Case studies: Geo-environmental consultant: Gareth

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Gareth has a BSc Hons Environmental Science (geology modules) and MSc Environmental Consultancy from Plymouth University.

Following graduation, I took several steps to gain the permanent position I now hold at Hydrock. One of the modules on the MSc was a work placement where students were responsible for sourcing their own work placements. I went to a careers fair at Plymouth University and came across the Hydrock stand where I had a chat with them and demonstrated my interest in their company. I was asked to send my CV through, which led to an interview and I was offered the placement. I kept in contact with my supervisor at the company, and once my MSc had finished, I was offered a temporary job. This then resulted in a permanent position.

My degree subject was extremely relevant and the geology modules and environmental science are vital for the role.

A typical working day regularly involves being between site or office base. Site work involves supervising ground investigations (GIs), which can last from one day to two weeks. Typical site works include the drilling of boreholes for gas and groundwater monitoring or to assess contamination levels, trial pitting with JCBs, performing soakaway tests, which measure ground percolation rates, and general monitoring of existing boreholes. Office time involves organising GIs, writing reports and logs, logging samples, training or client liaison.

Although I'm still in the early stages of my career development, I am being drawn towards contaminated land and site remediation as time progresses. After around five to six years of experience, I am looking to become a Chartered Scientist.

I really enjoy the time outdoors on-site. I frequently work with other professionals, including ecologists, archaeologists and planners, which is great for widening general knowledge and understanding how the whole process of site investigation works. The site locations vary hugely. I have worked on military bases (active and historic), heavily contaminated brownfield sites (redundant gasworks and timber yards), greenfield sites, petrol stations and on the beach.

The most challenging part of the job can be interpretive reporting, particularly on contaminated sites. It's vital to get the right balance of technical knowledge presented in a way that can be understood by the reader, who may not have a technical background.

One of the best things about working in this sector is that it is a positive industry to be involved in. For example, it is rewarding to be involved with a project and see it through from start to finish, particularly with brownfield sites where you see the site cleaned up and reused.

My advice to other students and graduates who would like to get into this career is to go to career fairs, target companies that interest you and speak to them. You could suggest a work placement or even work shadowing. If you show your worth to a company, they may well create a position for you. It happened to me.

AGCAS