Senior Professional Ecologist

 
 
Vacancy Number:  25966
Science
Job Type:  Full-time
 

ESB is a purpose led company striving to create a brighter future for the customers and communities we serve, leading the transition to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy.  Today, we operate one of the most progressive electricity systems in the world, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and an international energy consulting business.

With almost 8,000 employees we invested €1bn in infrastructure last year, contributed over €2bn to the economies we operate in and distributed over €2m across a range of community initiatives. This requires us to bring the best of our capabilities together to deliver innovative and value-driven solutions that enable our customers to live low-carbon lives. ESB strives to foster an effective and inclusive culture where people engage, challenge and feel connected to our purpose, colleagues, customers and community.

Are you looking for a new challenge?

 

A Brighter, zero carbon future awaits!

 

Join the Planning & Environmental Group within Civil, Environmental & Renewables Department of ESB Engineering & Major Projects, where we provide a broad range of environmental and planning services for ESB Group throughout the feasibility, design, construction and operation & maintenance phases of electricity infrastructure projects in Ireland and overseas.  

The team specialises in:

 

  • Preparation & Submission of planning applications
  • Environmental Consenting, Licensing & Compliance
  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Environmental & Ecological Studies
  • Sustainability Reporting and Leadership
  • Environmental SI, Site Remediation & Incident Response

We are looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join us on our journey to a Brighter Future.

 

 

About ESB

 

ESB is a purpose led company striving to create a brighter future for the customers and communities we serve, leading the transition to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy. Today, we operate one of the most progressive electricity systems in the world, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply.

 

 

Position Description

 

The Senior Ecologist will be responsible for the delivery of ecological compliance for projects across ESB. They will work within the existing Ecology team and be responsible for the delivery of ecological and environmental compliance across a diverse range of existing and new electricity infrastructure projects across ESB, as it delivers on its Net Zero 2040 strategy. They will also perform the statutory function of screening ESB activities and projects for Appropriate Assessment, thereby ensuring compliance with the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

 

  • Maintain up to date knowledge of ecology/biodiversity regulatory requirements for new and existing ESB Infrastructure.
  • Deliver timely and appropriate ecological assessments for major infrastructure projects within the Net Zero 2040 Strategy, in line with the EU Habitats Directive and the Environmental Liabilities Directive.
  • Provide ecological input into desktop studies, scoping studies, site selection, site surveys, Ecological impact Assessments (EcIAs), Appropriate Assessment (AA) Reports and oversee the implementation of construction mitigation measures as required.
  • Provide specialist technical advice on terrestrial and aquatic ecology and biodiversity matters for projects within ESB in respect to consenting, licencing, leasing and scoping of various projects.
  • Manage design and implement ecological surveys including habitat, bird and protected species surveys, analyse data gathered and complete impact assessments.
  • Manage specialist consultants, review technical reports and progress solutions to technical consenting issues.
  • Deliver and manage frameworks with external specialist service providers to ensure delivery of cost effective and appropriate work packages from these providers in line with ESB’s requirements.
  • Co-ordinate with other civil groups/teams and other internal EMP project teams to successfully deliver projects through the feasibility and consenting stages.
  • Identify, maintain and foster strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver projects for ESB.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

 

Essential

 

The successful candidate must have:

  • Minimum 5 years’ post qualification experience in the highly-specialised field of Ecology with a broad range of ecological experience on large-scale projects
  • In depth knowledge and experience of Ecological Impact Assessment, Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), along with other environmental reporting requirements 
  • A sound understanding of the ecological regulatory requirements within Ireland related to consenting of major infrastructure projects
  • Strong stakeholder management skills and proven track record of managing stakeholders
  • Proven record of being results driven, commercially focused and customer oriented.
  • Experience in managing external service providers in the undertaking of baseline surveys and monitoring and in the preparation of ecological and environmental reports.
  • The demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

 

 

Desirable

 

  • Experience of ecological regulatory requirements in the UK.
  • Specialist experience in freshwater ecology, botany or ornithology 
  • Experience of wider biodiversity and sustainability issues; 
  • Knowledge and understanding of ecosystem services; 
  • River management  
  • GIS and CAD experience

 

 

Qualifications

 

Essential

 

  • Level 8 Degree in Ecology or a related biological/environmental science subject with an ecological component
  • Proficient IT skills 
  • Full drivers’ licence and access to a car.

 

 

Desirable

 

  • Level 9 Science Degree or equivalent qualification.
  • Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or similar desirable.
  • Project Management qualification

 

 

Location

 

Your base will be at one of our offices situated at One Dublin Airport Central or Eastgate CorK, but the role may require a certain amount of travel within Ireland (and periodically to Northern Ireland and Great Britain) as required.

 

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.

 

 

Why ESB?

 

  • Opportunity to lead and operate on frontline of Ireland’s transition to net zero future 
  • Embracing & facilitating a Smart Working Future​ / Hybrid Working 
  • Career development through mentoring, and training  
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities 
  • Active Social & Sports Clubs 
  • Networking opportunities 
  • Credit Union  
  • Generous Pension Contributions 
  • Access to Staff Well Being programmes 
  • Generous parents leave entitlements  
  • Great team environment working to our Core Values – Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted 
  • Performance Related Bonus 
  • Professional membership fees covered
  • ESB has a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Programme

 

 

Reporting to

 

The Ecology Team Lead in the Planning & Environmental Group of CER in ESB Engineering and Major Projects.  

 

 

Salary

 

€57,000 to €68,000 per annum

 

 

Closing Date

 

3rd January 2025

 

 

Note: Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, recruitment@esb.ie

 

If you have any queries in relation to this job, please contact recruitment@esb.ie

 

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.