What made you choose Arbtech?
As soon as I read the job advertisement for the role, I knew Arbtech was not the same as other ecological consultancies I had previously applied for.
I was hired to work the bat survey season, and as a bat enthusiast, this was perfect for me. They promised hands-on training in an array of experiences, and they fully delivered and excelled my expectations.
Within months, I was given enough guidance to ensure I had the experience and skills to undertake daywork as well as lead and project manage bat surveys.
From then on, I knew I had made the right decision and that Arbtech would be the place where I was guaranteed to excel in my career in ecology.
What do you love most about the company?
There is a real sense of team here at Arbtech.
We all have a shared passion for protecting wildlife and their habitats, and it is glorious to work alongside such like-minded people.
The structure of the work is also fantastic, as we manage our own projects and workload through flexible and remote working.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
Running and wild swimming are my therapy of choice.
I also have a keen interest in taxidermy and invertebrate pinning. Bats have always been a hyper fixation of mine though, so if I am not on my treadmill, I am probably reading about bats, looking after a poorly pipistrelle through the BCT bat care network, or talking someone’s ear off over a beer about the wonders of flying mammals.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Gratitude, appreciation and productivity.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I’ve only worked at Arbtech for a couple of months so have yet to experience any, though I have heard they are unmatched.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I want to go hiking in the wilderness of Scandinavia and visit Austin, Texas to witness the Mexican free-tailed bat maternity colony emergence from Congress Bridge.
South America is also high up on my list.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Hopefully having progressed in my career in ecology with a few protected species licences to my name.
I want to continue specialising in bats, as that is what brought me to ecology to begin with.
The freedom of this job means that I could relocate anywhere in the country and still be able to do this. That’s very exciting and refreshing.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
I’m currently accredited on a Level 1 bat licence, but I’m working towards obtaining my own.
I’d also love to volunteer with the African Bat Conservation in Malawi for a couple of months.
Amber joined Arbtech in October 2024.
