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Ellen Tuck

Graduate Ecologist
What employment sector do you work in?

Private Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

<1 year

Salary Range

£25,001 – £30,000

Please describe the work that you do. 

I am currently working with MKO Ireland in the Ecology department and as a graduate ecologist. I get out into the field weekly and everyday is different in my job. One day I am in a woodland searching for mammal tracks and signs and the next I am on a dusk bat survey monitoring roosts and their behaviours. I have undertaken mammal tracking training, bryophyte training and bat survey training in the short time I have been with this company and so far I am loving it! 

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

The best part of the job is getting out into nature. Being an ecologist gives you every opportunity to step outside, learn about your surroundings, the landscapes, habitats and environments Ireland has to offer. I am lucky to say, most days don’t feel like work! 

What inspired you into this career? 

I love to get outside and my biggest love of all is our Irish wildlife. Being an ecologist gives you the opportunity to be apart of the conservation and protection of our habitats here in Ireland and allows you to give back and make a difference. Nature has always inspired me and being able to include it as part of my workday everyday is a dream come true. 

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

The most challenging part of getting to where I am today was studying. There were many subjects during my time at university that I really liked and others I found quite difficult. The one thing that got me through was knowing the end result and making the dream of becoming an ecologist a reality. 

What education/training did you have? 

A bachelors degree in Environmental Science at NUI Galway. 
Bryophyte Training – Peatlands 
Bryophyte Training – Karst Environments 
Mammal Tracking Techniques and Training 
Bat survey Techniques and Training 

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

If you love wildlife, nature and being in the outdoors, this is the job for you. You learn something new every single day and no two days are the same. Get involved at your workplace and don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Be ready to learn and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

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