W

Environmental and Sustainability Advisor

Walls • Ireland • Added on Jul 13, 2026
Apply →

This role acts as a bridge between high-level ESG strategy and the physical realities of Irish construction sites. Based at head office but requiring a consistent presence on-site, you will support teams in establishing environmental management systems, performing audits, and tracking the data required for rigorous compliance and reporting. You will essentially be the hands-on technical expert ensuring that corporate goals translate into measurable action on the ground.

Working for a leader in the Irish construction sector, you will have a direct hand in shaping the industry’s green transition. By managing specific initiatives like carbon reduction, biodiversity protection, and circular economy practices, you help demonstrate that large-scale infrastructure and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. This is a chance to influence decarbonization and resource management in one of the world’s most resource-heavy industries.

This suits someone who possesses a practical mindset and a solid technical foundation in environmental sciences. You should be equally comfortable presenting to senior management as you are conducting site health checks alongside project managers.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The advisor is responsible for ensuring that environmental management systems are effectively implemented across all live construction projects. This involves providing technical expertise to site teams, conducting health checks, and verifying that environmental plans are consistent with company policy and legal requirements. You will serve as the primary link for ESG data collection, ensuring that software platforms are updated accurately for monthly reporting. Beyond field support, you will contribute to the corporate ESG strategy by assisting in the preparation of annual Sustainability Reports and gearing up for CSRD requirements. You will also manage specific environmental programs, such as waste recycling projects and biodiversity initiatives, while preparing award submissions to showcase the company's progress in these areas.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers significant exposure to international sustainability standards including ISO 14001, LEED, BREEAM, and the Irish Home Performance Index (HPI). You will gain a deep understanding of the EU Taxonomy and the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which are becoming the gold standards for corporate transparency. In addition to technical frameworks, you will develop a practical understanding of circular economy legislation in the construction context, such as Article 27 and 28 procedures. The position also provides a unique mentorship environment, working closely with an Environmental and Sustainability Manager to influence policy across diverse sectors like pharmaceuticals and data centers.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The successful candidate typically holds a degree in Environmental Science or Construction and has at least one to three years of experience in a similar compliance or sustainability role. You should be familiar with auditing environmental management systems and have a working knowledge of greenhouse gas management and ecological preservation. Strong technical literacy is essential, particularly regarding data management software and IT tools used for ESG tracking. Since the role involves acting as a 'Champion,' you must possess the confidence to influence colleagues at all levels and have a genuine passion for driving the construction sector toward a low-carbon future.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, highlight your specific experience with site-based environmental audits or the practical application of waste management regulations. General sustainability knowledge is good, but demonstrating that you understand the day-to-day operational challenges of a busy construction site will make your application much more compelling. Tailor your narrative to show how you have previously balanced technical compliance with the need to engage and motivate site teams. If you have any experience with LCA or LEED certification processes, ensure these are front and center, as they represent high-value specialized knowledge for this specific employer.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the Environmental pillar of ESG, specifically targeting the construction industry's impact on carbon emissions and waste. A primary goal is the reduction of the company's corporate carbon footprint and the promotion of circularity in building materials to minimize landfill reliance. You will also be involved in biodiversity protection, ensuring projects comply with regulations regarding Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA). There is also a governance component, as you will help prepare the company for the high-pressure transparency demanded by the new CSRD framework.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the chief challenges is maintaining consistent data quality across multiple different sites that may have varying levels of sustainability maturity. Bridging the gap between corporate office strategy and the fast-paced, often high-pressure environment of a construction site requires resilience and excellent communication skills. Additionally, keeping pace with rapidly evolving legislation like the EU Taxonomy and Article 28 requires constant learning and the ability to translate complex legal requirements into simple, actionable steps for site managers who may not have a background in environmental law.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical morning might begin at the head office reviewing ESG data uploads and preparing a Senior Management Review presentation. You might then travel to a project site to perform a site visit, where you walk through the area with the site manager to inspect water management systems and waste segregation practices. In the afternoon, you could find yourself leading a toolbox talk for site workers to improve environmental awareness or meeting with the supply chain to discuss new requirements for low-carbon materials. The day often ends with technical documentation, such as updating an Environmental Management Plan for a new tender.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position is a perfect springboard for a mid-level management role within the sustainability department. Given the company's size and diverse project portfolio, you could specialize further in environmental engineering, carbon accounting, or corporate reporting as the ESG team continues to expand to meet new regulations. You will also have the opportunity to represent the company on national industry committees, which builds your profile as a thought leader in the Irish construction market. Success in this role offers high visibility to the board and senior leadership, providing a clear path toward strategic leadership roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include Site Management teams and site-based ESG Champions who you will support daily, as well as the ESG Committee and the Board for reporting purposes. You will also collaborate closely with the HSE team to integrate environmental safety into broader health and safety protocols. Externally, you will interact with clients and consultants regarding green building certifications like BREEAM, as well as supply chain vendors and third-party auditors for ISO certifications. Interactions with regulatory bodies and membership organizations will also be key to ensuring the company stays aligned with industry best practices.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.