I am a self-motivated, conscientious individual who enjoys finding and overcoming challenges either as part of a team or working independently, whilst remaining calm and (where appropriate) retaining a sense of humour.
I have both an education and personal interest in countryside and conservation management, with knowledge of the different relevant legislations. I am conscious there is always more to learn, utilising my free time to take advantage of any opportunities to assist in ongoing wildlife projects. I do this for euphoric personal peace that only being close to nature can bring and also as a kinetic learner it allows me to quickly pick up and apply new skills and efficiency grasps concepts behind selected actions. I believe these are positive attributes I could bring to the position whilst also allowing me to be involved in a work I am truly passionate about.
As a highly social individual, who enjoys sharing my passions with others I believe I can channel this energy into helping promote new and existing projects in an entertaining manner. My employment history demonstrates I am also capable and content working in isolated environments.
I am keen to develop my admin proficiencies and to start applying the academic skills I have already cultivated. Having already worked for the National Trust I am familiar with basic paper work such as COOSHs and machine logs.
2017 – 2018 PgD in Forestry Management. Harper Adams University.
2012 – 2017 Biology, 2:1 Bachelor of Science. University of Aberdeen.
Driving
Machinery
Chemicals
NGB Awards
Animal
RHS Qualifications (or Equivalent)
Outdoor Education
Other
I have experience using a wide range of power tools and machinery including strimmer’s, lawn mowers (manual/ride-on), brush-cutters (electric/petrol), leaf-blowers and chainsaws which has come from my experiences working as a gardener and workshop assistant and from volunteering. My time with the ‘Bolton Conservation Group’ (BCG) gave me the drive to further my own skills prompting me into independently gaining my chainsaw qualifications. This was in order to play a more hands-on role in operations, demonstrating my comfort working with machinery and my enthusiasm to learn new skills and to engage with practical tasks.
I have experience carrying out numerous practical skills including path maintenance, producing signage boards, setting fence posts, applying grit during snow conditions, large scale composting, controlled burning of waste, weeding, watering, grass maintenance and pruning and cutting back hedges and shrubs. In addition to this I was able to assist in the opening and closing of the Cragside estate and gardens making it accessible to visitor, emphasising the need and awareness for adequate security.
My experiences volunteering with the BCG and with the National Trust demonstrated to me the importance and reliance organisations have upon volunteers sacrificing there time and the respect they deserve for that. This highlighted how essential it was to build good relationships with volunteers, finding out individuals preferences in tasks and company, ensuring there safety, enjoyment and making them actively aware that there help is appreciated. Building on this I have experience organizing large groups (pupils/staffs) for varying tasks, developing my presentation skills and my ability to adjust presentation style to fit the task and audience. I believe my experience in this regard would enable me to conduct myself in a manner which will encourage people to continue to give their time, perform to the best of their abilities and to leave with a smile.
My experiences as a dinghy instructor have helped me build an awareness of safety and safe working practices through my work in the development and education of children and adults in an unfamiliar and sometimes intimidating environment. This work required me to communicate in a clear and concise manner whilst simultaneously making the experience both positive and fun, helping to strengthen students connections with nature and the outdoors, these skills I believe to be directly transferable to this role. Additionally my time with the National Trust has inducted me into the required compliance with paper work and its importance in relation to practical tasks, including machine logs and COSHH forms.
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