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Katiana Saleiko

Species Reintroduction Officer
What employment sector do you work in?

Public Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

9 years

Salary Range

£30,001 – £40,000

Please describe the work that you do.

In my current role I focus on all elements of conservation translocations within Forestry England’s South District (Dorset, South Whiltshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex). This could be scoping out new species reintroduction projects, undertaking feasibility studies, directly monitoring species that have already been released, working with partners on new projects, collecting DNA samples to better understand population dynamics and a lot more.

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

I love the fact that I get to work on a large variety of different projects; the species I work with range from sphagnum moss and wood ants to pine martens and white-tailed eagles. I also get to be involved in all elements of the projects, this could be undertaking the feasibility of a potential reintroduction project, releasing individuals into the wild or monitoring the population post release.

What inspired you into this career? 

I have also wanted to work in the field of biodiversity conservation and more specifically human-wildlife coexistence, however I actually ‘fell into’ conservation translocations after going out to Mauritius and being asked to fill the role of Mauritius Kestrel Reintroduction Project Officer. After this point I fell in love with the work and was inspired by the seeing first hand how conservation translocations, be that a reintroduction, ecological replacement or another type, impact the ecosystem. Conservation translocations can completely transform an ecosystem, bringing back species that went extinct or introducing a similar species that fills the same niche. The need for a more stable ecosystem should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds and reinstating these essential ecological interactions can be done through conservation translocations. They bring back natural balance and allow nature to thrive if done correctly.

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

The main challenges have been through being told I don’t have enough experience and being told volunteering is a necessary step. I was lucky enough to get funding to volunteer aboard and gain the experience I have today, but I know that isn’t possible for everyone. Similarly, I also experienced difficulties in my previous roles due to being a younger women. It seemed I was treated differently and not allowed to do certain things because of my age and gender, I had to fight to take opportunities that were given to my peers/colleagues.

What education/training did you have?

I have a BSc (Hons) in Zoology and a MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation, I however had a five year gap between the two. I would also like to do a PhD in the future.

My training is extremely varied and I can’t remember everything, but please see below:
Woodland Wildflower and Tree Identification
Tree Safety and Surveying
Sustainable Development Goals and Social Responsibility
PADI Open Water
APM Project Fundamentals Qualification
Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Compulsory Basic Training – Motorbike
Osprey Leadership Foundation – Becoming a Conservation Leader
Biodiversity Net Gain – Basic Level Training
Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry
British Carnivores – The Past, Present & Future
Pine Marten Den Box and Scat Detection Training
Introduction to Conflict Management
BTO Trainee Ringing Permit

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

Take every opportunity given to you and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Similarly, try and make your network as large as possible, the more people you know within the field the higher chance of being recommended or being told about a job that has come up that might interest you. Don’t give up even when things are getting difficult, I have had to take retail and hospitality roles when I haven’t been successful in getting a role I truly want. Lastly, ask for help if and when you need it!

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Tags: England, Public sector, Conservation worker, Researcher, Habitat/species manager

Date profile submitted: 08/11/2024

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