Education:
BSc Environmental Geography, Aberdeen University
MSc Environmental Protection and Management
Current Job:
Waste Management Officer (Internal)
Employer:
Aberdeenshire Council
Through a range of experience in waste management issues and awareness raising. This was gained initially through research as part of MSc Thesis followed by 8 years working in the waste management sector as; the Waste and Environmental Officer with the Charity organisation, The National Trust for Scotland; the Waste Minimisation Officer for the Business Environmental Partnership working with the private sector focussing on small businesses; the Scottish Waste Awareness Group working with the general public and Local Authorities.
What’s a typical day like?
I am responsible for raising awareness amongst all staff (approx 14,500) and services across the whole Council area of waste management issues and encourage participation in opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. My day can therefore be very varied from visiting schools and waste and recycling facilities, to answering internal enquiries, attending meetings and developing waste management guidance.
Best bits of your job?
Dealing with a wide range of waste issues (very interesting for a waste geek like myself) and working with people from a wide range of services. Being able to make a difference and help the Council to improve its waste management and increase staff awareness and interest.
Worst bits of your job?
The timescales for implementing waste management initiatives are longer than I had first anticipated – still – they say good things come to those who wait…
What would you like to be doing in five years time?
I would like to have made significant improvements in the amount of waste being produced, reused and recycled internally by Aberdeenshire Council. There are so many waste types, departments and services to work my way through that I would anticipate still being in this role (unless my magic wand works better than originally thought and my work here is done in 5 years!).
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in waste management, prevention and recycling?
There are many opportunities available to give people who are new to the industry relevant experience. If you are studying for a degree or masters make sure your dissertation topic is related to waste and if possible, undertake a project on behalf of, or which will be of benefit to an organisation. This will give you practical experience, help you develop key contacts and often a door into related employment. The Chartered Institute for Wastes Management also has a New Generation Group which people who are new to the industry can join to meet key contacts, visit waste management facilities and gain an overview of the Waste Management Industry.
