive working environment.

• Attending regular weekly and monthly Ecology team meetings.

• Availing of a generous training and career development budget to complete training (in-house and external).

• An appropriate academic qualification and/or experience in a related discipline.

• Experience across a range of Irish habitats and ideally has experience with securing derogation licences from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

• Experience of Ecological Impact Assessment and writing EIAR chapters.

• Experience of Appropriate Assessment.

• Strong communication skills, and is solution-focussed and proactive.