This week we meet Jasmin, one of our Graduate Consultants, to learn more about her journey into environmental and geotechnical consulting and what life at Subadra looks like at the start of her career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in environmental and geotechnical consulting?
I have always wanted my career to have some sort of positive impact on our environment, and I needed a role where I could get out and do some hands-on science myself.
What is your educational and career background?
Last year I completed a degree in Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge, and now my position as a Graduate Consultant at Subadra is my first step into an environmental and geotechnical consulting career.
What is your current role and what does a typical day look like?
As a graduate environmental and geotechnical consultant, my responsibilities change day to day. While some days I will be typing away, other days I will be in the field, on a petrol station or at a construction site.
Here I could be describing soil geology, collecting groundwater samples, testing ground strength or monitoring ground gas concentrations.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is getting to do cool and interesting science. I also love being able to travel for work and getting to see new places across the UK.
How does your work contribute to sustainability and the wider environment?
At a small scale, my job allows me to help specific problems at specific locations, such as removing fuel from the ground at an old petrol station or testing methods for surface water discharge.
I also get to help at a larger scale by working on larger remediation projects, where we help improve contaminated sites.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
Despite effective planning beforehand, many challenges can appear unexpectedly when you get to site. This could be large obstacles blocking access for our drill rig, a utilities survey revealing unknown utilities below ground, our drill rig getting stuck in a muddy field, or extreme weather slowing down progress.
Trying to solve these challenges can be difficult, but extremely rewarding.
How has the industry changed since you started your career?
I have not been in this industry for long, but it is interesting to see how guidance changes on appropriate environmental risks as more knowledge and data emerges every year.
What skills or qualities are most important for someone in this line of work?
Adaptability is very important, as plans change frequently and new challenges arise often. Collaboration is vital, as making sure all roles are supported ensures the project progresses efficiently.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in environmental or geotechnical consulting?
Go for it and try it out, as you will learn new skills and experiences. There is a lot more to the industry than it first seems.
And finally, what does a perfect day at work look like for you?
For me, a perfect day is driving somewhere new and quiet, like a field or an abandoned plot, and spending the day collecting groundwater and gas data. I love the peaceful jobs where it is just me and the science.
We are delighted to have Jasmin as part of the Subadra team and look forward to seeing his continued growth and success.
