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Amanda Ophof

Peatland Programme Forester
What employment sector do you work in?

Public Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

8 years

Salary Range

£30,001 – £40,000

Please describe the work that you do. 

I am helping to develop the Peatland Strategy for the National Forest Estate (NFE). A large proportion of the NFE is on peat soils, so I work at a national level to support regional teams in making sustainable land management decisions. This involves working collaboratively across the different teams to build up a growing programme of peatland restoration projects. 

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

I love being able to plan and deliver habitat restoration at a local and landscape scale. Being able to witness the recovery of a degraded peatland within a short amount of time, and seeing the flora and fauna change in response. The variety of habitats that the NFE offers and being able to explore this diverse portfolio of peatlands across Scotland. I enjoy working with different teams and learning about their roles so we can work together to achieve a common goal. And that I can work outdoors, in all weather, seeing the landscape change with the seasons. 

What inspired you into this career? 

During my studies I was (and still am) fascinated by the field of ecology. The environment is a dynamic system and in this field you can learn something new every day. The realisation that much of our natural world is in a degraded state, I wanted to be involved and help improve things. I found that land management fitted me well as it allows me to see habitat restoration in action on the ground. 

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

After university it was difficult to get my first job. Entry level positions were very competitive and therefore difficult to obtain. Eventually I was offered a graduate position in forestry and haven’t looked back since. Personally, I found it hard to figure out what job role suited me best. Only by trying different jobs, each with their own challenges, did I discover that I enjoyed land management. I had to be open minded and flexible in terms of locations. 

What education/training did you have? 

BSc (Hons.) Wildlife Management 
MSc Wildlife Biology and Conservation 

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

Do not restrict yourself to specific field or job role. Even if your role isn’t what you imagined your dream job to be, you will learn something that will be invaluable towards achieving your desired role. It may take some time to get there, but if you show your motivation and willingness to learn, it will go a long way. Be open minded, work with similar minded people, and ask for help if you feel you are struggling. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management provides a great support network. 

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