Caroline Corsie

Senior Land Advisor

Please describe the work that you do.

Advisory work on the health of soil, water, and biodiversity. Team leading in a partnership project with a water company. Managing a Facilitation Fund with 30 farmer members. Training and leading volunteers doing conservation work. Advising on policy. Admin. Training of new employees. Media and public speaking.

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

I enjoy the variety of situations, roles and people I work with, and working with farmers.

I dislike the admin and that salaries vary – they are generally lower than in industry.

What inspired you into this career?

A desire to make things better, to combat the decline in wildlife and habitats.

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

There are always challenges in progressing: often, new roles are time-limited due to being grant funded and they might not be near your current location; salary issues can be a challenge, as well as the willingness of the existing employer to review the current role so one doesn’t necessarily have to leave; confidence-levels.

What education/training did you have?

Maybe too much! MSc Qualified Agronomist and ongoing training/ CPD (continuing professional development) around biodiversity, habitats and larger landscape projects e.g., wilding, water habitats, leadership training,

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

Don’t be afraid to apply for something. Often jobs ask for high qualifications but that’s often an aspiration and if you have an ‘can do’ attitude, training may well be offered to you — there is frequently a shortage of applicants.

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Tags: England, NGO sector, Environment adviser, Farm environment adviser

Date profile submitted: 23/10/2022