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Kim Olliver

Associate Director
What employment sector do you work in?

Private Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

21 years

Salary Range – Full Time Equivalent

> £50,000

Please describe the work that you do.

Project director multiple development schemes at either the initial stages of surveying the land through to construction stage and making sure the right mitigations are implemented for protected species and habitats. I also work with organisations such as local authorities providing ecology planning support advice. I get to do both technical and commercial aspects in my role as well as people and line management. I also get to mentor and support junior colleagues and educational outeach.

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

I love the variety. Every day is different. I love constantly challenging myself and learning new things. We are never too old to keep learning and upskilling! I love challenges and also my wonderful colleagues. We’re like an extended family!


Since Covid the only downside is more is done online which has its positives as a busy single working mum but I do miss more social interaction so I try to go in to an office or out on site when able to!

What inspired you into this career? 

I have loved animals since I was tiny. I professed at primary school I preferred animals to people!! I had no idea about a career in ecology consultancy! I did my degree and masters and by chance happened upon this route when a friend said she worked for a company that surveyed for newts and moved lizards! I was like sign me up!!!

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

It was very difficult when I graduated. I applied for many jobs. I tried to do a PhD but funding failed. I did an MSc and still struggled I was lucky to get my break in to ecology consultancy sector. I have worked on a lot of large scale construction projects being a female amongst a male dominated environment can be challenging. I also switched roles to environmental management for some time which I enjoyed but went back to my passion in ecology and very happy where I am now although I’m thinking again about my next challenge potentially a part time PhD!

What education/training did you have?

GCSEs
A levels Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, English Literature, German
BSc Environmental Sciences
MSc Widlife Management and Conservation

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

Be open. You may think you like something but then find out you prefer another aspect. Don’t feel you need to stay in one role if it doesn’t suit you. Work for an organisation that gives you the flexibility to explore (unless of course you’re 100 percent set on what you want to do!)

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Tags: England, Private sector, Project manager, Ecologist, Environmental adviser

Date profile submitted: 27/06/2025

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