Constance Schéré
What employment sector do you work in?
Private Sector
How long have you had a green job for nature?
10+ years
Please describe the work that you do.
I am a senior marine ornithology consultant at APEM Group, where I contribute to environmental impact and habitats regulations assessments, design mitigation, and the development of compensation measures, as well as manage and contribute to the offshore ornithology assessment process for consent applications for large infrastructure projects. I also work with statutory nature conservation bodies and NGOs on seabird conservation initiatives. My job includes a fieldwork component as well (survey management).
What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?
I enjoy staying abreast of the latest scientific research and changes in policies and coming up with creative solutions to address threats to seabirds. I also have the pleasure of working with people from many different organisations and industries, including government, NGOs, academia, and local stakeholders. The work can be stressful, however, with many deadlines and (sometimes ever-changing) requirements to meet. Managing breeding and migratory bird surveys onshore and offshore also comes with its own challenges, particularly where adverse weather and health and safety are concerned, but I enjoy coming up with solutions when issues arise.
What inspired you into this career?
I grew up by an offshore ornithological reserve, the Sept-Îles National Nature Reserve, in Brittany, France, which features an important gannet colony and puffin populations. It is managed by the Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux (LPO, the French partner of BirdLife International). I started volunteering with the LPO in 2020, first in their ornithology lab in Pleumeur-Bodou and then on the reserve and eventually completed my PhD internship with them on the reserve as well. I also studied shorebird conservation on mudflat habitats in marine protected areas as part of my doctoral research and worked as a marine wildlife analyst for APEM Group while finishing my PhD, so the shift to ornithological consultancy felt like a natural next step.
Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far?
The COVID-19 pandemic began about 18 months into my PhD, so my work was impacted and my thesis took longer to complete than I anticipated. I also took time off to work with the LPO and faced some health issues, which further delayed my PhD submission. I began my PhD in my early 30s, which means I have less experience in this field than most colleagues my age, but I find that my past career experience and education have given me interdisciplinary skills that helped to set me apart from some of my colleagues as well. I’m a firm believer that it’s never too late.
What education/training did you have?
I have a PhD in Marine Conservation Biology from King’s College London. I completed an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation Planning, and Environment (Master BIOTERRE) from the University of Paris 1: Panthéon-Sorbonne and an MA in Environmental Policy from SciencesPo Paris, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Science from Heriot-Watt University. I attended the University of Massachusetts Lowell after passing the International Baccalaureate exam, receiving a BA in History with a minor in Political Science. However, I realised towards the end of this degree that I wanted to study the natural environment so I completed a BSc (Hons) in Biology with a concentration in ecology with the Open University. I therefore have a highly interdisciplinary background, covering STEM, social sciences, and the humanities. This has been especially useful working in conservation and green jobs.
What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession?
Volunteer as much as you can with local NGOs or other organisations and look for opportunities to network. If you’re currently studying, ask your professors for internships or placement ideas. The world of green jobs is a small one, and particularly so if you’re interested in the marine environment. Think about what skill you already have that could be transferrable, as this can be a highly interdisciplinary industry. Remember: it’s never too late to pursue your career goals!
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Tags: Northern Ireland, Environmental adviser, Ecologist, Project manager, Researcher, Renewable energy adviser, Marine/Coastal
Date profile submitted: 23/06/2026
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