Recently one of our site supervisors was featured on the Countryside Jobs Service website and social media, sharing her role in conservation contracting. This inspired us to highlight a few key positions within ELMS to showcase the career opportunities available within this field. In this post we will also explain a bit more about what Ros gets up to on a daily basis, giving you an insider’s view into contracting life.
If you would like to read the job profile on the Countryside Jobs Service website please click the following link Contractor - Site Supervisor working for Environmental Land Management Solutions (ELMS)
Keep an eye out for more blog posts about other job positions at ELMS.
Site supervisor
Hello, my name is Ros and I am one of the Site Supervisors who work at ELMS.
Image description: Ros building a timber dam and Ros and Tasha with armfuls of sphagnum plug plants.
What are your job responsibilities?
My role involves leading a team of operatives to deliver practical conservation works to a high standard and ensuring projects are completed on schedule. I also manage health and safety whilst on site to ensure my team, the public and anyone else on site is kept safe. I maintain site records and monitor progress often utilising tools like QGIS for mapping and data tracking. Collaboration and camaraderie within our team is vital especially when faced with challenging weather conditions and I am very lucky to have an amazing team who all support each other.
Working for a private contractor means partnering with many different organisations, carrying out practical work for organisations such as Wildlife Trusts, Moors for the Future, Forestry England, River Trusts, National Trust and also private landowners. My role involves carrying out practical conservation and land management work across various sites nationwide, often in some of the UK’s most iconic and ecologically significant landscapes. I also focus on ensuring client satisfaction by overseeing on-site operations and maintaining strong relationships with project managers.
What is your favourite part of the job?
This job is very seasonal which is something I love and keeps the job interesting as there is so much variety. Our busiest period kicks off in late August and runs through to the end of March. During this time we do lots of peatland restoration work which is something that I really enjoy.
Peatland restoration season is packed with action but one of my favourite jobs is air marshalling for the helicopter. The helicopter delivers materials like timber, stone and brash to remote, upland locations. It’s fast paced, high energy work that requires quick thinking and adaptability. With just a few minutes between each drop, every moment counts and you're constantly on the move to get to the next position. It’s intense, thrilling and so much fun!
What qualifications or skills are required for your job?
I have a degree in Environmental Science and did some relevant seasonal work prior to starting working with ELMS. I began working as an operative and once I had more experience I became a supervisor. There are lots of tickets which are useful for this job, some of which include: Chainsaw Crosscutting and Felling, Pesticide application PA1 and PA6, Woodchipper and Tractor. Some skills required for this job include:
Passion for conservation.
Excellent teamwork skills and able to motivate others.
Resilient to weather conditions and physical work - you don’t need to be an athlete! The most important thing is that you have the determination to keep going even when the weather is bad and the work is physically demanding.
Organised and good time management to keep projects on schedule.
Able to adapt plans quickly and problem solve - unexpected issues may come up which sometimes need to be solved innovatively!
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy running and I am currently training for the Liverpool Half Marathon and the Manchester Marathon.
What is one thing you couldn't do without on site?
I wear my waterproof Sealskinz socks everyday along with my Buck Bootz wellies so my feet stay warm and dry all year round.
What advice would you give to someone looking at similar roles?
Contracting jobs are not widely known about, however can be a really good foot in the door if you are struggling to get a job in the conservation sector. Often these jobs are advertised at the end of summer, as staff are often hired in preparation for the busy winter season.