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
This role is designed for an experienced ecologist ready to take full ownership of complex projects and provide strategic advice that clients rely on. This opportunity is suited to professionals currently working as a Senior Ecologist, Principal Ecologist, or equivalent level. You will have genuine scope to shape technical approaches, develop services, build specialist capability and work with the Project Director and Principal Ecologist to influence the team's future direction. 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
- Lead complex, high-value or high-profile ecology projects from initiation to completion, ensuring delivery to agreed quality, programme and budget requirements.
- Provide strategic ecological advice based on professional judgement, current legislation, policy, guidance and sector context.
- Prepare and sign off high-quality final reports and submissions, including EcIA, Appropriate Assessment, and other complex technical outputs.
- Conduct detailed technical review and quality assurance of internal outputs and relevant third-party inputs.
- Maintain strong client relationships, act as a primary contact for complex requirements or escalations and identify opportunities to add value.
- Manage a portfolio of projects, allocating work, balancing team capacity and monitoring commercial performance.
- Lead on large fee proposals and tenders, help bring in new work and identify emerging services or sectors.
- Manage, mentor and coach team members, including formal people-management responsibilities, where applicable.
- Lead or contribute to technical training, knowledge shares and improvements to templates, standards and working methods.
- Opportunity to develop a specialist service or area of capability where this aligns with client needs and MKO's strategy.
- Work with Project ,Principal Ecologist and senior peers to support technical governance and shape the wider direction of the Ecology team.
What you will bring
- A relevant third-level qualification in ecology, botany, zoology, natural sciences or a related discipline.
- Typically 6+ years of relevant post-graduate ecological experience, ideally including consultancy delivery of large or complex projects.
- Deep technical expertise in ecology, impact assessment or a relevant specialist area, supported by broad consultancy experience.
- Excellent report writing, critical review and quality-assurance capability.
- An excellent understanding of the EU Habitats and EIA Directives insofar as they relate to project-based ecological impact assessments being undertaken by an ecological consultancy.
- Demonstrated project and people management.
- Confident client leadership and experience providing clear strategic advice in complex situations.
- A strong track record of coaching, mentoring or managing others and building capability through delegation and feedback.
- Commercial awareness and an interest in developing client relationships, new work or services.
Desirable experience
- Full membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body, or progress towards Full membership.
- Experience acting as an expert witness or providing specialist input at an oral hearing.
- An established technical specialism or service-development interest.
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 good leadership at every level. Learning includes our MKO Academy, regular team and company knowledge shares, paid professional membership and relevant external training or conferences. Senior Ecologists have autonomy to lead clients and projects, improve technical practice, deliver training, pursue suitable opportunities and propose new services. Autonomy is matched by access to experienced senior peers, our Principal Ecologist and Project Directors, so ownership does not mean working without support.
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 and support for further education
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support
- 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.
