Graduate careers in environmental consultancy at AtkinsRéalis Dublin

I share how I started my graduate career in environmental consultancy and what I've learned so far.

My name is Fiona. I'm a Graduate Environmental Consultant, and I have been with the AtkinsRéalis Dublin team for just over a year. In school, my favourite subjects were always science‑related. I was fascinated by local plants and animals, and how they interacted and adapted to their environments. A career that protects and preserves Ireland's natural habitats was the perfect fit for me.

Why I chose a graduate career with AtkinsRéalis in environment and sustainability

AtkinsRéalis is an engineering services and nuclear organization that puts sustainability at the centre of everything it does. I was drawn to the way the team considers the environmental impact of projects, ensuring factors such as ecology and cultural heritage are never overlooked. Dedicated environmental teams work alongside engineers and project managers to minimize concerns, comply with legislation, and promote environmentally positive solutions.

My love for the outdoors drew me to this career, so getting out for fieldwork is a huge benefit. I recently helped with a river survey, which showed the importance of studies in habitat protection. We assessed water quality, vegetation, and fauna, then used the data to recommend ways to conserve and improve the drainage network. It was exciting to apply what I had learned in college while gaining insight into ecological impact assessments. At AtkinsRéalis, you are supported to follow your interests. This experience inspired me to focus more on water‑based projects, as protecting water resources is one of Ireland's most pressing environmental challenges.

Graduate projects I've worked on: housing, transport, and biodiversity protection

The Dublin office always has a wide variety of projects underway, which has let me explore many different career areas. It also means graduates and apprentices do not get stuck on just one type of work. I have worked on active travel projects such as large cycleways and pedestrian pathways, offering healthier, more sustainable alternatives to driving. I have also contributed to large‑scale housing developments, which are vital to Ireland's housing provision. Seeing how many people and disciplines are involved puts into perspective the time and effort it takes to get buildings off the ground. Other projects I have been part of include airports, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, the national grid, and roadways.

In a recent housing development, landscape designers incorporated our ecological reports, which identified several trees as ideal habitats for bats. These trees created a natural bat corridor, which we preserved with only dim lighting. This allowed biodiversity to thrive alongside the housing development. Without affecting the project negatively, our input enabled it to make a positive contribution to its surrounding environment.

How collaboration and global teamwork have shaped my graduate development In just over a year, my knowledge and confidence have grown immensely. Collaborating with colleagues across disciplines and around the world has been invaluable for my learning and development. I have learned that clear communication is essential, as no team can deliver a project alone – whether environmental, planning, architectural, or engineering, each discipline brings its expertise to the project's success.

Experience is a key part of learning, and you gain the most by pushing yourself to get involved. AtkinsRéalis provides many opportunities for graduates and apprentices to take on responsibilities and engage with clients – a valuable new skill I am continuing to develop.

For example, I recently volunteered to attend a client meeting and ended up being designated as the environmental point of contact for the rest of the project. This gave me the chance to gain knowledge of all stages of a project – insight I would not have gained without being involved from the start.

Saying yes to new opportunities can seem daunting at first, but the more you do it, the more enjoyable it becomes. With the support of your team, you quickly grow more comfortable and capable of taking on new tasks.

The future of environmental consultancy and why it excites me as a graduate

I am excited about the future of environmental consultancy, which will only become more critical for future developments. There are excellent career prospects in this area and opportunities to specialize in fields like water protection, climate adaptation and risk assessment. I hope career development becomes even more accessible and emphasized in this sector, as the environment is constantly changing. There is plenty of good work still to be done.

Love the great outdoors and want to make a positive impact on the future?

Explore these fantastic graduate environmental opportunities in Dublin.