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Sian Woollard

Marine Lead Adviser
What employment sector do you work in?

Public Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

2.5 years

Salary Range

£25,001 – £30,000

Please describe the work that you do.

As a marine lead adviser for the Sussex and Kent area, I lead a species recovery project (Short Snouted Seahorses), work with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to advise on licences and whether work occurring within Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) will cause any damage or impact the designated features or species. I also will be working on conservation advice packages, and condition assessments of different protected sites.

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

I like that the job is varied, from project management of species recovery projects to more desk-based work like going through cases and advising on licences. When possible, I also really like going out on site visits.

What inspired you into this career? 

I have always had a keen interest in marine science and conservation and did many volunteering opportunities (focusing on turtle conservation and reef restoration mainly). As I hadn’t done any ecology, geography or natural sciences before – my volunteering opportunities helped me get accepted onto my MSc and my job.

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

Just that green jobs are really competitive.

What education/training did you have?

Undergraduate degree in English Language and Linguistics (2:1 with Hons) and an MSc in Marine Environmental Management (Distinction with Deans Commendation)

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

Try and get as much experience as possible, volunteer with local organisations and understand the sector before joining it would be extremely useful. But, also perseverance and in applying for roles. If jobs state they want you to use the STAR format, make sure you understand how to use this format for applications and interviews and practice it!

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Tags: England, Public sector, Environmental adviser, Marine/Coastal, Unrelated first degree

Date profile submitted: 19/03/2024

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