Project Development Environmental Specialist

Do you bring solid experience in project development and EIA processes? Do you thrive in leading complex, high-stakes projects in a global organisation? Then you might be our new Project Development Environmental Specialist.

Digital Solutions & Development > Vestas Development > Project Development UK & Ireland

Vestas Development is a strategic business unit within Vestas, focused on creating new growth opportunities while supporting the wider Vestas business. The team is responsible for originating, developing and optimising wind and hybrid renewable energy projects globally, using both in-house development capabilities and partnerships established and managed by the group. The Project Development Environmental Specialist will be part of Vestas Development's UK and Ireland team and will report to the Head of Vestas Development for the UK & Ireland. Based in the UK or Ireland, this role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the origination, development and delivery of onshore wind projects, while acting as a trusted environmental advisor to internal teams and external development partners.

Responsibilities

This role will support the development and consenting of renewable energy projects across the UK and Ireland, with responsibility for environmental assessments, EIA co-ordination, consultant management, environmental risk management, stakeholder engagement and post-consent compliance support.

• Oversee and coordinate environmental deliverables for onshore wind projects (feasibility, due diligence, EIAs, Environmental Statements, scoping, baseline, appendices, consent submissions), including management of specialist inputs across ecology, ornithology, hydrology, peat, landscape, noise, cultural heritage, air quality and transport
• Provide environmental advice to inform site selection, design evolution, consenting strategy and risk management; identify, record and manage environmental risks throughout the lifecycle, including survey findings, sensitive receptors, planning policy, consultation and consent conditions
• Collaborate with engineering, grid, land, legal, planning, stakeholder and commercial teams to embed environmental constraints and commitments into project design and delivery; support consenting strategies, environmental programmes, risk registers, budgets, procurement plans and consultant scopes
• Manage environmental consultants and technical specialists to deliver outputs on time, within budget and to quality standards; support public consultation and stakeholder engagement, clearly communicating technical matters to non-technical audiences
• Support post-consent and pre-construction activities, including discharge of planning conditions and compliance with environmental commitments, legislation, permits, company procedures and HSE policies; undertake site visits, prepare environmental status reports and contribute to community-focused communication strategies
• Stay current with environmental legislation, planning policy and renewable energy consenting requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree qualified in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Planning, Geography, Renewable Energy, Environmental Management or a related discipline
• Minimum of five years' relevant experience in environmental consultancy, renewable energy development, EIA co-ordination, large-scale infrastructure project consenting or a related field
• Good understanding of UK or Irish planning and consenting regimes, including Town and Country Planning, Section 36 in Scotland, NSIP/DCO, DNS in Wales or Irish planning processes
• Demonstrated knowledge of EIA processes, environmental legislation, planning policy, consenting requirements and regulatory frameworks, including Habitats Regulations Assessment, protected sites, biodiversity, mitigation design and environmental monitoring, with familiarity across key environmental disciplines such as ecology, ornithology, hydrology, peat, landscape and visual impact, noise, air quality, climate, water resources and archaeology
• Solid IT skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, together with GIS capability for site assessment, constraints mapping and visualization support
• Willingness to travel within the UK and Ireland when required
• Fluent written and spoken English

Competencies

• Methodological and critical review skills; interpreting complex environmental information and assessing reports, appendices, planning submissions, mitigation and consultant deliverables to produce clear, practical recommendations
• Sound understanding of environmental constraints on project design, planning strategy, programme and consenting risk, with ability to identify risks early and propose practical mitigation
• Project management skills; managing multiple workstreams, deadlines, consultant packages and competing priorities on complex renewable energy projects.
• Highly organised, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, specialists and consultants while maintaining robust document control, record keeping and quality assurance
• Effective relationship-building skills, collaborating effectively with internal teams, stakeholders, suppliers, consultants and statutory bodies
• Commercially aware, supporting or managing consultancy scopes, procurement, budgets and deliverables
• Excellent communication skills, confidently representing projects in meetings, consultations and forums, clearly conveying environmental matters to technical and non-technical audiences, with commitment to ongoing professional development and industry knowledge

What we offer  

Vestas offers a varied and rewarding role within a high-performing international development team at the forefront of the energy transition. You will play a key role in supporting the growth of Vestas' renewable energy development activities in the UK and Ireland, contributing to onshore wind projects that support a more sustainable energy future. The role provides exposure across the full project development lifecycle, from early-stage environmental due diligence and site assessment through to consenting, stakeholder engagement, post-consent compliance and pre-construction readiness. You will work closely with experienced colleagues across different development functions, as well as external consultants and development partners. Vestas is committed to supporting your professional and personal development, offering long-term career opportunities within a global organisation dedicated to renewable energy and sustainable growth.
 

Additional information 

This position is based in Dublin, Ireland, or in Warrington, London or Edinburgh, UK. For this role a full driving licence is beneficial and the role requires up to 50 days per year within UK/Irealnd. We reserve the right to amend or withdraw this job posting at any time, including before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply no later than 23/07/2026. 

Our commitment to a fair hiring.

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

 
At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

BEWARE – RECRUITMENT FRAUD

 
It has come to our attention that there are a number of fraudulent emails from people pretending to work for Vestas. Read more via this link, https://www.vestas.com/en/careers/our-recruitment-process

About Vestas

 
Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. 
Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 200 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field. 
With 39,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future. 
Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity. 
To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.