D-J 

Team Leader – Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity  

 

Biography

I came to King Alfred’s College (now the University of Winchester) in 1992 to study Geography and Environmental Science. The course itself provided an excellent grounding in the areas of work that I now find myself - not only that but the friendly and social feel of King Alfred’s meant it was easy to meet people and build friendships. I was also vice captain of the hockey team and learned a lot of lessons about dealing with people through this role.

Something that I learned quickly after leaving Winchester was that whilst my course had prepared me with excellent knowledge about my subject area, I had no practical skills to back it up. I had planned on a career with the military but was unsuccessful, so I began working in WH Smith in Winchester. I knew that I had to develop my skills further, and gain some real work experience, so I took an MSc in Environmental Science at Southampton University and worked for a consultant with the German Forestry. This experience was invaluable and led me to take on a number of short term contracts with the Environment Agency where I worked as an Environmental Surveillance Officer and also had a role radio tracking salmon.

An opportunity arose for me to work on an oceanographic cruise carrying out Zooplankton research on board the RRS James Clark Ross, British Antarctic Survey. I left my role at the Environment Agency and spent six weeks at sea collecting and analysing data.

When I returned I took up post as a Fisheries Scientist and completed a certificate and diploma in Fisheries Management with the Institute of Fisheries Management. I also attained Chartered Environmentalist status through the Society of the Environment and was a Team Leader for Groundwater and Contaminated Land before taking my current role.

I now manage a team of 12 staff that deliver fisheries, biodiversity and recreation objectives for Wessex. This involves turning national and international legislation and political strategies into ecological results.

Balancing conflicting priorities, incomplete scientific information and high expectations from customers are some of the most challenging aspects of my job. Being adaptable and being good at building a rapport with people are essential to my role.

To stand out from the crowd you need experience. Get it however you can and volunteer if necessary. It’s a difficult message but you are in direct competition with others who, on paper, might look exactly like you. Experience gives you an edge. While you’re at university get involved in voluntary work while you have time. Work in partnership with organisations like ours and take on student projects and work experience.

The best part of my job is the variety of work involved and the dedication and enthusiasm of the people I work with.  Whether it is managing protected species, boat moorings, river restoration or working with partners, everyday presents new challenges.