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Amy Green

Senior Ecologist
What employment sector do you work in?

Private Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

3.5 Years

Salary Range

£30,001 – £40,000

Please describe the work that you do.

SLR’s Ecology team often work across linked disciplines with experts in Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Water Quality, Air Quality, Marine Noise, Risk Assessment, GIS and remote sensing, and Engineers to provide clients with a full-service experience. As a result, they deliver practical solutions that stand alone or complement other project technical elements. As a large team we conduct anything from protected species (otter, badger, red squirrel, pine marten, water vole) surveys to aquatic surveys.

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

I love being outdoors and experiencing and learning about nature everyday. My job is never the same from day to day and that keeps it really exciting.
As a dislike, the only thing that comes to mind is the expectation of staying away from home during the summer season as our jobs are often in remote locations.

What inspired you into this career? 

I undertook an undergraduate course in Zoology and was extremely interested in the marine environment, from there I undertook a masters course in marine ecosystems and governance and was fascinated by the freshwater environment and something that deserves so much more attention. With this in mind I took on a PhD in freshwater ecology assessing salmon migration the the impact anthropogenic barriers had on a such a complex species life stage during the smolt migration. I worked extremely closely with Environmental Agency and Natural England during my PhD and it really opened my mindset up to exploring a career in consultancy, investigating impacts on our natural systems and being part of our development in the renewable energy sector.

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

I can onyl progress in my field if those above me have the training and knowledge, currently I am being held back progressing into offshore renewables as the skill set throughout my team is not at a level we can bid for the work.

What education/training did you have?

Education:
BSc Zoology
MRes Marine Ecosystems and Governance
PhD Freshwater Ecology (Salmon Migration)

Courses include:
EcIA training, Marine Mammal Observer, Team Leader Electrofishing, Outdoor Emergency First Aid, RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling, Off road vehicle operating (4×4), Introduction to Electrofishing, Present IFM Certificate Course, Eurasian Beaver Ecology and Restoration.

Skills include:
• QGIS Mapping Computer
• Computer and Software Experience
• Consultancy Reporting
• Fish Identification
• Redd Identification
• Statistical Data Analysis
• Laboratory Skills
• Data Management
• Leadership and Management
• Analytical and Problem-Solving skills
• Acoustic Telemetry

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

Be open minded and willing to constantly learn whilst on the job, be aware every job is different and demands will constantly change. Enjoy the outdoors and as you grow in environmental consultancy start to understand what your main focus will be. Gain as much insight into a variety of projects and don’t limit yourself.

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Tags: Scotland, Private sector, Ecologist, Ecological consultant, Ecological surveyor

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