Principal Ecologist - Lead and Grow AWN's Ecology Team

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Are you an experienced ecological consultant with a passion for technical excellence, business development, and team leadership? Are you looking for the opportunity to shape and grow a leading ecology service offering within one of Ireland's premier multidisciplinary environmental consultancies?

Company Background

Our company values work-life balance and offers a hybrid work policy that allows for remote work and collaborative office settings. Training and development are at the forefront of our priorities, as we invest in your growth through chartership opportunities, training programs, and mentorship.

At AWN, we celebrate diversity and prioritize inclusivity, respect, and well-being for all our employees. Our partnership with Health Assured provides a range of services aimed at improving mental and physical health, and our employee resource groups promote a supportive environment where you can thrive and reach your full potential. Join our team and embark on a fulfilling career in the environmental sector where you can truly make a difference.

In addition to our supportive work environment, we offer a comprehensive employee benefits package designed to enhance every aspect of your life. From income protection to paid maternity and paternity leave, service awards, and performance-related bonuses, we also provide access to a bike-to-work scheme and organize various social events throughout the year for all staff members.

As a subsidiary of Trinity Consultants, AWN stands out as a premier environmental consultancy offering expert services to a wide range of clients throughout Ireland and Europe. Our team of highly experienced environmental experts deliver top-quality services in areas including Environmental Impact Assessments, acoustic assessments, air quality assessments, and process safety management.

As Ireland's premier specialist environmental consultancy our team work on a range of large, complex and interesting projects. Examples of our recent projects include - MetroLink, BusConnects, DART+, Semi-conductor manufacturing facilities, biologics manufacturing facilities and many more.

Position Overview

AWN Consulting is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated Principal Ecologist to lead and expand our ecology team. This is a strategic leadership role for an experienced ecologist who combines strong technical capability with commercial awareness and a proven ability to develop teams, and deliver high-quality ecological services.

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, manage and grow AWN's Ecology Team.
• Recruit, mentor and develop ecological staff at all levels.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration and continuous professional development.
• Act as the technical lead and primary point of contact for ecological matters across the business.
• Support and mentor staff pursuing professional accreditation and chartership.

Technical Delivery:

• Lead the preparation and review of:
  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA)
  • Biodiversity chapters for EIARs
  • Appropriate Assessment Screening Reports
  • Natura Impact Statements (NIS)
  • Strategic Environmental Assessment ecology inputs
  • Planning and feasibility studies
  • Biodiversity Net Gain and enhancement strategies
  • Ecological management plans and monitoring programmes
  • Provide specialist ecological advice to multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Oversee protected species surveys and habitat assessments.
  • Ensure all ecological outputs meet relevant Irish, EU and industry best-practice standards.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of relevant legislation, policy and guidance.

Business Development and Growth:

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead the preparation of tenders, fee proposals and framework submissions.
• Work with Directors and senior management to expand ecology services across existing and new client sectors.

Project Management

• Manage ecological projects from inception through to completion.
• Ensure projects are delivered on programme, on budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Manage project resources and subcontractors.
• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Botany or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in ecological consultancy.
• Proven track record of leading EcIA, EIAR biodiversity, AA and NIS projects.
• Strong knowledge of Irish and European environmental legislation.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong report writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Commercially aware with experience in proposal preparation and business development.
• Full membership of CIEEM or equivalent professional body.
• Full clean driving licence.

Preferred:

• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol), Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Protected species survey licences and specialist survey experience.
• Experience in infrastructure, energy, utilities, industrial, residential and data centre sectors.
• Existing client network within Ireland.

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