The Position - permanent full-time

JBA is an independent employee-owned company with an enviable reputation for delivering high quality and outcome-focused environmental and engineering services. We are a CIEEM registered practice and are currently seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Chartered Principal Ecologist with extensive consultancy experience, including acting as technical lead and team leader to join our growing environmental management team.  We are currently working on five OPW commissions for flood relief schemes which require full EIAR and NIS in order to progress the projects through Part 10 planning.  The post holder will help guide the expansion of our ecological and environmental services across Ireland, supporting projects from a wide range of sectors.  

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will, amongst other things, be responsible for:

• Building JBA’s portfolio of ecological, fisheries, habitat and environmental projects
• Contributing new skills and experiences to JBA, and challenge established ideas
• Preparing quotations and tenders, including budget, resourcing and programme.  This will include multi-disciplinary projects drawing from a wide range of resources within JBA and sub-consultants.
• Communication with clients, including attendance at meetings, site visits and other forms of written and verbal communication.
• Providing specialist technical knowledge on projects and advising other staff on technical matters.
• Reviewing technical work undertaken by project teams is to applicable standards and procedures across a range of ecological and environmental formats, including Natura Impact Assessments, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), ecological impact assessments (EcIAs) and ecological chapters for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for commercial developments, flood relief schemes and development plans;
• Managing and mentoring junior staff, working with colleagues throughout JBA, and liaising with clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Contributing to the development of new best-practice principles and concepts, developing innovative solutions for clients. 

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates will need to be chartered member of CIEEM or equivalent and have demonstrable experience leading a team of ecologists.  A full driving licence is essential. 

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with the following knowledge and experience:

• Detailed knowledge of wildlife and conservation legislation within Ireland and also the UK, including the Habitats Regulations;
• Experience in Phase 1 Habitat surveys and botanical survey techniques;
• Excellent technical report writing skills;
• Knowledge and awareness of planning process and policy;
• Experience of designing, implementing and managing ecological mitigation schemes;
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver the objectives of large and complex commissions;
• Ability to manage a team of ecologists.

Given the nature of the role and the work carried out by JBA Consulting, it would be of advantage if candidates have qualifications and experience in some of the following areas:

• A postgraduate degree in ecology or related subject;
• Project management and business development experience;
• Specialist experience in aquatic, botany, coastal ecology or ornithology;
• Practical understanding of the Water Framework Directive (WFD);
• Experience of wider environmental and sustainability issues;
• Knowledge and understanding of ecosystem services;
• Hold at least one protected species survey licence;
• River restoration techniques; and
• GIS and/or CAD experience.

Location

Dublin or Limerick

Salary 

A competitive salary is available depending on qualifications and experience, together with a comprehensive benefits package.

Application

If you wish to discuss the post informally, please contact bernadette.oconnell@jbaconsulting or recruitment@jbaconsulting.ie.

 No unsolicited CVs from Recruitment Agencies please.