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Rosie Pope

Ecologist
What employment sector do you work in?

Private Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

9 Years

Salary Range

> £50,000

Please describe the work that you do. 

I am an in-house Ecologist at a large Architecture firm. I provide advice for projects all over the world, mainly focussing on early-stage Masterplan layout designs. 
 
I undertake ecological context assessments for sites, then help the designers apply the mitigation hierarchy to have the best (or least bad) impact on biodiversity at the site. I undertake fast impact assessments and high-level net gain assessments. 

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

I enjoy the wide range of projects – I get to research habitats and species all over the world. I like the fast pace and the fact that I am the advocate for robust ecological assessment within the practice. I get to present and attend workshops with the architects which is great. I also organise and deliver in-house presentations and training. 

What inspired you into this career? 

I always fancied trying an in-house role rather than consultancy. The firm where I work is world-famous (if you’re into design) and when I saw the role it was a no-brainer. 

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

As I am the only Ecologist in the company, I do lack mentorship and may face challenges achieving my next CIEEM level due to this.

It is slightly challenging that this role is London-based as I do not live in London. 

What education/training did you have? 

BA Biological Sciences – University of Oxford 
MSc Environmental Technology – Imperial College London 
 
And a whole heap of specialist Ecological training over the years. 

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

You have to absolutely love wildlife and be prepared to stand up for it whatever. 

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