Having a field day in environmental role

What’s your role in the site contamination industry?

Field days vary between soil sampling, water sampling and testing soil vapour.

I interpret the data in the lab.

We come up with a solution (to contamination), and I collaborate with the principals (at LBWco) to solve these problems.

Is there a project that was particularly rewarding?

One we worked on was an empty warehouse, and we didn’t know what it had been used for.

The client wanted to build a childcare centre on there.

We managed the site (and cleaned up contamination) in many areas until it was safe but we had some vapour issues.

We came up with some techniques to create a unique barrier so that it would not impact the centre.

(If a site cannot be cleaned up completely) there are ways around that. We just have to know what we’re dealing with.

What’s your advice for young scientists looking for work?

If you’re looking for a job, get some experience, such as by volunteering. Just keep at it.

Some people who don’t get a job straight away just give up.

Stick to it, if it’s something you really want to do.

Find a way to get work experience.