Carrying out survey work and leading public events and training workshops.

Consultant ecologist carrying out extended habitat surveys as well as bat and badger surveys.

Overall responsibility for the delivery of TWIC’s work programmes and management of staff, volunteers and resources. Lead role in liaison with customers, development of business opportunities, preparing policies, promotion of the Centre and fundraising.

•Co-ordinating the implementation of the Midlothian Local Biodiversity Action Plan.•Developing a variety of biodiversity projects with different Council departments, community groups and external biodiversity partners and securing funding to carry out these projects.•Carrying out habitat and species surveys for various Council departments, including badger, bat and otter.•Reviewing biodiversity screening reports on all planning applications produced by the Local Records Centre and advising planning officer where required.•Reviewing ecological reports that accompany planning applications and advising planning officers.•Commenting on Environmental Statements of large developments, such as windfarms, and ensuring that protected species and habitats have been taken into consideration.•Inputting into the development of natural heritage planning policy.•Producing guidance such as Biodiversity Guidance for Developers in Midlothian.•Representing the Council at public inquiries.•Chairing the Midlothian Local Biodiversity Sites System Group.•Organising and running training events including wildlife surveying and habitat management.•Assisting in developing various local wildlife surveying projects.•Drawing up tender documents, assessing bids, appointing consultants and overseeing contract delivery.•Representing the Biodiversity Officer Network on the Scottish Biodiversity Committee’s Action Coordination Group.

•Encouraging and supporting community groups to carry out environmental projects.•Providing information and training to community groups, including surveying and management planning.•Assisting in accessing funding for community based projects, including assisting with grant applications.•Sitting on appropriate committees including Access Forum and various LBAP groups, including chairing the Urban Habitat Working Group.•Providing specialist knowledge and information on environmental matters including natural heritage, renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste minimisation to community groups and other team members.

•Planning and leading school groups and other community groups in outdoor environmental activities.•Planning and leading summer activities.•Maintaining the grounds and gardens in a fit state.

Started as a trainee then a project supervisor, moving on to be a lifelong learning coordinator and finally as the site manager at a reserve.