Katie-Ruth Connolly
What employment sector do you work in?
Private Sector
How long have you had a green job for nature?
1 Year
Please describe the work that you do.
I contribute to the writing and review of Environmental Impact Assessment Reports, Appropriate Assessment Screening Reports, and Invasive Species Survey Reports. I also author monthly environmental reports for Environmental Clerk of Works projects.
What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?
I have the option of remote work, and have some flexibility in relation to my hours. I have the full support of my company in my continued professional development, with a strong emphasis on progressing within CIEEM. The industry is constantly developing and changing, which provides a challenge in keeping up to date.
What inspired you into this career?
I was eager to follow a career path which would allow me to both be out in nature regularly and to actively contribute to environmental conservation and education. I felt that ecological consultancy would provide me with the opportunity to build connections with like-minded individuals and develop my field work skills and understanding of environmental policy and legislation.
Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far?
Early-career ecology can be quite difficult; entry positions are often seasonal, short-term contracts, and it can be very difficult to get a look-in without a driver’s license.
What education/training did you have?
BSc (Hons) in Zoology (with a structured minor in Spanish) from UCD, MSc in Applied Environmental Science.
What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession?
Prioritize getting a driver’s license, get some experience volunteering (tree nursery, invasive species removal, and citizen science projects would be particularly useful!), don’t write-off short-term contracts and seasonal bat and bird work because it will provide valuable field experience.
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Tags: Republic of Ireland, Private sector, Ecologist, Ecological Clerk of Works
Date profile submitted: 19/09/2025
