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Principal Environment Scientist / EIA Consultant - Job Opportunity at AtkinsRéalis

Cork, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 19, 2025
On-site
Based on the principal-level requirements, chartered status, and Cork location, the salary range is likely €70,000-€95,000 annually. The extensive project management responsibilities, team leadership requirements, and specialized EIA expertise would position this role at the higher end of the senior consultant market in Ireland.

Benefits

Comprehensive CPD accreditation program recognized by Engineers Ireland, providing structured professional development opportunities that enhance career progression and market value
Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance and adapt to modern workforce expectations, increasing job satisfaction and productivity
Family-friendly inclusive employment policies that demonstrate progressive workplace culture and support diverse career paths
Employee networks supporting staff from different backgrounds, fostering professional connections and mentorship opportunities
Access to international project opportunities across Ireland and UK offices, expanding professional experience and global exposure

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic project management of complex environmental assessments including EIARs, directly influencing major infrastructure development decisions and regulatory outcomes
Drive client relationship management and stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors, positioning the organization as a trusted environmental consulting partner
Spearhead proposal development and bid coordination for multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects, directly contributing to business growth and market expansion
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior environmental professionals, building organizational capability and ensuring knowledge transfer
Collaborate with international AtkinsRéalis teams to leverage global expertise and deliver world-class environmental solutions
Ensure regulatory compliance and technical excellence in environmental reporting, maintaining the company's reputation as an industry leader

Requirements

Education

Degree qualified in a relevant science or environmental engineering subject (e.g. environmental science, sustainability, air and climate, noise, geology, hydrogeology etc). Masters qualified in a relevant specialism preferred, but not essential.

Experience

Relevant post-graduate experience within a consultancy environment, specifically in the preparation and co-ordination of EIAR and non-statutory environmental reports

Required Skills

Excellent working knowledge and demonstrable understanding of relevant planning and environmental legislation Technical guidance and industry standards / best practice knowledge, particularly in relation to the preparation of EIARs Proven track record in technical report writing and ability to complete technical reports to required best practice standards Proven track record in project management of major environmental projects and development of bids Excellent organisational, technical, numerical and communication skills Logical thinking and concise reporting abilities Experience in sustainability and carbon management for projects Experience of providing technical support and mentoring as part of a team Experience in renewable energy projects both on shore and offshore

Certifications

Chartered Membership of relevant professional body
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Industry Trends

The environmental consulting sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2023 and the EU Green Deal, with increasing demand for EIA specialists to support renewable energy infrastructure development. This creates a highly competitive market for experienced environmental consultants who can navigate complex regulatory frameworks while delivering projects at pace. Digital transformation in environmental assessment is reshaping the industry, with advanced modeling tools, GIS technologies, and remote sensing capabilities becoming standard requirements. Consultants who can integrate traditional environmental science expertise with modern digital tools are commanding premium positions in the market. The offshore renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind development, represents a major growth area for Irish environmental consultants. With Ireland targeting 7GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, specialists with marine environmental assessment experience are in exceptionally high demand.

Role Significance

Typically manages teams of 3-8 environmental professionals including graduate consultants, specialists, and support staff. May coordinate with larger multidisciplinary teams of 15-25 professionals on major infrastructure projects, requiring strong matrix management skills.
This is a senior technical leadership position with significant autonomous decision-making authority and direct client interface responsibilities. The role combines deep technical expertise with business development and team management functions, positioning the incumbent as a key revenue generator and technical authority within the organization.

