← Back to NGO

Finley Reynolds

Natural Networks Officer
What employment sector do you work in?

NGO Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

2.5 years

Salary Range

£25,001 – £30,000

Please describe the work that you do.

I work for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust as Natural Networks project officer, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council.
As a Natural Networks Ifficer, I liaise with public greenspace owners; survey their land for existing wildlife and habitats; write a site specific report containing the survey results, a list of biodiversity enhancements and methodology; and help enact the works through the use of a small grant.

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

The outcomes of active restoration and management work towards creating and enhancing quality habitat for wildlife, to help tackle the biodiversity crisis.
I also get to meet people/communities from all over Worcestershire and help them make their greenspace better for nature.

What inspired you into this career? 

My love of nature.

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

As a project officer, getting new funding to continue the project is always a concern. Building up experience is important this early on in my career, and the potential short nature of a project isn’t ideal.

What education/training did you have?

9 GCSE’s (A*-C)
3 A-Levels (A*-B)
BSc (Hons) Ecology from Aberystwyth University
MSc Environmental Management from Aberystwyth University

Plus nearly 10 years of practical conservation volunteering (both at home and in Uni), which provided me with most of the skills that got me the job.
– Volunteering with local Wildlife Trust ages 12-18 (monthly)
– Volunteering with Uni conservation group ages 18-21 (weekly)
– Plus loads of other day sessions, from bird ringing, habitat management, ID courses, etc, throughout the years.

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

For any career in conservation, volunteering experience is hugely important. The skills (both hard and soft) gained from volunteering are what make you stand out as an individual.

—

Tags: England, NGO sector, Environmental adviser, Ecologist, Ecological surveyor

Date profile submitted: 17/01/2025

Related Job Profiles

Browse All Job Profiles