Margarita Smoldareva
What employment sector do you work in?
Private
How long have you had a green job for nature?
10 years
Salary Range
> £50,000
Please describe the work that you do.
Ecologists help clients get planning permissions through various ecological surveys. In addition, working on a low-cost device to bring bird and bat classification to help monitor BNG post-development.
What do you most like about your job? Any dislikes?
As an independent ecologist, I love the freedom and ability to help the environment through undertaking ecological surveys and delivering Biodiversity Net Gain on site.
What inspired you into this career?
Originally I am from Estonia which is a country full of beautiful coastline, woodlands and other various natural landscapes. When I arrived in London at the age of ten, I felt like I was missing the nature element in my life and always felt the need to be connected hence I chose to be an ecologist.
Have you faced any challenges in progressing your career so far?
When started off at the early stages of my career, I felt that I was used and abused however over time I learnt how to balance my work/life load and say no to many projects.
What education/training did you have?
MSc, PGDip and BSc (Hons)
What advice would you give to someone coming into the profession?
Stay persistent, change frequently, volunteer for local wildlife trust/groups and don’t let consultancies take advantage of you.
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Tags: England, Private sector, Ecologist, Ecological consultant
Date profile submitted: 09/03/2024
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