Senior Ecologist

MKO Advisors, LLC

. Lead complex, high-value or high-profile ecology projects from initiation to completion, ensuring delivery to agreed quality, programme and budget requirements .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeCork • IrelandSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in ecology and impact assessment, with a strong focus on project management, client relationship development, and strategic ecological advice. Capable of leading complex projects while ensuring quality and compliance with relevant legislation and directives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ecology Project ManagementEcological Impact AssessmentClient Relationship ManagementReport Writing and Quality AssuranceCoaching and Mentoring

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

EcologyImpact AssessmentProject ManagementReport WritingTechnical ReviewQuality AssuranceEcIAAppropriate AssessmentEU Habitats DirectiveEIA Directive

Soft Skills

Client LeadershipStrategic AdviceCoachingMentoringCommercial Awareness

Certifications & Qualifications

Full Membership of CIEEM

Industry Keywords

EcologyNatural SciencesConsultancyTechnical GovernanceService Development

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead complex, high-value or high-profile ecology projects from initiation to completion, ensuring delivery to agreed quality, programme and budget requirements
Provide strategic ecological advice based on professional judgement, current legislation, policy, guidance and sector context
Prepare and sign off final reports and submissions, including EcIA, Appropriate Assessment and other complex technical outputs
Conduct detailed technical review and quality assurance of internal outputs and relevant third-party inputs
Maintain strong client relationships and act as a primary contact for complex requirements or escalations
Identify opportunities to add value and develop new work or services
Manage a portfolio of projects, allocate work, balance team capacity and monitor commercial performance
Lead large fee proposals and tenders
Manage, mentor and coach team members, including formal people-management responsibilities where applicable
Lead or contribute to technical training, knowledge shares and improvements to templates, standards and working methods
Develop a specialist service or area of capability aligned with client needs and MKO’s strategy
Work with the Project Director, Principal Ecologist and senior peers to support technical governance and shape the Ecology team’s direction

Requirements

What you’ll need

A relevant third-level qualification in ecology, botany, zoology, natural sciences or a related discipline
Typically 6+ years of relevant post-graduate ecological experience, ideally including consultancy delivery of large or complex projects
Deep technical expertise in ecology, impact assessment or a relevant specialist area, supported by broad consultancy experience
Excellent report writing, critical review and quality-assurance capability
Excellent understanding of the EU Habitats and EIA Directives as they relate to project-based ecological impact assessments
Demonstrated project and people management
Confident client leadership and experience providing clear strategic advice in complex situations
Strong track record of coaching, mentoring or managing others and building capability through delegation and feedback
Commercial awareness and an interest in developing client relationships, new work or services
Full membership of CIEEM or another relevant professional body, or progress towards full membership (desirable)
Experience acting as an expert witness or providing specialist input at an oral hearing (desirable)
An established technical specialism or service-development interest (desirable)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary and benefits package
Hybrid and flexible working options, subject to role and project requirements
Pension scheme and life assurance
Paid professional membership and support for further education
Employee assistance and wellbeing support
Active, funded sports and social programme
Annual Career Development Meetings (CDMs)
Six-month check-in
Access to MKO Academy
Regular team and company knowledge shares
Relevant external training or conferences
Access to experienced senior peers, Principal Ecologist and Project Directors for support