Case studies: Hydrogeologist and director: Jonathan Dalton

Jonathan developed a career in the water industry after studying environmental science at York St. John University

After completing my first degree, I went on to study for an MSc Catchment in Dynamics and Management at Leeds University.

Following this, I secured a six-month temporary contract at the Environment Agency, which gave me a lot of experience. It also allowed me to apply for internal vacancies, and after a successful interview, I was given the role of groundwater and contaminated land technical officer.

After two years, I was headhunted by an engineering consultancy where I was made geo-environmental scientist.

Now, I'm in my current role at Dales Water Services Limited , where I'm charged with quoting and designing private water systems for all of our clients, ensuring they get the best water possible.

My degree was very significant in securing my current role; it gives me an added dimension to normal management practices, allowing me to undertake practical work alongside my other management and administration duties. I am also able to mentor less experienced staff. Flexibility of being able to turn my hand to all these things was the key to me getting the job.

My degree gives me the theoretics behind many hydrogeological issues. It aids me in calculation and manipulation of hydrogeological data, to interpret what that information is telling me about water resource characteristics. My degree also got me used to field work and team work, both of which are very important in my role. 

Working with groundwater is very varied. Everyone needs water and consequently we get to work on such a diverse range of projects. One morning I might be at a large scale factory and then in the afternoon at a rural domestic house discussing their water and how to improve it.

Some days are office based, giving me time to write up calculations and reports for clients, and others are spent out at our various sites across the UK.

I've always had a keen interest in water but I think working with clients and such a precious resource gives a high level of job satisfaction. Protecting and using a valuable resource gives you a sense of responsibility and it's great to see the difference a high quality water supply can make to people's lives. There's no better feeling than seeing a client or homeowner turn on the tap and see crystal clear water when their previous supply might have made them ill.

Clients can be demanding, however, and it is an important skill to learn to understand their position. Staff resource management, including my own time, is a priority. With several large projects and work on the go at any one time, ensuring that the right person is undertaking the right work at the right time to deliver by a given date is critically important. A lot comes with experience but planning is always a must.

The best advice I can give to anyone interested in environmental science or the water industry is firstly to be enthusiastic. This is important as it will motivate you, and those around you will recognise it.

I'd always encourage students to try to get work experience where possible, too. Learning the practical side of a job is hugely important, and as I found out during my work experience, things never quite work like they do in a text book.

It might sound a little clichéd but if you work hard and enjoy what you do, a career in environmental science can be very rewarding. But without putting in the hard work at school and university, you just won't get there.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

January 2013

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