Lead Ecologist: Drive Complex Projects & Stakeholder Impact

MKO Advisors, LLC; Galway; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Ireland is seeking an experienced Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. The role involves scoping surveys, EcIA, Natura statements, and management plans, with delivering high-quality final reports for planning and regulatory processes.

The candidate will review technical outputs, oversee QA, manage budgets, and mentor junior ecologists while balancing a busy workload and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in ecology or related science.
• 8+ years post-graduate experience in ecological consultancy or similar.
• Experience across large-scale projects in key sectors.
• Strong understanding of EU Habitats and EIA Directives in project context.
• Excellent report writing and quality assurance skills.
• Commercial awareness with budget and profitability experience.
• Confident client-facing and strategic advisory abilities.
• Proven ability to manage a busy ecological workload.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex ecological projects from inception to completion.
• Scoping, planning and undertaking EcIA, Natura statements, and plans.
• Prepare high-quality final reports for planning, consent, regulatory needs.
• Perform technical reviews and QA of internal and 3rd-party inputs.
• Manage multiple projects, allocate work and balance capacity.
• Build and maintain long-term client and stakeholder relationships.
• Manage project budgets and profitability.
• Review ecological outputs produced by team members.
• Provide guidance, mentoring and support to junior ecologists.
• Balance workload, resources and deadlines across the team.

Skills

Project management

Client facing

Budget management

Team leadership

Report writing

Mentoring

Education

Third-level qualification in ecology or related discipline

Job description

Jobtailor in Ireland is seeking an experienced Ecologist to lead complex ecological projects across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. The role involves scoping surveys, EcIA, Natura statements, and management plans, with delivering high-quality final reports for planning and regulatory processes.

The candidate will review technical outputs, oversee QA, manage budgets, and mentor junior ecologists while balancing a busy workload and client expectations.