Ecologist

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Job Title: Ecologist Job type: Permanent Region: Ireland Job Category: Ecologist Vicinity: Dublin South Wages: €60,255 - €62,447 - €64,640 - €66,837 - €69,032 - €71,226 - €73,423 - €75,606 - €77,813 - €80,001 - €82,523 (LSI1) - €83,758 (LSI2) Posted date: 26th March 2026 Closing date: 23rd April 2026 Location: South Dublin Character Candidates will be of good character. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Essential Education, Training and Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

1. Hold an honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Science; or
2. Have at least five years satisfactory experience of scientific work; and
3. Possess a high standard of technical training and experience.

Desirable Education, Training and Experience The ideal candidate should

1. Hold a recognised degree (at least level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a subject relevant to Ecology, including but not limited to Environmental Science, Zoology, Botany or Natural Resources Management or related area and/or Hold a relevant postgraduate qualification (level 9 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Ecology, including but not limited to Environmental Science, Zoology, Botany, or Natural Resources Management or related area
2. Possess a high standard of technical training relevant to the areas of Ecology
3. Have a minimum of five years work experience as a professional ecologist, such experience having been gained after attaining their level 8 qualification outlined in (1) above. (Experience gained while working for a post-graduate qualification, or while undertaking post-doctoral research, may, if relevant, count towards this requirement.)

The ideal candidate should also ideally have;

• Excellent overview understanding of and familiarity with the ecology of natural habitats and protected species of Ireland;
• Excellent understanding of and familiarity with nature conservation and environmental legislation, in particular the Habitats Directive, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) regulations 2011, and parallel provisions relating to appropriate Assessment in planning legislation (i.e. currently Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 as amended and associated Regulations).
• Proven experience and skills in carrying out appropriate assessments;
• Familiarity with the Irish planning process;
• Excellent scientific analysis and report writing skills;
• Excellent communication skills (listening, written and verbal);
• Experience in carrying out ecological field surveys;
• Project management experience;
• Ability to operate in wide and sometimes varied professional capacities;
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders involved in the ecology arena;
• A strong work ethic and ability to prioritise tasks, deliver to tight deadlines and to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team; and
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Have knowledge and awareness of current Health and Safety Legislation & Regulations, their implications for the organisation and the employee, and their implication in the workplace.

Key Competencies / Skills

• Management and change
• Delivering results
• Performance through People
• Personal effectiveness
• Local government knowledge and understanding

Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post. Duties The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

1. Work within the Planning Department of the Local Authority to ensure that obligations under natural heritage legislation including the Habitats and Birds Directives and the Wildlife Act are fulfilled;
2. Work with multi-disciplinary teams on the development of biodiversity policies as part of plan making and other processes
3. Work with the planning team to advance the County s Green Infrastructure Strategy
4. Input to SEA as required in plan making
5. Provide ecological support and advice to planning staff at all stages of the development management process
6. Input to plans and projects being prepared by other departments of the local authority as required
7. Assess relevant sections of EIA, AA, and Ecological Impact Assessments and write considered reports to reflect the assessment
8. Communicate the Local Authority s obligations under environmental legislation to various stakeholders, both within and outside the Local Authority
9. Assist in the development of indicators for ecological health and the monitoring of same
10. Develop projects and / or assist with projects and their implementation, as required
11. Work with the Heritage Officer and / or Biodiversity Officer within the Council to enhance biodiversity within the County

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and are carried out under general guidance. Applications will only be accepted through SDCC s e-Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 23rd April 2026.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ROLE AND TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCESS PLEASE CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON