Case studies: Environmental consultant: Catrin

Catrin did a BSc in Environmental Biology at Bangor University, followed by an MSc in Soil Science at the University of Aberdeen. She took her Masters in 2005 and is now an environmental consultant with Remedios Ltd.

My job is mainly about supporting clients who either wish to develop contaminated land, change its use or are considering purchasing or selling such land. Contamination of soils and/or the water environment can occur from past and present historical land uses (such as gas works, factories, petrol stations, depots) on a site; the contamination could cause or potentially cause harm to humans and to the surface and groundwaters on and near to the site. I work with clients to investigate the site in question, negotiate with the land regulators on their behalf and, if necessary, advise on solutions to bring the land up to scratch to get the desired result.

The consultancy I work for employs fewer than ten staff, some of whom work part time. This means that I have a great deal of responsibility and involvement in all aspects of the work including administration, business development, finances, research and regular customer liaison, as well as report writing. On a day to day level, this might involve desktop research of geological and historical information about the land, using specialised software to model risks, writing reports, visiting sites often with clients or other stakeholders, undertaking and supervising sampling and monitoring.

This is my second job since I graduated with my Masters in 2005. My first job was mainly lab work, involving testing the ‘fate’ or effects of new drugs and chemicals on the environment. Although I had far less responsibility than in my current job, I gained intensive lab and organisational experience, which gave me the essential grounding I needed to apply for a consultancy role. Without this initial job, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to make the judgements and decisions required in my current work.

What I like most about my job is that I’m able to specialise in my main career interest: land pollution and contamination. It’s also hugely important to me that I get to spend approximately 50% of my work time out of doors in a wide range of sites all over the UK. This is great for me as I’m a keen traveller and love the outdoors.

If you’re thinking of approaching environmental consultancies for work, I’d advise you to get experience either in lab work - as I did - or field work, which is usually voluntary and on the weekends. This will show your commitment to preserving the environment and also that you’re fine with the outdoor and physical nature of the job. Most people who work in the field like the outdoors and the ability to work in teams as well as independently is also important. And, as you might expect, being able to drive is absolutely essential for this kind of work.

I’m keen to continue specialising in contaminated land and to take on more responsibility, perhaps in a senior consultancy role. I also want to travel more and, given the current concern with pollution on a worldwide scale, there are lots of opportunities to work in other countries.