Case studies: Process scientist: Joanne

Joanne studied environmental science and biology. She now works as a process scientist for East of Scotland Water...

I wasn't sure what environmental direction I wanted to follow after I left university. I eventually started working for East of Scotland Water as a water sampler to get a foot in the door, which then gave me the opportunity to apply for internal posts. I moved to a different role as wastewater technician as a result of reorganisation within six months, which I really enjoyed.

After working as a wastewater technician for a while, a unique opportunity arose to return to part-time education to do a Masters degree. Not long after beginning my MSc, the vacancy of process scientist opened within the team, and I was offered the job.

I studied environmental science and biology, so my degree was certainly relevant to my role. I gained experience of water quality sampling and lab analysis, microscopy, statistics, hydrology, the environment, environmental law, population dynamics, ecology, etc. which all helped with different aspects of my role. My degree was directly relevant to the process scientist post as it covered wastewater treatment and design among the modules.

My current role involves providing scientific support to wastewater operations by applying engineering, design principles and science to the process in order to investigate and solve problems. I also identify optimal ways to run wastewater treatment processes as well as providing process expertise for the capital investment programme. The role has allowed me to complete my MSc project, undertake innovative research into wastewater treatment processes and equipment, lead projects, and gain a wide variety of experiences in other areas of the business.

Future opportunities exist to move to multifunctional working and train on the potable water side.

I love the independence, responsibility and investigative aspects which allow me to apply science to investigate and solve problems. I also love working outside, managing and setting my own work schedule, meeting and working with a variety of people and the freedom. The length of time it takes to get things moving can be one of the few frustrating things about my job.

I would like to stay within the water industry as there is a wide range of opportunities which come up regularly. In the future, I could be tempted into more of a planning role.

If I were to start again, I would think about the type of career I might be interested in, choose a company I'd like to work for and approach them. This gives you the opportunity to find out what roles are available, gain a better idea of what you are working towards and identify potential career paths.