What made you choose Arbtech?
While applying for jobs during my master’s degree, Arbtech stood out to me because they didn’t seem to operate like other consultancies.
I was intrigued by their approach and reached out to some Plymouth University alumni who were working there. One of those connections became my mentor, which turned out to be an incredible opportunity.
I was eager to get my foot in the door with a consultancy, and the career progression, training, and support for graduates at Arbtech seemed like a perfect fit.
Once I started the BERS internship in 2024 and experienced the team’s hands-on approach and unlimited support, I knew this was the right place for me.
What do you love most about the company?
The people.
Everyone at Arbtech is so approachable and willing to share their knowledge.
Despite working remotely, there’s a strong sense of community and shared responsibility.
We genuinely want to see each other thrive, and there’s a huge emphasis on skill development and supporting one another.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
I love volunteering and getting involved in hands-on conservation work.
I’ve been assisting with various bat research projects run by the Three Counties Bat Conservation and Research Volunteers Group and the Devon Bat Conservation and Research Group, including greater horseshoe bat maternity roost counts with the Vincent Wildlife Trust. I’m hoping to participate more in bat walks and box checks this year, and I’m eager to start working with dormice as soon as an opportunity arises.
I’m also involved in a local citizen science project with Pollinize CIC, where I’m learning how iNaturalist can be used to inform citizen science research, especially in monitoring pollinators. It’s been a fantastic experience seeing how technology can support local conservation efforts.
Outside of conservation, I enjoy planning day trips with my dog, who has been my companion for the last 11 years. We’ve been exploring Devon and beyond together.
Recently, I’ve taken up paddleboarding and enjoy practising bird identification while out on the water.
In the winter, I tend to hibernate a bit, spending my time baking and reading.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Don’t feel pressured to say yes to everything but always say yes to opportunities where you can genuinely make a difference and grow.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I haven’t been with Arbtech long, so I’ve only been to a few mini-socials so far.
I’ve had the chance to meet co-workers across the UK, and one of the highlights was camping to celebrate the end of bat season.
I also had drinks and fish and chips by the sea in Charlestown, Cornwall after a client meeting, and another time, my mentor and I enjoyed a lovely dinner in St Ives between undertaking a GLTA in the morning and bat activity survey in the evening.
I’m really looking forward to the big Arbtech staff Christmas party, where I’ll get to meet more of the team in person!
Where do you want to travel to next?
I’d love to return to Mexico, which I visited a few years ago for a university field course in Quintana Roo, Chetumal.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting a bat cave known as the ‘Bat Volcano’ near the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Witnessing the mass swarming and emergence of bats and participating in call identification for the various species was an unforgettable experience – it’s what truly sparked my passion for bats.
I’d love to return with more knowledge and appreciation, explore the cave again, and immerse myself in Mexico’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Beyond that, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is such a beautiful and ecologically rich region. With more time and freedom to explore beyond coursework restrictions, I’d love to see more of the rainforests, wetlands and coastal habitats. I’m also hoping to venture further afield into South America and experience its biodiversity firsthand.
Additionally, I’m looking forward to planning trips with friends to explore their home countries, such as New Zealand, India, Pakistan and Singapore, and get a local’s perspective on the wildlife and natural beauty there.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In five years, I hope to still be at Arbtech, helping to expand the team in the Southwest, where there’s definitely a gap to fill.
By then, I aim to be a well-rounded consultant with strong expertise in habitat and roost assessments, and confident enough to share my knowledge with newer ecologists.
Hopefully by then, I would have obtained both a great crested newt and hazel dormouse licence, and I’d love to hold my level 2 bat licence and still be very engaged with my local bat groups. I’m also logging all my continued professional development and engaging with various training resources, with the goal of becoming a chartered ecologist.
In addition, I plan to deepen my invertebrate sampling and identification skills and continue working with universities and conservation charities on innovative research projects. I’d love to see my dissertation research published and support future students in improving methodologies for mycoremediation in rivers and streams.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
My goal is to make an impact, live what I love, and never stop learning.
As a conservation biologist, I want to stay connected to the reasons I started down this path, continually building on my research and helping inspire the next generation of ecologists.
In both my professional and personal life, I aim to engage people in conservation, whether through hands-on volunteer work, public outreach, or simply sharing my passion for nature.
Rhianna joined Arbtech in October 2024.
