Consultant Ecologist

Location: Northern Ireland (home-based, with travel for fieldwork and client meetings as required)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, flexible working supported

About Us

Flanagan Ecology are a growing ecological consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering trusted, practical advice. Our projects cover a wide range of sectors across Northern Ireland and further afield, including renewable energy, housing, infrastructure, leisure, and minerals.

Our ethos is built around autonomy, flexibility, and collaboration. While this role is primarily home-based, we fully support flexible working arrangements to help you balance professional and personal life, while remaining connected to a supportive, professional team.

The Role

We are seeking a Consultant Ecologist to join our expanding Northern Ireland team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced ecologist who is ready to contribute to high-profile projects, gain exposure across diverse sectors, and further develop their professional skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake a range of ecological field surveys (e.g. Phase 1 habitat surveys, protected species surveys, botanical surveys, habitat condition assessments).
• Lead on survey planning, data collection, and reporting to professional standards (CIEEM, BS 42020, NIEA requirements).
• Prepare ecological reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), and Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA).
• Provide advice on biodiversity enhancement, mitigation, and habitat management, aligned with NI environmental legislation.
• Support Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) chapters and planning submissions.
• Liaise with clients, statutory bodies (e.g. NIEA, DAERA), and stakeholders.
• Contribute to habitat restoration and nature recovery projects, including peatland restoration, wetland management, and biodiversity net gain where applicable.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK and NI wildlife legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Ensure all work is carried out with due regard to health, safety, and environmental best practice.
• Mentor junior ecologists and assist in developing team capability.

Essential Criteria

• A good degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 2–3 years’ professional ecological consultancy experience in the UK or Ireland.
• Strong field survey skills, including habitat classification (UKHab/Phase 1) and at least one protected species specialism (e.g. bats, badgers, birds, otters, newts).
• Knowledge of UK and NI wildlife legislation, planning policy, and protected species licensing procedures.
• Experience in producing technical ecological reports to a high standard.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) or working towards.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel throughout Northern Ireland and occasionally further afield.

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Ecology or related subject.
• Protected species survey licences (e.g. bat, newt).
• Experience of peatland, upland, or freshwater ecology.
• GIS (ideally QGIS) mapping and data analysis skills.
• Experience of working with government agencies, NGOs, or utilities/infrastructure projects in NI.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with an ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Flexible, motivated, and committed to high standards of environmental practice.