General Ecologist (Wildlife Inspector Grade III)

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s mission is to support sustainable development and vibrant communities through strategic planning, the sustainable and efficient delivery of well-planned homes, the sustainable management of our water resources, the nurturing of Ireland’s heritage, and effective local government.

The Department is now recruiting for suitably qualified and committed individuals to take up the role of General Ecologist (Wildlife Inspector Grade III) in both its Planning Division and in the National Parks and Wildlife Service, an executive agency of the Department. This is an exciting opportunity for talented and enthusiastic individuals who are looking to embrace new challenges, do purposeful work and make a real difference to the Irish State and its people.

The Ecologist Grade III will work with the wider team to provide expertise, advice and information on site conservation requirements and the management and implementation of conservation projects, habitats and species.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 11th June 2026.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Acts.

Skills required

1. Demonstrable knowledge and experience of the ecology of habitats and species found in Ireland including pressures and threats and conservation requirements, and the policies and schemes necessary to implement them;
2. Demonstrable knowledge and experience of environmental assessment and/or nature conservation legislation, planning and management in Ireland including experience in some or all of the following: Setting conservation objectives; Identifying necessary conservation measures; Designing suitable delivery mechanisms for conservation measures; Compiling conservation management plans; Environmental Assessment in accordance with the EU acquis;
3. Demonstrable knowledge and experience of scientific analysis of datasets;
4. Demonstrable initiative and vision in relation to finding solutions to conservation and/or environmental issues in Ireland;
5. The ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a larger multidisciplinary team;
6. Strong organisational skills and good attention to detail with a demonstrated ability to work under pressure, deal with multiple demands and competing priorities to tight deadlines;
7. Sound judgement, problem solving, and decision making skills;
8. Good verbal and written communication skills (including report writing) and the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner;
9. Good IT skills and administration skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word and Excel);
10. A current full driving licence (Category B), valid in Ireland.