Senior Ecologist: Lead Complex Ecology Projects

MKO Ireland; Cork, Dublin, Galway; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid and flexible working options

Pension scheme and life assurance

Paid professional membership and edu

Employee wellbeing support

Sports and social programme

Job summary

MKO is Ireland's leading planning and environmental consultancy, seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to lead complex projects from inception to completion. You will shape technical approaches, mentor teams and provide strategic client advice for major solar, wind, and biodiversity projects.

Work with the Project Director and Principal Ecologist to influence strategy, manage client relationships and develop new services while maintaining high standards of quality and professional integrity.

Qualifications

• Typically 6+ years of relevant post-graduate ecological experience.
• Experience delivering large or complex consultancy projects.
• Deep technical expertise in ecology, impact assessment or a related specialist area.
• Excellent report writing, critical review and QA capability.
• Strong knowledge of EU Habitats and EIA Directives as they relate to project assessments.
• Demonstrated project and people management and client leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ecology projects from initiation to completion, ensuring delivery to quality, programme and budget.
• Provide strategic ecological advice based on legislation, policy and sector context.
• Prepare and sign off high-quality final reports and submissions (EcIA, Appropriate Assessment, etc.).
• Conduct detailed technical reviews and QA of outputs and inputs.
• Maintain strong client relationships and identify opportunities to add value.
• Manage a portfolio of projects, allocate work, and monitor commercial performance.
• Lead on large fee proposals and tenders and help develop new services.
• Mentor and coach team members, with people-management responsibilities where applicable.
• Lead or contribute to technical training and templates improvements.
• Develop specialist service areas aligned with client needs and MKO's strategy.
• Collaborate with senior peers to support technical governance and direction.

Skills

Ecology expertise

Project leadership

Report writing

Client leadership

Mentoring

Commercial awareness

Education

Ecology degree

Job description

MKO is Ireland's leading planning and environmental consultancy, seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to lead complex projects from inception to completion. You will shape technical approaches, mentor teams and provide strategic client advice for major solar, wind, and biodiversity projects.

Work with the Project Director and Principal Ecologist to influence strategy, manage client relationships and develop new services while maintaining high standards of quality and professional integrity.