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Sue White

Peatland Action Project Officer
What employment sector do you work in?

NGO Sector

How long have you had a green job for nature?

30 years

Salary Range – Full Time Equivalent

£30,001 – £40,000

Please describe the work that you do.

I am one of Peatland Action’s team of Project Officers, based in Shetland. It is a very varied role that starts with raising awareness of the importance of peatlands and peatland restoration leading to conversations with interested land managers, then developing peatland restoration projects as part of the Peatland ACTION programme right through to managing the works on the ground. Peatland Restoration is a rapidly growing sector and developing workforce capacity has also been part of my role.

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

I enjoy the varied nature of the job, working closely with land managers who are committed to restoring their peatlands and the contractors who are carrying out work on the ground. It is a job where I can really feel I am making a difference in tackling climate change.

What inspired you into this career? 

Thoughout my career I have been interested in conservation land management, working with land managers to find ways to manage their land for biodiversity and food production. My interest in peatlands was actually triggered by my experience of living on a farm that suffered a sizeable peatslide on the hill, some of which ended up inside the house where me and my family lived! I became fascinated by and deeply respectful of peatlands.

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

I found juggling family life with a career in conservation/ ecology challenging at times. When my children were young there still seemed to be a culture of needing to work long hours and prioritising my family meant that I missed out on job and training opportunities (and my pension suffered too). I hope that the next generation are able to access more flexible working patterns.

What education/training did you have?

I did the MSc in Ecology at Aberdeen University which was fantastic but most of my training and learning has been on the job, taking advantage of any relevant courses or conferences that come up and, most importantly, lots of informal learning from other environmental professionals.

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

A passion for the environment is a must along with an open mind and flexible approach to your career and where it might take you. Seek out mentors in your chosen field, experienced environmental professionals will be delighted to help. And, keep paying into a pension, especially when you are working on short term or self employed contracts.

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Tags: Scotland, NGO sector, Environmental adviser, Conservation worker, Ecologist, Peatland

Date profile submitted: 02/10/2025

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