Ecology jobs

About Philip Farrelly & Co.

Established in 1977, Philip Farrelly & Co. is a leading agri-environmental consultancy advising on the sustainable management and long-term performance of rural land and family farms across Ireland. We deliver high-quality professional services to private landowners, farm families, agri-businesses, and public sector clients, combining a strong focus on sustainable land use, development, and infrastructure delivery with environmental stewardship and the protection of habitats and wildlife.

Our expertise spans land use, valuation, and infrastructure projects alongside water quality management, soil health, habitat protection, and conservation planning. We support all farming enterprises — including dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, poultry, and equine — and our clients include the Irish Farmers’ Association, Bord Bia, Uisce Éireann, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wild Atlantic Nature, and county councils across Ireland. Recognised for providing pragmatic, technically robust advice in complex and often sensitive scenarios, we pioneer solutions at the crossroads of agriculture, ecology, and climate change.

Purpose of the role

We are seeking a Senior Agri-Ecology Consultant to support the delivery of high-quality advisory and project management services across a range of sustainable agriculture and land-based projects. The role will involve working with private clients, corporate agri-businesses, local public sector and European bodies to deliver commercially robust and technically sound outcomes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing and delivering complex projects, often involving multiple stakeholders, competing land uses, and evolving regulatory requirements. This includes oversight of project timelines, coordination of inputs across disciplines, and ensuring that outputs meet client objectives and professional standards.

A strong understanding of sustainable agricultural systems is essential, alongside an appreciation of how farm businesses operate within wider supply chains, including market requirements, assurance schemes, and policy drivers. Experience of infrastructure or land-based projects, including those requiring environmental assessment or EIAR input, would be advantageous.

What does success look like?

Success in this role is defined by your ability to deliver high-quality consultancy services while effectively managing projects and client relationships. Within the first 12 months, a strong performer will:

• Lead and manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and to a high professional standard.
• Demonstrate strong project management capability, including planning, coordination of inputs, and proactive risk management.
• Provide clear, commercially focused advice grounded in a strong understanding of sustainable agriculture and land use.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders, becoming a reliable and credible advisor.
• Apply a practical understanding of agricultural supply chains, ensuring advice aligns with market, policy, and operational realities.
• Contribute effectively to multidisciplinary projects, including those involving infrastructure, land use change, or environmental assessment processes (including EIAR where applicable).
• Support junior team members and contribute to team performance, sharing knowledge and promoting high standards of delivery.

Key responsibilities

· Manage and deliver consultancy projects from inception to completion, including scoping, planning, execution, and reporting.

· Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, ensuring alignment across technical, commercial, and regulatory requirements.

· Provide advisory services on sustainable agricultural systems, farm performance, and land use strategy.

· Assess and advise on the impact of development and infrastructure projects on agricultural land and operations.

· Support project delivery in relation to planning and environmental processes, including contributing to EIARs and related assessments where required.

· Incorporate supply chain considerations into advisory work, including market access, assurance schemes, and regulatory compliance.

· Prepare high-quality reports, plans, and technical documentation, tailored to client and project requirements.

· Engage with clients, landowners, stakeholders, and project partners, maintaining strong professional relationships.

· Monitor project risks, budgets, and timelines, ensuring efficient and effective delivery.

· Stay informed on agricultural policy, sustainability standards, and supply chain developments, applying this knowledge to client work.

· Support business development activities, including contributing to proposals and expanding client relationships.

Essential criteria

· A degree in Agricultural Science, Ecology, or a closely related discipline. Equivalent qualifications in environmental science or a related field will also be considered.

· Minimum 5 years’ experience in consultancy, agricultural advisory, land-based projects, or a related field.

· Demonstrable project management experience, including managing multiple projects and stakeholders.

· Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture and farm systems.

· Knowledge of the agricultural supply chain, including commercial drivers and regulatory frameworks.

· Excellent communication and report-writing skills.

· A full driving licence and a willingness to travel to client sites across Ireland.

Desirable criteria

· Familiarity with the Irish farming landscape and main policy drivers

· Experience advising a range of clients including public sector and agri-business.

· Professional qualification in Project Management

· Membership of a relevant professional body

Personal attributes

• Practical and pragmatic, with genuine empathy for farm families and rural communities.
• Self-motivated and able to manage fieldwork, reporting, and client visits independently.
• Collaborative team player who contributes to a multi-disciplinary approach.
• Committed to sustainable outcomes that work for both agriculture and the environment.

What we offer

• A varied role at the forefront of agri-environmental practice in Ireland, working with respected public and private clients.
• Hybrid working that combines office, home, and rewarding field-based work across Ireland.
• A supportive, experienced, multi-disciplinary team and opportunities for professional development.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to apply

To apply, please submit a CV and a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and your interest in the role. Applications and enquiries can be directed to info@pfarrelly.com

Benefits:

• Company pension

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ireland