Agri Ecology Consultant

Job Specification: Agri-Ecology Consultant

Agriculture · Ecology · Sustainability · West of Ireland

Job Title: Agri-Ecology Consultant

Reports to: Director

Location: Hybrid — office, home, and field; serving clients predominantly in the west of Ireland ContractContract: Full-time, permanent

Experience: Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience

Sector: Agri-environmental consultancy

About Philip Farrelly & Co.

Established in 1977, Philip Farrelly & Co. is a leading agri-environmental consultancy dedicated to enhancing the sustainability and success of family farms across Ireland. We deliver high-quality professional services tailored to each client, ensuring farm viability while protecting wildlife, preserving habitats, and conserving nature.

We work on behalf of farmers and public bodies engaged in projects that affect family farms. Our expertise spans water quality management, soil health, habitat protection, and conservation planning, and we support all farming enterprises including dairy, beef, sheep, pigs, poultry, and equine. Our clients include the Irish Farmers’ Association, Bord Bia, Uisce Éireann, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Wild Atlantic Nature, and county councils across the Ireland and beyond. We understand the balance between agricultural productivity and ecological stewardship, and we pioneer solutions at the crossroads of agriculture, ecology, and climate change.

Purpose of the role

We are seeking an experienced Agri-Ecology Consultant to join our multi-disciplinary team. The role sits at the interface of commercial agriculture and biodiversity, advising farmers and public-sector clients on how to sustain productive, viable farms while protecting and enhancing the ecological value of the land.

This is a hybrid role combining office, home, and field-based work, serving clients predominantly across the west of Ireland. The successful candidate will spend significant time on farms and in habitats, translating ecological assessment into practical, commercially grounded advice that works for the farmer and for nature.

Key responsibilities

•     Carry out farm and habitat assessments, biodiversity and ecological surveys, and condition assessments across a range of farming enterprises and landscapes.

•     Advise farmers and land owners on integrating biodiversity, habitat, and water-quality measures into commercially viable farm management.

•     Prepare farm sustainability plans, conservation and habitat management plans, and reports for a range of clients.

•     Support clients in accessing and complying with agri-environment schemes, results-based programmes, and regulatory requirements.

•     Conduct fieldwork including habitat mapping, species identification, and the use of GIS and geospatial tools to record and analyse findings.

•     Engage directly with farmers, landowners, and stakeholders, building trusted relationships and communicating ecological concepts in practical terms.

•     Contribute to multi-disciplinary project teams alongside agronomists, ecologists, and environmental specialists.

•     Keep up to date with agricultural, environmental, and rural-policy developments at national and EU level.

What does success look like?

Success in this role is measured by the quality of your advice and the trust you build with clients across the west of Ireland. Within the first year, we would expect a strong candidate to:

•     Manage a portfolio of farm and public-sector clients independently, delivering accurate assessments, plans, and reports on time and to a high standard.

•     Build trusted, lasting relationships with farmer clients, landowners, and stakeholders, who value your practical and credible advice.

•     Deliver advice that genuinely balances farm productivity with measurable improvements in biodiversity, habitat, and water quality.

•     Support clients in successfully accessing and complying with agri-environment schemes and results-based programmes.

•     Become a dependable, contributing member of the multi-disciplinary team, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues.

Essential criteria

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

•     A minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in agri-environmental consultancy, ecology, agricultural advisory, or a comparable field.

•     A sound understanding of commercial agriculture and its interaction with biodiversity, ecology, and habitats — able to balance farm productivity with ecological stewardship.

•     Strong field skills, including habitat and species assessment relevant to Irish farmland and semi-natural landscapes.

•     Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex technical matters clearly to farmers and stakeholders.

•     A full, clean driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to client sites across the west of Ireland.

Desirable criteria

•     Experience with Irish and EU agri-environment schemes, results-based agri-environmental programmes and the provision of general agricultural advisory services.

•     Proficiency in GIS and geospatial analysis for habitat mapping and reporting.

•     Knowledge of water-quality management, soil health, and farmland habitat conservation.

•     Familiarity with the farming landscape and communities of the west of Ireland.

•     Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEEM, the Agricultural Science Association).

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 the west of 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.