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Rachel Short

Ecology Manager
What employment sector do you work in?

Industry Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

15 years

Salary Range

> £50,000

Please describe the work that you do. 

I oversee the delivery of ecological obligations for onshore renewable projects in the UK (wind, solar, battery). This includes designing and implementing land management practices (such as peatland restoration, tree planting, grassland management), undertaking research projects and delivering ecological monitoring programs. I also coordinate ecological advice on the development of new onshore renewables projects in the UK and Ireland. 

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

I enjoy making a real difference to landscapes to benefit nature. For example, undertaking large-scale peatland restoration projects and being able to see the benefits this work can bring is very rewarding. Dislikes include complicated internal processes and red tape which inevitably come with working for a large corporate company. 

What inspired you into this career? 

I enjoy being outside and was keen to follow a career which allowed me to get out of the office! 

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

I have observed sexist behaviours from colleagues in the past and this was a challenge. 

What education/training did you have? 

I have a degree in Zoology and a Masters in Wildlife Management and Conservation. 

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

Try and get a mentor within the industry as this can help hugely with navigating the early years of your career. Don’t feel obliged to undertake working practices that you think are unsafe, particularly when starting off in your career. 

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Tags: Scotland, Industry, Ecology

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