Alex Smith Email & Phone Number

Part of the Essex Wildlife Trust's new Marine and Coastal Restoration team, I work on a variety of marine conservation projects. This includes the Essex Seagrass Project, which I am the project lead for, as well as Share our Shores, native oyster restoration and salt marsh restoration. This requires working with multiple collaborators to deliver conservation goals and engagement opportunities. I work closely with communications to be a spokesperson for the Trust and raise awareness for our marine work, whilst I and recruit, train and manage teams of volunteers. I conduct a variety of surveys county wide and explore new opportunities for research, projects and engagement.

Abberton Reservoir

Based at one of the Essex Wildlife Trust's most popular reserves, I was responsible for the management and conservation of the site's habitats and wildlife. This involved a wide variety of practical management skills, including brushcutting and chainsawing, as well as regular wildlife surveys and volunteer management.

South Eleuthera, The Bahamas

Returning to CEI, I initially worked with a PhD student to conduct surveys and data collection investigating feeding habits by turtles. I was a Lead Advisor for an Island School research class, teaching a class on lobster fisheries and fieldwork. Additionally, I was responsible for running the internship programme as Intern Coordinator, which required recruiting and training interns. I also ran regular Earthwatch citizen science expeditions for turtle research, and assisted in local school engagement. I collaborated with other researchers on projects including coral restoration and shark behaviours.

Proof-reading and editing papers and articles for publication. Collecting and analysing datasets, and writing up findings for publication in collaboration with other researchers. Conducting ecological and sustainability surveys for organisations and clients to produce reports and recommendations on sustainability and wildlife.

Seychelles

Responsible for organising and leading the science projects on sharks, turtles and invasive species. Worked with the Seychelles National Park Authority to collect data and report on protected species within the park. Trained and led teams of volunteers on surveys, and helped with their management and organised their schedules. Assisted with the site's health and safety and risk assessments as a senior member of staff.

Eleuthera, Bahamas

Assisted with and led research projects on turtles, sharks, and corals in the Bahamas. Involved extensive field work requiring diving, boat driving and leading groups. Helped to design novel projects honing new conservation techniques and specialist equipment including animal-borne cameras, drones and telemetry. Taught a student research class, and worked with numerous collaborators including on board the MV Alicia with OceanX crew. Additionally responsible for managing interns and their work, giving talks and presentations to visiting groups, and assisting the sustainable development team on campus.

Bedfords Park

Responsible for organising and leading all environmental education and activities on site, including national curriculum lead school visits, family friendly events and talks for visitors. Also responsible for managing a team of volunteers, and assisting with park maintenance. Required a DBS and CRB for working with children and vulnerable parties, and a first aid qualification.

Essex

Interacting with all visitors to Rainham Marshes to inform them of the reserve, its wildlife, and recruit new members. Assisted with the education and wardening teams, and responsible for organising and leading numerous events such as talks, seasonal events and fayres.

Leading and assisting with outdoor environmental education events, namely school visits of children aged 4-11. Involved teaching attendees about the environment and its wildlife through activities such as pond dipping, meadow sweeping and woodland surveys conducted on local nature reserves.

London, United Kingdom

Acting as an environmental consultant to conduct research into waste and sustainability, and how the company can reduce the environmental impact of their sites.

Master Of Science (Msc), Tropical Marine Biology, Merit

Bachelor Of Science (Bsc) Hons, Environmental Conservation, 2:1

A Levels, Geology, Environmental Science, English, Drama, It

Gcses, English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, Media Studies, Drama, Religious Education, 11Xa-B