Starting Out - Erin's experience

For as long as I can remember I’ve been taught to love all creatures (even those insects most of us shudder at); brought up in a house with a miniature nature reserve for a garden and shown at a young age how to remove a spider without harming it. Throughout school I started to develop a keen interest in Geography, studying the world around us, the varying landscapes and the wildlife within it. However, by the end of high school, there were certain pressures, that I believe still exist today; firstly, to go to university and, secondly, to choose a degree most likely to lead to a “successful” career, ‘leave your interests for hobbies’. I was also never someone set on a career; I never once told my parents I wanted to be a ballerina or an astronaut. I’ve always been uncertain. Environmental issues were not so much at the forefront of discussion at the time and jobs within this sector were almost mythical. Naturally, I ended up with a lot of doubt and confusion, and finally decided on Social Sciences hoping I could find something within its diversity.  It’s not a choice I regret as I gained a lot of important knowledge and skills that help me navigate this challenging world. However, in the end I knew I didn’t want to pursue a career relevant to my degree; it didn’t make me happy and I didn’t want a career that I wasn’t passionate about. Also, with the increasing awareness of climate change, I wanted to do something that, even if in a small way, would make an impact. The environment is vital to our existence and, unfortunately, is also under threat because of us. I love this planet, its beauty, the life within it. To me, every living thing has a right to exist – these feelings were the only ones that I have remained certain of, and I wanted a job that echoed them. 

Not many people are actually aware of the work that is done by ecologists unless they already know someone in the sector; every time I tell someone what my job is, I’m met with a blank stare, many questions, or sometimes a polite nod with the pretense they do understand (when really, they’ve just assumed I’m some other type of ‘ologist’ until I start talking about bats). My point is, there are probably a lot of people out there that would love to get into this field of work but are either unaware of it or unsure how to actually access it before they’ve already started university. I was met with a lot of adversity trying to break into this career and speaking to struggling graduates who even studied a relevant discipline I started to lose hope.  

Finally, when things were starting to look bleak, and I was a week away from begrudgingly becoming another year older and still career-less, the opportunity to apply for Cairn Ecology appeared like a ray of light. They are a company that 100% puts emphasis on a work life balance, pay a living wage, and takes their responsibilities towards the environment seriously. But more than that, they are a company that provides the opportunity to learn and grow, encourages us to be individuals, and recognises the potential in people regardless of their background. Working in this industry you really must care about what you’re doing. Skills can be taught but passion cannot.  

I started off as a survey assistant doing bat activity surveys and instantly fell in love. It is one of the most bizarre, unique things I have ever done; I was experiencing life in a way that a lot of people don’t get to. I get to travel around beautiful Scotland, see views from a perspective the public can’t. I work with some of the best, most inspiring ecologists, and people; Lorraine has put a lot of hard work into this company and places great importance on our training. During the quieter work periods, we were able to visit different locations and undergo various protected species survey training including badger and otter. I have been lucky enough to go onsite and assist on numerous Preliminary Roost Assessments and Preliminary Ecological Appraisals. The team and I have also been provided with access to various courses and learning material. Any training and team development opportunity Lorraine is always keen for us to access it. Opportunities that we wish to pursue, she is happy to help and support where she can.  

Of course, I still have moments of uncertainty or unease as I don’t have a relevant academic background, but my team always supports and encourages me, I am never treated as less, and am trusted with the same responsibilities. Even when I am unsure and feel as though I’m lacking, the environment that has been created allows me to feel completely comfortable in seeking help without fear of coming across silly or incompetent. I hope to continue to grow with this company and am eternally grateful for the opportunity I have been given. So, thank you Lorraine and Michael, Steph, and Lewis, for allowing me to be someone that actually looks forward to a Monday.