Katie Chapman
What employment sector do you work in?
Industry Sector
How long have you had a green job for nature?
5 months
Salary Range
< £20,000
Please describe the work that you do.
I visit farms in the South West and conduct soil and biodiversity samples across a variety of the farm fields. This includes hedgerow, botanical and bird surveys as well as an earthworm count, VESS survey and collecting core samples for lab analysis.
What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?
I am outside in nature, I am always increasing my botanical knowledge as well as bird ID and I am getting to know the land and what to expect in certain conditions.
I am on my own all day and miss being part of a team and sense of comradery.
What inspired you into this career?
My love of nature and the outdoors and the fear of losing it due to the biodiversity crisis and climate change.
Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far?
Salaries are not large so it’s a constant questions of whether you can afford to work in the industry at an entry or low level stage or whether it would be better to seek work in another industry.
What education/training did you have?
Extended Level 3 Diploma
What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession?
I would say be passionate, be happy to work physically and outside, have faith and optimism, there’s a lot of good going on and many exciting projects. Make sure you will be able to love it through all the negatives.
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Tags: England, Industry sector, Environmental adviser, Data and mapping roles, Farm environment adviser, Farmland