Senior Ecologist

Job description

About us 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 Are you a Senior Ecologist ready to lead challenging and complex projects? Join MKO's dedicated Ecology team, where you’ll be working on projects within the largest Ornithology Team of its kind in Ireland, with approximately 40 in-house ornithologists working nationwide. You will be at the forefront of projects in the renewable energy, transport, water, and infrastructure sectors, along with a range of other private sector developments. We are seeking an experienced professional committed to providing expert advice and solutions on large-scale, complex projects throughout Ireland and the UK. This is a multi-faceted role for an ambitious professional with a specific interest in Ornithology. As a Senior Ecologist at MKO, you’ll be involved in project management, survey design and coordination, and providing strategic client advice and reporting. A key focus of this exciting role is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EU Habitats Directive Assessment, offering you the opportunity to work on challenging and complex projects across Ireland and the UK. Expert Project Oversight and Delivery Take ownership of projects from inception to completion and provide regular project updates to stakeholders including wider project teams and clients. Manage and oversee projects run by MKO’s Ornithology Team day-to-day, including fee agreements, invoicing, and delivering on client expectations. Ensuring the preparation of high-quality technical outputs on multi-team projects, meeting budget and deadline targets. Scope and coordinate survey programmes to collect robust baseline data and produce impact assessments and all other documentation required to successfully deliver projects. Strategic leadership Oversee, guide and mentor junior team members and sub-consultants to deliver project requirements. Prioritise projects while balancing client expectations, available staff resources, and project deadlines. Report directly on project performance and profitability to our Ornithology Team Associate Director, Dervla O’Dowd. Driving Business Development Assist with the management and implementation of business development initiatives for team. Win new work by preparing and overseeing the preparation of fee proposals, identifying opportunities in the marketplace and ensuring a steady work flow. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and project stakeholders. What We’re Looking for in You: We are seeking a dedicated professional with a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience in fulfilling similar functions or in a similar consultancy role. A third-level qualification in ecology, environmental science, or related fields that give the candidate the necessary skills to complete the role, ideally in a similar consultancy role. Excellent report writing skills, experience in environmental impact assessment and EU Habitats Directive assessment and ability to communicate complex ideas. Excellent ecological knowledge in theory and practice combined with good ornithological field skills and strong understanding of avian ecology and the conservation status of bird species present in Ireland and the UK. A good understanding of relevant planning systems and environmental assessment legal framework and process. Demonstrable ability to manage the busy and varied workload of a team of ornithologists and mentor more junior team members effectively Full driving licence. You will have the opportunity to work on some of the most challenging and complex projects in the country, directly influencing the future of the Irish landscape and its wildlife. 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 and development, and a chance to make a tangible impact on the environment. 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 with an up-to-date curriculum vitae and cover letter.