Senior Aquatic Consultant

• Jan 2021 - Present

Aquatic Consultant

• Apr 2019 - Jan 2021

I am an aquatic consultant at RSK having worked in previous roles at Ahern Ecology LTD and APEM LTD. I am involved in aquatic ecological surveys, environmental impact assessment (EIA), WFD assessments, designated site integrity assessments, pollution incidents and protected species surveys. I have been a professional consultant since 2015, working with both public and private sector clients. I am responsible for the project management of small and medium sized projects and have experience working in the private sector for transport (Manchester Airport Group and HS2), utilities (SSE, RWE npower, Welsh Water, United Utilities, Severn Trent Water) and housing sectors (Bovis Homes and Countryside properties) and the public sector for local councils, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the National Trust. I manage ecological work through the Helsby office, undertaking a variety of surveys including fisheries, macroinvertebrates, crayfish and riparian mammals. In addition to this I also conducts water quality assessments. I also assist on terrestrial ecological surveys such as newts, badgers and bats. Show less

Senior Aquatic Scientist

• May 2018 - Apr 2019

As a senior aquatic scientist at APEM LTD. I help plan and deliver ecological impact assessments, WFD assessments, pollution assessments and designated site integrity assessments. Our clients include water companies, government bodies, engineering firms and private developers.The range of aquatic ecological and hydro-morphological surveys which I contribute to encompasses fisheries, water quality monitoring, macro-invertebrates, river flow, lake bathymetry, invasive species, river habitat and pollution incidents.I currently hold a Natural England class license to survey White clawed crayfish and frequently work on projects that involve other protected species such as otters and water voles.I am often required to construct scientific reports for clients and demostrate my knowledge of UK/EU legislation. My role also involves tendering for work, writing method statements and constructing risk assessments.As a senior member of staff my role also includes mentoring and training junior members of the team. Show less

Aquatic Scientist

• Jul 2015 - May 2018

As an aquatic scientist at APEM LTD. I help deliver ecological impact assessments, WFD assessments, pollution assessments and designated site integrity assessments. Our clients include water companies, government bodies, engineering firms and private developers.As part of my role I conduct aquatic ecological and hydro-morphological surveys which encompass fisheries, water quality monitoring, macro-invertebrates, river flow, lake bathymetry, invasive species, salmonid habitat, pollution incidents, wet weather sampling, white clawed crayfish, otters and water voles. My role also involves report writing, constructing/submitting method statements, assisting with tenders and applying for consents. I also frequently use GIS to produce digital outputs for reports aswell as conducting data analysis. Show less

Graduate ecologist

• Mar 2015 - Jul 2015

As a graduate ecologist my main responsibility at Ahern Ecology was to provide support to senior ecologist and project mangers. This primarily involved assisting in ecological surveys, both terrestrial and aquatic. I gained extensive survey experience at Ahern ecology in a variety of fields including fisheries, macro invertebrate sampling, water quality monitoring, great crested newt, white clawed crayfish, bats, reptiles, badger and breeding birds. As well as fieldwork I also provided assistance with office based tasks when needed. This included report writing, carrying out data analysis and on occasion helping with tender construction. As the business was relatively small I was required to offer support wherever I was needed and as a result I quickly developed a very broad skill set. Due to my experience I gained in macro-invertebrate identification during my Masters degree I also helped out in the lab sorting inverts when it was required. Another key responsibility I held at Ahern was equipment manager. I was responsible for ensuring that all equipment used by the company during surveys was properly maintained and routinely serviced. Me and a colleague were also responsible for organizing and maintaining the works store making sure equipment was safely stored in a designated location and easily accessible. Show less