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Natural environment worker / manager

Improving the natural environment and enhancing biodiversity for the benefit of people and wildlife

Training, qualifications and skills A degree in wildlife conservation, environmental sciences, ecology or similar training in environmental law. Member of an environmental institute (not essential).
Career progression opportunities Wider sustainability role (encompassing, carbon, energy, biodiversity and water), sustainability manager; sustainability director.
Useful links Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
Countryside Jobs Service (ecology)
Countryside Jobs Service (bio-diversity)
Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management
Environment Agency
Royal Society of Biology

Focus on: Natural environment manager

Leah Mathias-Collins
Vitacress
Full time, salary up to £45k

I manage the natural environment of the Vitacress estate, including monitoring and improving water quality and biodiversity in growing and farming operations. I liaise with other departments over wider environmental issues such as water efficiency, waste management and energy. I am producing a UK environment plan for net zero carbon, water, waste, energy and biodiversity.

Follow your dreams. Take jobs that look interesting. Listen, learn and develop your experience and skills. I never saw myself where I am now – it just happened.

I am developing and implementing a farming and conservation scheme with external partners as well as a corporate partnership with IEMA. I am the main point of contact for my organisation with the Environment Agency. My remit includes developing nature-based solutions to improve water quality; and working with external stakeholders including fisheries, local residents, community groups.

I trained in wildlife conservation and worked my way up through numerous roles in the public and charitable sector each focused on biodiversity.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.