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