Lead Ecologist

Opportunity Overview

At Stantec, safeguarding and enhancing natural ecosystems is essential to building resilient communities. As our project work expands across Ireland, we seek an experienced Lead Ecologist to strengthen our Environmental Services division.

This role suits a dedicated ecology expert who thrives in leading skilled teams and managing intricate, noteworthy infrastructure and development projects. You will collaborate with planning, engineering, and environmental specialists to devise ecological strategies facilitating sustainable growth nationwide.

As a senior ecology team member, your role blends scientific expertise with leadership duties—mentoring team members, nurturing client partnerships, and propelling expansion of ecological capabilities within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of ecologists, promoting technical excellence and professional growth.
• Deliver expert ecological advice throughout project phases from initial planning through construction and operation.
• Produce high-quality ecological assessments and reports, including Ecological Impact Assessments, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Appropriate Assessment Screening, Natura Impact Statements, and environmental impact chapters for EIARs.
• Support project scoping, scheduling, tender preparation, and fee estimation activities.
• Represent Stantec at stakeholder engagements, meetings, and oral hearings as needed.
• Ensure projects achieve positive environmental outcomes, advance biodiversity, and uphold Stantec's reputation for ecological excellence.

Candidate Profile

• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• In-depth understanding of Irish ecological legislation, planning frameworks, European environmental directives, and related case law.
• Proven track record managing complex ecological assessments for diverse infrastructure and development schemes.
• Experience in participating in oral hearings.
• Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).
• Status as a Chartered Ecologist.
• Strong skills in communication, technical report writing, and stakeholder relationship management.
• Capability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously while fostering interdisciplinary cooperation.

Why Work With Us

• Inclusive, welcoming workplace culture where everyone’s contributions matter.
• Recognized as a top employer by Glassdoor and one of the world's most sustainable companies by Corporate Knights in 2025.
• Access to industry-leading training, professional development, and paid memberships.
• Supportive team environment encouraging career and personal growth.
• Opportunity to be part of an ambitious growth trajectory across Ireland.
• Comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, enhanced pension, flexible leave options, private medical insurance, income protection, and life assurance.

About Stantec

Formerly Ryan Hanley, now part of Stantec, we offer stimulating career prospects across our offices in Dublin, Galway, Castlebar, and Cork. We specialize in water and wastewater process and network design, integrated network management, structural and site development engineering, project management, and more. Our culture values teamwork, innovation, and rewarding contributions.

We also hold the silver Investors in Diversity accreditation reflecting our dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.