What is your current role?

I work for AECOM in Belfast as a Graduate Ecologist in the Environment, Water and Energy (EWE) department

 

What is a typical week in your role?

A typical week is diverse and involves a mix between field surveys and office-based work. Summer season is primarily the busiest season as an ecologist and field surveys during this period can range from conducting habitat surveys, invasive species surveys, bat activity and emergence surveys, badger surveys, otter surveys, habitat condition assessments for Biodiversity Net Gain, breeding bird surveys and vantage point surveys for raptors. During the winter period, we can still complete field surveys, in particular wintering bird surveys.  

In the office, I will analyse data from bat surveys. This involves reviewing thermal cameras and infrared cameras that are now recommended to assist in bat surveys to determine the presence of a bat roost. Bat sound analysis from the bat frequency logger used during a survey is also reviewed to determine the species of bat that may have emerged or is active around the survey site. 

Other office work will involve the write-up of field survey results as part of the requirements to fulfil planning applications in assessing a proposed development’s impact to biodiversity. Field surveys and subsequent reports advise on effective management or mitigation to protect any species identified on site that may be threatened by a proposed development plan.

 

What is your favourite aspect of the role?

What I enjoy most about my role is the diversity of places I get to survey that nobody else gets to have the opportunity to explore, such as searching castles to look for bats or trekking high up in upland mountains to survey raptors. No day is the same as an ecologist and there is always something new to see and learn in the world of biodiversity. Animals always surprise you when you least expect it! Being given the opportunity to survey for a species that is under threat and contribute to it’s protection via a mitigation or management strategy makes the role of an ecologist a very rewarding job. 

 

Did you always plan to move into this career area?

I knew I wanted a job that provides a mix between working on-site and in an office environment. In my undergraduate degree, I chose to complete a yearlong placement with an environmental consultancy. This opportunity provided a great insight into the general role of environmental consultancy and afforded me confirmation that a mix of office and site work is where I am best suited. Whilst no ecology was within the company, I reviewed reports from consultant ecologists that we received and developed an interest in the sector of ecological consultancy. 

Following this, I sought out opportunities to develop my experience in ecological consultancy. I worked as a seasonal ecologist during the summer months and gained experience in assisting in dusk, dawn and activity bat surveys across Northern Ireland. I developed an interest in birds and joined BirdWatch Ireland to volunteer in breeding bird surveys. During my time at Queens, I built up my experience through volunteering and self-study and therefore felt more confident when applying for jobs.  

 

What did you enjoy most about your course at Queen’s?

Attending field trips throughout the first term was a highlight to the course. They provided a unique opportunity to engage with individuals working in the conservation and environmental sector across Northern Ireland. Field trips provided a valuable insight into the efforts required to protect biodiversity and the challenges faced in achieving success. Whilst learning about the role of conservation management in Northern Ireland, these field trips also provided a relaxed environment to meet and build friendships with other classmates. There’s nothing like a hike in the Mourne Mountains mid-November to build a strong group bond! 

The course also provided opportunities to develop key skillsets, particularly in software mapping programmes such as ArcGIS, which is a highly sought after skill within the environmental sector. The course provides an introduction to develop GIS skills, with associated practical classes to challenge what you have learned theoretically from lectures. 

 

Looking back – how would you advise your first-year self to make the most of your time at Queen’s?

I would encourage building your career experience throughout your degree and not leave it all to final year! This can involve self-study, or volunteering for an organisation you admire. Learn about your career, what skills are required, look at job vacancies in your sector and check out what criteria employers look for. Work on that criteria throughout your time at Queens, however small it may be and remain consistent. Opportunities such as placements or internships provide invaluable experience and helps you to work out if this is the right career path for you. I would not be in the role I am today without my placement experience and continuing to look for further work within ecology sector. Where there is opportunity to gain experience, take it and learn as you go! 

Building connections is also important, whether that is in extracurricular activities, in volunteering, or in internship roles, as you establish connections within the wider sector that you can always come back to. Where there are career fair days run by Queens, try to attend and, although it can be daunting, engage with companies who interest you. However small your interaction may be, you never know where it might take you!

 

Aoife Keenan

Graduate Ecologist, AECOM

MSc Ecological Management and Conservation Biology Graduate