← Back to Private Sector

Ashleigh Kitchiner

Senior Marine Mammal Consultant
What employment sector do you work in?

Private Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

6 years

Salary Range

£30,001 – £40,000

Please describe the work that you do. 

I have been working in the marine sector for around six years and offer services ranging from fieldwork, survey design, analysis and reporting. My key duties include desk-based reviews of species and habitats, environmental monitoring, mitigation, and writing scientific and technical reports, including Marine Mammal Risk Assessments, Monitoring and Mitigation Plans, and conducting assessments. I have completed numerous fieldwork projects internationally. 

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

I like that no two days are the same and when I look back at the last year alone, I have worked on such a variety of projects. It helps you grow and develop, the greater variety you have. I like the team I work with too, everyone is rooting for each other, and the collaboration effort is faultless. 

What inspired you into this career? 

I love nature and conservation but had no idea about all the jobs in this world! I was going down the route of being a medical professional and then I had a work placement with a Wildlife Trust and got chatting with the people there. From then on, I feel like my horizons have broadened and I now know of some of the roles out there in this field, I’m sure there are so many more that I don’t know about yet! 

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

Absolutely! I think most fields are competitive and it was certainly difficult getting that ‘first’ job; however, looking back, it doesn’t take long. I think it just feels longer after so much study time! On reflection though, it’s not necessarily a bad thing because it makes you better and learn more. That said, we need to create more opportunities and increase diversity and inclusion in this sector as well as others. 

What education/training did you have? 

I completed an undergraduate degree in Biology and a Masters of Research in Marine Mammal Genetics. Since then I have completed numerous continuing professional development courses and enrolled in courses where relevant. 

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

Try everything! This will help you to figure out what you like and what you are good at. Take your hand to path clearing whilst volunteering for a wildlife trust, volunteer on bird surveys, set up bottle traps to collect newts and complete a marine survey on a boat. The more varied experience you get, the more you will understand about careers in this field, and you will meet new people. These people will have experience and be able to tell you about other opportunities and ways to learn more. 

—

Tags: Scotland, Private Sector, Marine roles

Related Job Profiles