Senior Ecologist

Role overview

Stantec’s growing ecology practice in Ireland is looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to contribute to a broad portfolio of infrastructure and development work. This role is suited to someone who enjoys combining technical ecology expertise with project leadership, client interaction, and professional growth.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of ecological surveys, environmental impact assessments, and technical reporting, including EcIA, AA Screening, NIS, and ecology inputs for EIARs.
• Guide and support junior ecologists, helping strengthen team capability and professional development.
• Offer specialist ecological input through project planning, construction, and operational stages.
• Work closely with clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Carry out site inspections and fieldwork, and supervise subcontractors where needed.
• Assist with scoping, scheduling, tender preparation, and fee proposal development.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate brings substantial ecology experience, particularly in ecological assessment and Irish environmental legislation, including the Habitats and Birds Directives. You should be confident delivering complex assignments, balancing multiple priorities, and building strong working relationships with clients and stakeholders. Strong writing, organisation, and leadership abilities are important, along with the ability to work independently and contribute effectively in a multidisciplinary environment. A genuine commitment to biodiversity, sustainability, and high-quality environmental outcomes is essential.

Why this role stands out

• Competitive pay with a full benefits package.
• Access to training, career progression, and wider professional development.
• A collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Flexibility to work from Dublin, Galway, Cork, or Castlebar.
• Opportunity to contribute to projects with meaningful impact across Ireland.

About the employer

Ryan Hanley, now part of Stantec, operates from Dublin, Galway, Castlebar, and Cork. The business is known for a strong team culture, a professional working environment, and a focus on engineering and environmental delivery across a range of sectors. The organisation values teamwork, recognises contribution, and supports diversity and inclusion, holding a silver Investors in Diversity accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity.

Additional information

This is a full-time office-based role in Galway, County Galway, Ireland. The posting does not specify salary figures, vacancy count, application deadline, or start date.