Hometree charity is a landscape restoration charity with a national scope. Our work is to establish and conserve permanent native woodland, encouraging land regeneration and biodiversity through afforestation, restoration and education.
We're a small but rapidly growing charity, at an exciting stage of its development. We have a committed team, and an experienced group of eight board members. Hometree owns sites across the country and delivers workshops, and environmental services throughout Ireland.
What began as a tree-planting charity is growing into a project which endeavours to deeply connect people with nature, and facilitates a wide variety of projects that are fundamental to addressing both Ireland’s declining biodiversity and the unfolding climate challenge.
Our current fundraising comes from partnerships, people and businesses who share and wish to support Hometree’s goals and those who are curious to educate themselves and connect to their sense of stewardship for the natural world. We’ve worked with over 50 businesses, from small startups to multinational organisations like Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology.
Hometree Board Member: Ecology Expertise (Open Call)
Location: Ireland (remote participation possible, with occasional in-person engagements)
Type: Voluntary / Unpaid Board Role
Time Commitment: Approx. 6–8 meetings per year + occasional strategic input + networking
About Hometree
Hometree is a growing Irish nature restoration charity working to establish and conserve permanent native woodland, restore biodiverse habitats, and connect people to nature. We are grounded in ecology and community, with a vision for a wilder, more resilient landscape.
As we scale our impact, we’re seeking a new board member with strong ecology expertise to guide and support our mission at a strategic level.
Role Overview
We are inviting applications from individuals with recognised expertise in ecology, conservation science, or nature restoration, who can bring both leadership and insight to our board. As a Trustee, you will help guide Hometree’s strategic direction, ensure good governance, and support the team with ecological understanding as we deliver complex restoration projects at scale.
We’re looking for someone who has:
Ecological expertise in fields such as forest ecology, restoration ecology, native woodland systems, biodiversity, or habitat conservation.
Strategic insight with the ability to apply your knowledge to high-level decisions and planning.
Leadership and mentoring skills to support our growing team and provide occasional guidance to staff or advisory panels.
Capacity and commitment, able to dedicate time to board meetings, occasional subgroups, and correspondence & networking.
Responsibilities Include:
Participating in quarterly board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions.
Providing guidance on ecological aspects of Hometree’s programmes and partnerships.
Supporting the board in its oversight role, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
Acting as an ambassador for Hometree and our ecological restoration mission.
Diversity and Inclusion
We value lived experience, different ways of knowing nature, and perspectives that are underrepresented in environmental leadership. If you meet most of the criteria and are passionate about our mission, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and CV using the application form below.
For questions or a confidential conversation, contact Sarah at sarah.oconnor@hometree.ie
Seasonal Field Ecologist - CLOSED
Hometree CLG is an environmental charity working to restore and protect native habitats across the west of Ireland, with a particular focus on temperate oceanic woodlands. We own and manage a growing number of sites and partner with farmers, communities, and organisations to deliver meaningful biodiversity outcomes on the ground.
As our restoration programme expands, we are seeking a Seasonal Field Ecologist to support the delivery of habitat restoration and conservation work across our sites. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with field experience to be involved in impactful restoration efforts. This is currently an opportunity for a fixed-term contract but there is potential for this to evolve into a longer term position.
Role Overview:
The Seasonal Field Ecologist will support Hometree’s restoration projects through on-the-ground ecological surveys, monitoring, and reporting. Working within the ecology team, they will play a key role in establishing ecological baselines, collecting field data, and supporting the day-to-day delivery of our projects.
This is a field-based role requiring strong ecological survey skills, the ability to work independently in outdoor environments, and a collaborative approach to working within a small and committed team.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct habitat and species surveys across Hometree’s project sites, including woodland, riparian, and peatland habitats.
Collect, manage, and organise ecological monitoring data in line with Hometree’s protocols.
Support the implementation of restoration actions, such as vegetation clearance, invasive species control, and planting.
Prepare clear and concise field reports and contribute to project documentation.
Assist with ecological assessments and restoration planning under the supervision of the ecology lead.
Liaise with landowners, contractors, and local community members during fieldwork.
Support broader conservation and biodiversity initiatives led by the Hometree team.
Essential Requirements:
Degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in field-based ecology
Proficiency in ecological survey methods, with good plant ID skills and habitat classification knowledge (e.g., Fossitt or EU Habitats).
Strong organisational and reporting skills.
Use of GIS for mapping field work and making figures.
Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently in a variety of outdoor settings.
Willingness to travel regularly and work in remote or physically challenging environments.
Full clean driver’s licence.
Desirable Skills:
Familiarity with GIS or ecological mapping tools.
Experience in practical conservation tasks (e.g., tree planting, invasive species management).
Working Knowledge of the Irish Vegetation Classification
Understanding of Irish biodiversity legislation and conservation policy.
Interest in working for an environmental charity and supporting community-based restoration.
Location and Working Arrangements:
Flexible working arrangements will be considered for those based in other western counties close to our project areas.
Salary: €35,000 for 4 day working week
Initial contract duration: 6 months
Core work Hours: 9am - 5:30pm Monday - Thursday (flexible working may be required)
Location: West of Ireland (Sligo, Galway, Clare, Kerry)
To apply, please fill in the application form by 27th April 2025.