The posting
About us
MKO is Ireland’s largest Planning and Environmental consultancy. Our team of 240+ experienced professionals work across the planning, environmental, ecology and related fields. We deliver challenging and complex projects for our clients and have an unrivalled track record of success. We add real value to our clients’ projects through our multi-disciplinary expertise and broad range of nationwide experience. Our success and growth rests entirely on the knowledge, skills, ambition and integrity of our people, and we value these qualities most highly. We are forward-thinking and work with a can-do attitude, which nurtures people, ideas and opportunities to help maximise potential. Through our work, we aim to leave a legacy we can all be proud of.
Job Description
The opportunity
At MKO, Project Ecologists are responsible for delivering medium and large ecology projects, with support from Senior Leads. You will act as the day-to-day client contact, plan workloads, prepare review-ready reports, and support junior colleagues, while retaining access to experienced peers and senior technical support. Our work spans major solar and wind developments, fish-passage and river-restoration projects, greenways and public infrastructure, habitat management planning for SACs, large residential developments and biodiversity research. Ecologists can contribute throughout the project lifecycle, from survey design and fieldwork to assessment, mitigation, planning, client advice and monitoring. Construction-stage monitoring is delivered with our specialist ECoW team.
What you will do
- Manage ecology projects from scoping and survey design through assessment, reporting, client advice and completion.
- Plan and undertake ecological surveys in line with your experience and project requirements.
- Prepare comprehensive, review-ready Ecological reports including but not limited to EcIAs, Appropriate Assessment, PEAs etc.
- Review work completed by junior colleagues for accuracy, completeness and compliance with agreed standards.
- Act as the primary day-to-day contact for clients and stakeholders on small to medium and large projects, managing expectations and escalating significant issues appropriately.
- Manage project programmes and budget.
- Prepare or support medium and large fee proposals and contribute to tenders.
- Manage and mentor junior colleagues, delegate meaningful work and provide clear, constructive feedback.
- Contribute ideas that improve technical approaches, templates and team ways of working.
What you will bring
- A relevant third-level qualification in ecology, botany, zoology, natural sciences or a related discipline.
- Typically 4 years or more of relevant post-graduate experience, with evidence of readiness to operate independently at project level.
- Broad ecological survey and reporting experience, including habitat and mammal surveys and experience contributing to EcIA and Appropriate Assessment.
- Strong report-writing, analytical and project-management capability.
- A sound understanding of Irish and EU nature-conservation legislation, including the Habitats and EIA Directives as they apply to consultancy projects.
- Confident client-facing communication and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Commercial awareness, including experience managing time, scope and project budgets.
- Experience mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues.
- A full driving license and willingness to travel for project work.
Desirable experience
- Associate or Full membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body, or progress towards membership.
- Developing technical specialism that would add to the team's existing capability.
- Experience contributing to large, complex or multidisciplinary projects.
Development and support
Development at MKO is supported by annual Career Development Meetings (CDMs), a six-month check-in, clear grade definitions and a Leadership Framework that describes leadership at every level. Learning includes our MKO Academy, regular team and company knowledge shares, mentoring, paid professional membership and relevant external training or conferences. Progression is based on sustained readiness and performance rather than time served alone. Project Ecologists are encouraged to broaden their project leadership while developing a recognised technical interest. You will participate in the Ecology Project Managers weekly meeting, with access to peer support for technical queries, reviews and survey delivery. Strong performance at this level creates a pathway towards complex-project leadership, strategic client advice and people management.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid and flexible working options, subject to role and project requirements
- Pension scheme and life assurance
- Paid professional membership
- Employee assistance and wellbeing supports
- Active, funded sports and social programme
Equality and inclusion
We actively embrace diversity and inclusion as fundamental elements of our workplace culture. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognising that a diverse team fosters innovation, creativity, and a more dynamic work environment. We promote a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique strengths.
How to apply
Apply with an up-to-date CV and cover letter. Candidates who would like an informal, confidential conversation before applying are welcome to contact Corey Cannon, Project Director – Ecology.
