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Sheila Dean

Senior Project Coordinator
Sheila Dean
What employment sector do you work in?

Private Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

16 years

Salary Range

£25,001 – £30,000 for 24hr week

Please describe the work that you do.

I work as a Senior Project Coordinator within the AtkinsRéalis Ecology Team. The work depends on what the Ecology Team/Project requires. Providing survey overview to Land Agents so they can explain to landowners when arranging access; deputising for the Lead Ecologist on project calls; analysing spend against budget; supporting with Protected Species licencse applications/ data analysis; managing sub-contractors; ensuring staff are onboarded; H&S support; undertaking ecological site surveys.

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

Being part of a project team in the fullest sense of the word. Being appreciated and learning from the best. It is frustrating that some clients feel you need to hold a degree regardless of experience/knowledge, however, this is slowly changing and it is encouraging to know that the AtkinsRéalis Ecology Team does not cite a degree as a mandatory requirement to apply for our ecology roles.

What inspired you into this career? 

Being encouraged and supported by fellow ecologists, who always made me feel like one of them. The care and support they show each other, and everyone they engage with.

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

Many! Like everyone else. It’s how you learn from them and grow that’s important.

What education/training did you have?

O Levels at Secondary School, Open Learning in various roles and in role training and support. Living in a rural location with family who loved wildlife, in all its forms, and encouraged me to recognise local flora and wildlife.

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

Go for it! I had budget control/Drawing Office experience, supported a Bird of Prey centre with Marketing and sponsor retention, and had the opportunity to work alongside Planners, Heritage, Landscape Architects as a Team Secretary. These experiences gave me the transferable skills that I needed to secure a role in the ecology sector.

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Tags: England, Private sector, Ecologist, Project manager, Career Changer, Non-degree route

Date profile submitted: 15/04/2025

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