Job Description

About us

MKO is Ireland’s largest Ecology and Environmental consultancy.

Our team of 200+ experienced professionals work across the ecology, planning, environmental, 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 client’s projects through our multi-disciplinary expertise and a 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. Are you a Senior Ecologist looking to take the next step in your career and work on some of Ireland’s most challenging and impactful projects?

We are recruiting a Senior Ecologist to work within our 90+ Ecology team, one of Ireland’s largest full‑time professional ecology practices, delivering projects nationwide. This role offers you the opportunityto lead the delivery of complex ecological projects from initiation through to completion. You will work on a broad range of challenging and high‑profile projects across the renewable energy, transport, water and infrastructure sectors, as well as private sector developments.

This position is ideally suited to an experienced and ambitious professional who is motivated by project delivery, technical excellence and teamwork. You will contribute your skills, knowledge and experience to projects across the country, with scope to further develop your specialism while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary consultancy environment.

What you’ll bring to the role:

Expert project delivery

• Lead the delivery of complex ecological projects across terrestrial, freshwater and/or marine environments from inception to completion.

• Scoping, planning and undertaking ecological surveys, Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA), Natura Impact Statements, management plans and related technical outputs.

• Delivering high‑quality final project reports and submissions, suitable for planning, consent and regulatory processes.
• Conduct detailed technical review, quality control and sign‑off of internal work and third‑party inputs.
• Manage a high volume of projects concurrently, allocating work and balancing team capacity effectively.

• Building and maintaining strong, long‑term relationships with clients and project stakeholders.

• Managing project budgets.

Leadership and Mentoring

• Reviewing ecological outputs prepared by other team members.
• Providing guidance, mentoring and technical support to junior ecologists.
• Managing a varied and busy workload while balancing client expectations, available resources and project deadlines.

The key requirements of the post will be:

• A third-level qualification in ecology, botany, natural sciences, or other related disciplines.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-graduate experience in fulfilling similar functions, ideally in a similar consultancy role.
• A broad range of ecological experience on large-scale projects in key sectors.
• 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.
• Excellent report writing, technical review and quality assurance skills.
• Strong commercial awareness, with demonstrable experience managing budgets and project profitability.
• Confident client‑facing skills, with experience providing strategic advice.
• Demonstrable ability to manage the busy and varied ecological workload of a team of ecologists.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable

• Full Member of CIEEM (or a relevant professional body) or working towards the same.
• Experience acting as an expert witness or providing specialist input at oral hearings.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, recognising the contribution you will make. At MKO, your professional development is important to us, with ongoing opportunities for growth, training and leadership development. MKO offers a culture that supports you.

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.

Candidates interested in the available position should apply by emailing an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and cover letter.