How one opportunity helped shape a career and grow ecology at RSK Ireland

A well-timed nudge from a classmate set Aisling McParland on a path that would lead to a career spanning more than 20 years in environmental consultancy at RSK Ireland.

Environmental science graduate finds direction through temporary role

Aisling graduated with a degree in environmental science and a diploma in area studies from University of Ulster, Coleraine, in Northern Ireland. After finishing her studies, she was uncertain about her next step.

She said: “Some of my classmates found jobs, while others travelled. However, one friend who was continuing in education pointed me in the direction of a temporary job as an environmental officer at a business in Coleraine”

Developing a nationwide ecology resource for RSK Ireland

Although the role was temporary, Aisling enjoyed the work. It led her to pursue roles in environmental consultancy closer to home, joining GeoDelft Consultancy as an environmental scientist in 2006. Not long after, she moved to RSK and contributed to the development of what is now RSK Ireland.

In the two decades since, Aisling has worked across multiple disciplines and sectors. These include geoscience, asbestos, noise, management systems, business development, air quality and ecology. This broad experience helped her understand how different disciplines connect.

In 2017, Aisling took a secondment with a civil engineering contractor on the Gas to the West high pressure gas pipeline. She said this period was a turning point in her career: one that enabled her to apply her skills in a practical setting.

Aisling added: “The project brought together many areas of work. I supported tasks such as soil assessment, ecological constraints and noise surveys, and liaised with clients and local authorities.”

After returning from secondment, Aisling learned more about RSK’s growth via acquisitions, which included ecological consultancy RSK Biocensus.

She was asked, given her experience on the pipeline, interest in business development and past involvement in ecology projects, to develop a new ecology resource for RSK Ireland.

Aisling said: “The process began by working with colleagues at RSK Biocensus and adopting their strategy. This included developing a reliable network of subcontractors across Ireland. We bid for work and built up a client base, which meant we were able to start recruiting ecologists and bringing services in house.”

Why ecologists are now central to the planning and design process

Fast forward to 2026, and RSK Ireland’s established ecology team is based across offices in Belfast, Dublin and Cork. Aisling, who has recently been promoted to the role of associate director, oversees project management operations for the department.

Her responsibilities include managing multidisciplinary projects, preparing proposals, overseeing team finances, generating business, supporting team planning and maintaining relationships with clients, authorities and subcontractors.

Projects span the length and breadth of the island of Ireland and range from small housing developments to large-scale solar and wind farm projects.

Reflecting on the impact of ecologists, Aisling said: “Over the years, I have noticed a huge shift in how projects are approached from the outset. Attitudes towards, and awareness of, the importance of protecting the environment, its habitats and species have come on significantly.

“For me, ecologists are first responders, and considering ecology constraints early in design can make all the difference to the success of a project.

“There was a time when ecology was overlooked in the development process until there was an issue threatening planning approval. Now it’s appreciated and prioritised from the start.”

Reflecting on two decades of impact at RSK Ireland

As RSK Ireland marks its 20-year anniversary this year, Aisling reflected on both her own journey and that of the business, from its origins in the oil and gas industry to its shift towards low-carbon renewable solutions and the expansion of its services.

Aisling said: “What started out as a contaminated land unit supporting the fuel retail and distribution industry with nine staff is now a much larger and more diverse organisation.

“We now have more than 600 employees in Ireland working for the 10 businesses based here. It’s quite something to be able to draw on the experience of these colleagues and collaborate on projects with them and the businesses they work for.

“As a young engineer, I travelled across the country, carrying out soil, water and gas sampling. To now be involved in major infrastructure and renewable developments fills me with pride: to think that I have been here from the start and played some part in creating something that is having such a huge impact across the country.”

Aisling’s career is an example of how one opportunity, taken at the right time, can shape both an individual’s path and business growth. What began as a temporary environmental role has developed into a career defined by adaptability, collaboration and lasting impact. She helped strengthen RSK Ireland’s offering and continues to play an important role in supporting projects that protect habitats, species and the wider environment across the island.