Key Projects

Major renewable energy developments including offshore wind farms exceeding €1 billion investment value Critical national infrastructure projects such as transport corridors and water treatment facilities Complex urban development schemes requiring sophisticated environmental impact assessment and stakeholder management Cross-border infrastructure projects requiring coordination with UK and EU regulatory frameworks

Success Factors

Mastery of Irish and EU environmental legislation combined with practical application experience across multiple sectors enables effective navigation of complex regulatory landscapes while minimizing project delays and compliance risks. Advanced stakeholder management and communication skills are essential for managing contentious projects involving multiple regulatory bodies, community groups, and commercial interests while maintaining project momentum and client satisfaction. Strategic business development capabilities including proposal writing, client relationship management, and market intelligence gathering directly contribute to organizational growth and personal career advancement in the competitive consulting market. Technical leadership and mentoring abilities that build organizational capability while establishing personal reputation as a subject matter expert and thought leader in the environmental consulting community.

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand driven by Ireland's ambitious climate targets, major infrastructure investment programs, and regulatory requirements for environmental assessment on all significant developments. The combination of technical expertise and project management skills makes this a critical shortage role.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

EIA and environmental reporting expertise is absolutely fundamental as these skills directly enable project delivery and regulatory compliance, with Ireland's planning system requiring comprehensive environmental assessment for all major developments, making this expertise non-negotiable for project success. Project management and team leadership capabilities are essential for role success as principal-level consultants must simultaneously manage technical delivery, client relationships, financial performance, and team development while maintaining quality standards across multiple concurrent projects. Regulatory and legislative knowledge represents a core differentiator in the market as Ireland's complex planning and environmental framework requires deep understanding of multiple overlapping regulatory systems, with expertise in this area directly translating to reduced project risk and enhanced client value.

Beneficial Skills

Offshore renewable energy experience provides significant competitive advantage given Ireland's ambitious offshore wind targets and the limited pool of consultants with relevant marine environmental expertise, potentially accelerating career progression and salary growth. Carbon management and sustainability expertise enhances marketability as clients increasingly require net-zero aligned solutions, with this knowledge becoming essential for securing major contracts and positioning for senior leadership roles in the evolving environmental consulting market.

Unique Aspects

Integration with global AtkinsRéalis network provides access to international best practices, cutting-edge technical resources, and career mobility opportunities across multiple countries and market sectors, distinguishing this role from smaller local consultancies.
The combination of major infrastructure project exposure with renewable energy specialization positions candidates at the forefront of Ireland's energy transition, providing valuable experience in the fastest-growing segment of the environmental consulting market.
Strong emphasis on sustainability and carbon management expertise aligns with market trends toward net-zero development, providing candidates with highly transferable skills and competitive positioning for future career moves.
The chartered membership requirement and CPD focus demonstrates the company's commitment to professional excellence and provides structured pathways for continued professional development and industry recognition.

Career Growth

Career progression to director level typically occurs within 4-7 years for high-performing principal consultants, with progression accelerated by successful delivery of major projects, development of specialized expertise, and demonstrated business development capabilities.

Potential Next Roles

Associate Director or Technical Director positions within major international consulting firms, typically involving regional responsibility and significant P&L accountability Principal Consultant or Practice Leader roles specializing in specific sectors such as renewable energy or major infrastructure development Regulatory or policy advisory positions within government agencies or EU institutions, leveraging deep technical expertise and industry relationships Independent consulting practice establishment, particularly in specialized niches such as offshore wind or carbon management

Company Overview

AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin) is a global engineering and professional services company with over 50,000 employees worldwide, representing one of the largest engineering consultancies globally. The company has significant presence in Ireland's infrastructure sector and maintains strong relationships with major government agencies and private developers.

Market leader in Irish infrastructure consulting with particular strength in water, energy, and transport sectors. The company's global resources and technical expertise provide competitive advantages in securing major government and private sector contracts, while the Engineers Ireland CPD accreditation demonstrates commitment to professional excellence.
Cork office serves as a key hub for Munster region operations, providing access to major infrastructure projects including renewable energy developments along Ireland's Atlantic coast, port and marine infrastructure projects, and significant urban development schemes in Ireland's fastest-growing regional center.
Large corporate environment with structured career development programs, formal mentoring systems, and international mobility opportunities. The emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and professional development creates a supportive environment for career advancement while maintaining high performance standards typical of major consulting firms.
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