Environmental Consenting Specialist

Join the Offshore Wind Group within the Civil, Environmental & Renewable (CER) Engineering Department of ESB Engineering & Major Projects, which is committed to delivering offshore wind projects in Ireland and abroad and which is key to achieving the ESB’s 2040 net zero ambitions. 

We are looking for an experienced Senior Environmental Consenting Specialist with UK/Scottish consenting experience to contribute to the ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 Strategy centred on decarbonising our electricity system, delivering resilient infrastructure, and empowering customers. The delivery of large volumes of renewable energy via the development of offshore wind farms will be integral to the achievement of this Strategy by 2040. 

Position Description  
The Senior Environmental Consenting Specialist will be a member of the Offshore Wind Group within the Civil, Environmental & Renewable (CER) Engineering Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of environmental consenting in relation to offshore wind projects undertaken by ESB Group.

Key Responsibilities  

•    Delivery of offshore wind project programme milestones via co-ordinating and supporting the development and assessment of project specific consenting tasks (including project tender preparation, EIAR coordination, environmental surveys to inform planning consent etc) applicable to the UK jurisdiction. 
•    Lead in the preparation and/or review technical scopes of work documents for Consenting activities and provision of support to other disciplines as deemed necessary. 
•    Managing procurement of services and quality controlling output from external environmental specialists as appropriate. 
•    Responsible for highlighting key consenting project risks and associated issues, communicating effectively, and advising multi-disciplinary project teams on these matters, and providing support to risk mitigation implementation and monitoring. 
•    Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams/packages to deliver and optimize the project Consenting Strategy in line with project milestones. 
•    Strong stakeholder management skills and proven track record of managing internal and external stakeholders and leading successful public stakeholder consultations.
•    Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant environmental regulatory requirements and best practices for ESB development projects in the area of offshore wind. 

Experience and Qualifications 

Essential 

The successful candidate must have: 
•    Minimum 8 years’ experience in environmental impact assessment and related statutory processes applicable to the UK jurisdiction in relation to the consenting of strategic infrastructure, a minimum of 5 years’ which relates to offshore wind developments in the UK (including but not confined to Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Habitats Regulation assessments, marine licensing and associated statutory applications).

•    In depth knowledge and experience of the consenting process applicable to offshore windfarm consenting activities and milestones in the UK and neighbouring jurisdictions. 
•    Strong organisational and structured approach to project management and commercial aspects of projects.  
•    Strong inter-personal skills, with an ability to communicate at all levels and deliver targeted results.  
•    Demonstrated ability to conduct efficient decision making and problem solving in collaboration with other key stakeholders.  
•    Strong knowledge and understanding of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation and practices. 
•    A high level of commitment and flexibility and a full clean driving licence are required.

Desirable
•    Experience in working on consenting marine related developments and experience of associated regulatory processes applicable to same in UK/Scotland.  
•    Experience in working on onshore related consent applications. Rotation as required in line with business requirements to assist with such applications as appropriate. 
•    Experience and preparation of other consent applications and supporting studies and surveys as required. 
•    Knowledge of public procurement rules applicable to a project management role.

Qualifications 

Essential 
Level 8 Environmental or Science Degree or equivalent qualification.  
 

Desirable  
•    Level 9 Engineering or Science Degree or equivalent qualification.  
•    A master’s degree in civil / environmental engineering or related Science discipline.
•    Chartered status in a recognised professional institution  
•    Project Management qualification.  

Location

This role can be carried out in either Glasgow, Scotland or Cheshire, UK. Travel nationwide & internationally will also be a feature of this role.

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least one anchor day per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.

Reporting To
Reporting to the Manager of the Offshore Wind Consenting Team within the Offshore Wind Group, which is part of the Civil, Environmental & Renewable (CER) Engineering Department. 
 

Why Work with Us?
•    Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
•    Progressive, hybrid working model
•    Career development through mentoring and training 
•    Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
•    Sports and Social Clubs
•    Networking opportunities
•    Credit Union
•    Generous Pension
•    Access to staff well-being programmes
•    Generous parental leave entitlements
•    Strong values-based and inclusive culture 
•    Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 
•    Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted
 

Salary
£60,040 to £75,050 per annum

Closing Date
27th June 2025