Planning & Environmental Specialists

Are you looking for a new challenge? A brighter, zero carbon future awaits!

Join our dedicated team where we are taking action to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 by putting in place the infrastructure and services to enable our customers and broader society to live more sustainably.  

We have planning and environmental roles available across ESB’s Engineering and Major Projects Networks and Generation Engineering groups in the following disciplines:

The teams specialise in:

• Preparation and submission of planning applications;
• Environmental consenting and assessment;
• Planning and environmental compliance discharge, monitoring, auditing and reporting;
• Environmental & ecological studies;
• Environmental SI, contaminated land, incident response and waste management

Joining us means becoming part of a driven community to achieve net zero by 2040, where you can grow your career surrounded by great people and working on transformational projects.

Role Description

There are a number of roles available across different planning and environmental disciplines. Depending on the specific role, responsibilities may include the following:

• Preparation, management, and review of multi-disciplinary planning applications, environmental assessments and planning reports for consent applications e.g. constraints / feasibility studies, specialist studies, environmental reports, planning reports, contaminated land assessments.
• Project management of planning application and environmental assessment related workstreams on consenting projects including:
  • Input into feasibility studies and consenting strategies including identification and communication of risks and opportunities.
  • Project tender preparation, evaluation, sub-contractor and project management
  • Coordination and technical review of planning application documentation, environmental studies and surveys to accompany planning consent (and other) applications.
• Provide expert advice on planning, environmental requirements related to ESB assets.
• Preparation and management of planning and environmental compliance registers from planning permission and other consent related documentation.
• Carry out environmental audits, inspections and participate in toolbox talks on ESB’s construction developments.
• Stakeholder management activities (internal and external) including engagement with statutory authorities.
• Collaborate and coordinate with other teams across ESB to successfully deliver projects in a timely manner.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant planning and environmental regulatory requirements for ESB development projects especially in areas of new technologies and legislative changes.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

 Working as part of this dynamic team, you will always have new challenges and problems to solve – working together is key. You will have the autonomy to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems with the support and collaboration of your colleagues.

Essential

• Level 8 Town/ Spatial Planning or Environmental Science/ Engineering or Ecology Degree related equivalent qualification.  

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience.

• A proven track record of successfully project managing and/or co-authoring reports for planning permission and environmental assessments from concept / feasibility to operational stage.

• The demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• A flexible approach to work, especially where necessary to deliver excellent customer service.
• Strong technical understanding and capability to make informed judgments.
• Excellent organisational, communication, interpersonal, report writing and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work in a team to a high level of performance.
• Full driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable

• Level 9 Town/ Spatial Planning, Engineering or Environmental Science Degree or equivalent qualification.  
• Chartered status (or working towards Chartered status) in a recognised professional institution.  
• Project Management qualification. 
• Experience in working on energy generation, storage, transmission and/or distribution infrastructure projects.
• Awareness of EU and Irish public procurement rules appropriate to a project management role.
• Experience and preparation of other consent applications (e.g. Marine Consents, COMAH, Art 27 etc.) and supporting studies and surveys as required.
• Experience in construction environmental management, contaminated land and/or planning compliance monitoring and management.
• Expertise in one or more specialist areas e.g. noise, air quality, surface water quality, contaminated land, waste management, planning, ecology etc.

Location

Your base will be at one of our offices in either Cork or Dublin.

 ESB is committed to offering flexibility in ways of working and we call that Smart Working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible and remote ways of working. The successful candidate may combine remote/ smart working within Ireland, with attendance at base for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which is agreed with the Manager and subject to ongoing review.

Why ESB?

ESB’s Employee Value Proposition, known as Our People Promise, provides an extensive range of benefits to employees including:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Generous pension contributions
• Opportunity to lead and operate on frontline of Ireland’s transition to net zero future.
• Opportunity for smart working/ hybrid working.
• Career development through mentoring and training
• Professional body membership of Engineers Ireland and support to achieve Chartership.
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Active Social & Sports Clubs
• Credit Union
• Staff Well Being programmes
• Generous parents leave entitlements.
• Great team environment working to our Core Values – Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted
• Comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Programme

Closing Date

10th Janaury 2026