Senior Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialist

Job description

About us MKO is Ireland’s largest Planning and Environmental consultancy with offices in Galway and Dublin. Our team of 220+ 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 clients’ projects through our multi-disciplinary expertise and 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. We encourage collaboration across our specialist teams and people to share their knowledge and learn from one another every day. At MKO, our people work at the cutting edge of their chosen professions, delivering challenging and complex projects for the largest clients in our sectors while being encouraged to develop their capability and progress through the company to whatever level their skills and ambition take them. Job Description Are you an experienced EIA professional ready to lead at the next level? We're looking for a Senior Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist to lead the preparation, project management, and technical quality of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs), Environmental Reports, and supporting consenting documentation across energy, infrastructure, residential, and commercial development sectors in Ireland. You'll act as a technical authority on Irish and EU environmental assessment legislation, guiding clients and junior staff through complex planning and consenting processes. You'll coordinate multidisciplinary technical inputs into coherent EIARs. You'll lead and mentor team members, manage project delivery and profitability, and drive business development, identifying opportunities. What you’ll bring to MKO: Lead the preparation and authorship of EIARs in compliance with the EIA Directive (2011/92/EU as amended), the Planning and Development Act 2000, and associated Regulations. Coordinate multidisciplinary technical inputs (ecology, hydrology, noise, traffic, landscape and visual, cultural heritage, materials assets) into a coherent, consistent EIAR. Manage and oversee projects run by the company’s Environmental team day-to-day, including fee agreements, invoicing, and delivering on client expectations. Oversee, guide and manage junior team members and sub-consultants to deliver project requirements. Take ownership of projects from inception to completion (including project profitability) and provide regular project updates to the Environmental team Project Director and clients. Report to the Environmental team Project Director on project performance. Prioritise projects while balancing client expectations, available staff resources and project deadlines. Manage and implement business development initiatives for the team. Win new work by preparing and overseeing the preparation of fee proposals, identifying opportunities in the marketplace and ensuring a steady workflow. What we’re looking for in you: Essential experience A third-level qualification in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related fields that give the candidate the necessary skills to complete the role. A minimum of 5 years’ experience leading the preparation of EIARs for large scale projects. Proven track record leading EIARs through the full Irish planning process from scoping through to grant of permission. Demonstrated Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams on EIA projects. Strong working knowledge of the EIA Directive, Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Habitats Directive assessment requirements, and EIAR guidelines. An excellent understanding of the Irish planning system. Experience with major transport/infrastructure EIA projects (roads, wastewater and water treatment plants, energy infrastructure). Excellent report writing and technical reviewing skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies. Experience managing project finances and deadlines. Comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering, construction management, ecology, hydrology/hydrogeology, noise, air, traffic, geotechnical and other Environmental Impact Assessment Report subject areas and the interrelationships between them. Chartered status (or working towards), e.g. IEMA (Practitioner/Full Member), CIWEM. A full clean driving licence. Key skills and attributes Prospective candidates will be expected to have excellent project management skills, be well organised with meticulous attention to detail while also being able to manage a varied and full workload. Excellent technical report writing and ability to distil complex, multidisciplinary findings into clear, defensible planning documentation. Confident communicator, comfortable presenting to clients, statutory bodies and at public/oral hearings. Sound, pragmatic judgement in balancing regulatory compliance, client objectives and project risk. Collaborative leadership style with a genuine interest in developing junior team members. The candidate should thrive in a busy work environment and on delivering to required project deadlines. Grow With Us 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 offer flexible work arrangements that value our team members’ well-being and work-life balance. 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. Apply now: Candidates interested in the available position should apply by emailing an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and cover letter/email to Experienced hires: /