Neo Environmental, an award-winning planning and environmental consultancy, have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Ecologist to work on a broad variety of projects, with the main focus on renewables. The position will offer the right individual the opportunity to work for a well-established and growing planning and environmental consultancy.

You will be given plenty of opportunity to develop your skills and expertise through ongoing mentoring and training in a friendly environment. The ideal candidate will be able to work with a high degree of independence as well as in teams.

Duties

-Undertaking ecological surveys including:

• Phase 1/Fossitt habitat surveys and IVC's
• Protected species scoping surveys
• Bat surveys

-Producing comprehensive reports including:

• Preliminary ecological appraisals
• Ecological impact assessments
• EIA chapters
• Biodiversity management plans
• Protected species
• Appropriate Assessments/ Natura Impact Statements

-Liaising with clients and statutory consultees

-Attending client and site meetings

-Undertaking ECoW role where required

-Line management responsibility and team leadership duties for the Ballymena office

Essential Criteria

• Degree in ecology or similar
• Significant professional report writing experience
• Good knowledge of Irish ecological legislation and regulations
• Experience of phase 1/Fossitt habitat surveys and IVC's
• Technically competent
• The successful candidate will be required to produce reports for clients and so attention to detail, reliability, and good organisational skills are essential
• Must be flexible and willing to travel across NI and ROI with occasional overnight stays away from home
• Full driving license and own transport

Desirable Criteria

• CIEEM accredited
• Demonstrable post graduate experience in ecology surveys
• Ornithology experience would be advantageous
• Bat survey experience
• GWDTE experience
• Ecological Clerks of Works (ECoW) experience
• Knowledge or experience using ArcGIS or similar
• Other protected species survey experience and licenses