Principal Technical Consultant: Nature and Biodiversity

Principal Technical Consultant: Nature and Biodiversity page is loaded Principal Technical Consultant: Nature and Biodiversitylocations: Dublin, Irelandtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: May 18, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: RThe Principal Ecologist is a senior technical specialist responsible for leading complex ecological assessments, providing expert advice to clients and project teams, and supporting the growth, quality, and delivery performance of CPD ecology services. The role combines technical leadership , project delivery , client engagement , and mentorship , with accountability for quality, programme, and commercial outcomes on ecology led and multidisciplinary projects. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Delivery Act as technical lead for complex terrestrial, freshwater and/or ornithological ecology scopes across infrastructure, energy, renewables, and development projects. Lead and review Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) , HRA inputs, biodiversity chapters for EIAs, and supporting technical reports. Provide authoritative advice on UK planning policy , protected species legislation, habitats regulations, and biodiversity net gain (BNG). Oversee and quality review field survey design, interpretation of results, and mitigation strategies. Ensure technical outputs meet ERM quality standards , best practice guidance, and client expectations. Project & Commercial Management Support or lead project delivery, including scope definition, programme planning, budget control, and risk management for ecology packages. Contribute to proposal development, including methodology writing, resourcing, pricing , and technical input to bids. Identify opportunities to grow ecology scopes within wider CPD projects and frameworks. Support workload planning and resourcing discussions in collaboration with team leads. Client Engagement Build trusted relationships with key clients, acting as a senior technical point of contact. Represent ERM in technical meetings with regulators, statutory consultees, and stakeholders. Provide pragmatic, solution focused advice to help clients navigate consenting and environmental risk. People Leadership & Mentoring Provide line management and/or technical mentoring to consultants and senior consultants within the ecology team. Support capability development, knowledge sharing, and upskilling within the team. Contribute to succession planning and talent development initiatives within CPD Ecology. Quality, Governance & Continuous Improvement Champion high standards of health, safety, and environmental performance. Contribute to internal technical communities, guidance development, and innovation initiatives. Support continuous improvement in ecology delivery efficiency and consistency. Skills & Experience Essential Degree (or higher) in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline. Extensive experience delivering ecological consultancy services in the UK. Strong working knowledge of UK wildlife legislation , planning policy, and environmental consenting processes. Proven experience leading ecology inputs to EIAs and large infrastructure projects. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, programmes, and client relationships. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Desirable Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM) at an appropriate level. Chartered Ecologist or working towards chartership. Specialist expertise (e.g. ornithology, freshwater ecology, BNG, protected species licensing). Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams. Experience contributing to frameworks or long term client programmes. Behaviours & Attributes Credible senior technical authority with a collaborative mindset. Commercially aware and delivery focused. Calm and pragmatic under pressure. Committed to developing people and building high performing teams. Aligned with ERM values and purpose led consultancy. Reporting & Interfaces Reports to: Ecology Team Lead / Technical Discipline Lead Works closely with: EIA Leads, Project Managers, Technical Directors, and CPD Leadership Interfaces with clients, regulators, and statutory consultees Why This Role Matters Principal Ecologists play a critical role in enabling CPD to deliver complex projects efficiently, manage ecological risk for clients, and maintain ERM's reputation for technical excellence while supporting sustainable growth. ERM is committed to where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it's an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we're here to support you. Our commitment doesn't stop at hiring. Once you join us, we'll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our .At ERM, sustainability is our business.We are the world's largest advisory firm focused solely on sustainability, offering unparalleled expertise across business and finance.ERM partners with clients to operationalize sustainability at pace and scale, through our unique combination of strategic transformation and technical delivery capabilities.Our diverse global team of experts works with the world's leading organizations to help them set clear sustainability targets, measure progress and operationalize strategy through deep implementation and business transformation.With more than 50 years of experience, our ability to integrate sustainability solutions and our depth and breadth of technical knowledge are why organizations choose to partner with us as their trusted advisor.Every one of us firmly believes in the potential to create value for our clients through an integrated approach to sustainability (because we have personally seen it and professionally achieved it).Our team members are passionate about client service. We work closely with our clients to help them operationalize their sustainability goals and meet their environmental, health and safety objectives while advancing ERM's purpose through delivering tangible progress in what the United Nations coined The Decade of Action.Organizing our people across globally integrated communities of technical and strategic talent positions ERM to be a "boots to boardroom" leader in bringing that value creation to our clients, partners, and the world.We recruit exceptional professionals with a personal and professional passion for sustainability and nurture them to even greater success as specialists. We prepare our consultants to bring integrated, innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients and provide opportunities for ongoing development across a variety of subject areas related to technical, business, and personal growth.At ERM, effort pays off and becomes career defining work that leaves a positive imprint on our planet. 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