Eiméar Rose Cunningham

Ecologist

Please describe the work that you do.

I complete animal and habitat surveys and reports to support planning applications for a range of developments, but mostly solar and wind development projects within Ireland.

What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?

I love the variety in my work week, one day I might be completing a badger survey, or a dusk bat survey, the next I will be out of my walking boots and in the office writing up reports. Additionally, there’s flexibility to my job and I can work from home when I need to. I will say that with all of the variety comes the need to be a rather organised person, packing necessities for site, staying overnight, driving and organising access with landowners etc.

What inspired you into this career?

I didn’t ever know that what I do now for work existed when I was in secondary school, it was my placement year within my biological sciences degree that opened me up to ecology in a consultancy setting and it seemed to fit in with my desire to complete practical work and some desk based aspects of work life. I always knew I wanted a mix.

Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far?

So far, I feel my place of work has been really supportive and has encouraged me to continue with my professional development while working, they support me with my CIEEM membership and attendance of training events. I am lucky in that my company were willing to take me in with little to no practical ecology experience and teach me the ropes.

What education/training did you have?

I completed a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences with Professional Studies. Following that I completed a PGCert in Environmental Management.

What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession?

Join your local wildlife groups, tag along on bat surveys even just to watch and learn by seeing others do it until you feel confident enough to do it yourself. British Trust for Ornithology are always looking for people to take part in bird surveys which can be completed anywhere close to you. There is so much free training advice, and a few you have to pay for. No matter what training, any experience helps with applying for jobs.

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