Field Ornithologist

MKO; Ireland; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Professional development

Job summary

MKO is Ireland’s leading Planning and Environmental consultancy with 200+ professionals. The Field Ornithologist will join the largest Ornithology team on the island, conducting surveys across Midlands and broader Ireland on wind, solar, transport, and development projects.

You will collect and analyse data to inform design and impact assessments, while developing field and technical skills alongside senior ecologists.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Ecology, Zoology or Environmental Science.
• Strong bird identification skills and knowledge of Irish species.
• Willingness to travel across Ireland, including overnight stays.
• Full driver's licence is essential.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ornithological surveys across diverse habitats.
• Collect, enter and analyse field data to support impact assessments.
• Inform project design and environmental constraints.
• Collaborate with environmental specialists and other teams.
• Travel to Midlands-based sites with occasional wider travel.

Skills

Bird identification

Field surveys

GIS

Data analysis

Report writing

Team collaboration

Independent work

Travel flexibility

Education

Ecology degree

Zoology degree

Environmental Science degree

Tools

GIS software

Survey equipment

Data management

Job description

MKO is Ireland’s largest Planning and Environmental consultancy. Our team of 200+ 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 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.

Job Description

Location: Open to applicants nationwide (Ireland) | Survey work primarily in the Midlands

As a Field Ornithologist at MKO, you'll join the largest full‑time professional Ornithology team on the island of Ireland, working on a diverse range of projects, including wind and solar energy developments, transport infrastructure, residential developments and flood relief schemes. You'll undertake ornithological surveys across a variety of habitats, collecting and analysing data to inform project design, identify environmental constraints and support impact assessments. Working alongside experienced ornithologists and other environmental specialists, you'll have the opportunity to develop your field survey and technical skills while encountering some of Ireland's rarest bird species, including hen harrier, merlin and white tailed eagle. Our Ornithology team operates through regional survey teams, with surveyors generally assigned to projects within their region. For this role, the majority of survey work will be based in the Midlands. Occasional travel further afield and overnight stays may be required depending on project needs.

What you’ll bring to MKO

• A relevant qualification in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
  • A strong interest in Irish bird ecology, with good knowledge of bird species and strong bird identification skills.
  • An interest in developing a career in ornithological consultancy and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • A love of the outdoors, with the ability to undertake independent fieldwork in remote locations and across varying terrain and weather conditions.
  • Flexibility to undertake surveys during periods of peak bird activity, including dawn and dusk surveys.
  • Ability to travel to survey locations across the Midlands, with occasional travel further afield and overnight stays as required.
  • A flexible, collaborative approach to work, with good communication and organisational skills.
  • Good IT, GIS and report writing skills, with experience managing digital datasets, would be an advantage.
  • A commitment to our core values of Quality, Flexibility, Teamwork, Confidence and Integrity.
  • A full driver’s licence is essential.

What we offer

You’ll join an established Ornithology team with extensive knowledge of Irish bird ecology and experience in ornithological consultancy, providing opportunities to develop your technical expertise and progress your career. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including a designated company vehicle for survey work. At MKO, we place a strong emphasis on professional development, with ongoing opportunities to learn, develop your skills and gain experience across a diverse range of projects.

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.