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Aurelien Moro

Ecologist
What employment sector do you work in?

Private Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

5 years

Salary Range

< £20,000

Please describe the work that you do.

Initially as a forester, I specialised in soil and peat surveys for forest schemes.
I am now an all-rounder doing birds, butterflies, UKHab, and River Condition Assessment (MoRPh) for private estates, helping them building up their Agri-Environmental Climate Sceme and Farm Environment Assessment, and I am still working as an adviser for creating small forest schemes in Scotland.

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

I love being close to Nature and observing its evolution over the years.
I enjoy starting a project by liaising with the clients, organising the jobs, doing the surveys, mapping the results and writing reports.
However, it is often challenging financially to work so hard and earn the minimum wage despite a BSc and years of experience.

What inspired you into this career? 

I’ve always been close to nature, growing up in a small village from a farming family, owner of orchards.
I always understood the fragile balance of wildlife and the importance of being respectful of our environment.

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

Studies are great for improving knowledge and practice reinforce this knowledge by experience.
However, diplomas and experience are not recognised enough in employment wages.
I have met clients (international firms or wealthy landowners) who keep negotiating the lowest payment for their contractors even though our employments help them to gain much more.
I would suggest that each employer must stick to a standardised wage depending on the value of education and years of experience.

What education/training did you have?

Baccalaureat Environmentalism specialised in Peatland Ecology (France)
HNC Organic Farming specialised in the production and transformation of medicinal plants (France)
BSc in Water Management, treatment and supply (France)
BSc in Forest Management (Scotland)
River Condition Assessment certificate for MoRPh surveys (Scotland)
Several floristic Field Studies Council certificates (UK)

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

Be passionate

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Tags: Scotland, Private sector, Ecologist, Farm environment adviser, Forestry worker

Date profile submitted: 08/10/2024

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