Amaranta Chavez
I had just graduated from university having studied biology and was set on finding a job in the ecology sector.
Time went by spent on very long and competitive processes, sometimes for an outcome that didn’t seem worth it. But eventually, I stumbled across Arbtech’s internship.
The job sounded dynamic and interesting. I was drawn to the upfront and honest tone about the internship, the potential for acquiring a diverse set of skills, and the fact that they just wanted motivated people without expecting several years of experience prior to applying.
Aside from some fieldwork and research volunteer work, I didn’t have much formal experience in ecology, so I was delighted to have found somewhere to kickstart my professional career.
From my very first day, everyone was so welcoming and supportive, and although everyone is busy, it feels like they are always willing to take the time to answer questions and give their insight into any challenges you may be facing.
I also love the flexibility of the job through the hybrid working approach, as well as the fact that the day-to-day is never quite the same, as new sites provide their own unique learning opportunities.
When I’m not working, in the summer, I enjoy wildlife photography and long runs in London’s parks.
In winter, I do my best to travel as far away as I can from the terrible weather.
Generally though, you’ll find me hanging out with my dog, learning Mandarin, dancing, writing nature-related articles for fun and going to the occasional concert.
Follow what you’re passionate about, even if it doesn’t pay off in the short term.
Doing what you love will rarely feel like a chore, and so the effort put in will propel you forward faster than you realise.
Finding what exactly that is may be the hard part, but once you find it and stick with it, regardless of obstacles, you’re set.
I have only been on a couple so far, but both were equally lovely.
While we collaborate as a company, the day-to-day is often spent alone visiting sites and writing reports, so it’s always nice to put names to faces and hang out in a relaxed setting.
I’d like to visit every continent, but within the next few years, I’d love to see more of South America and Southeast Asia.
More than anything, this is because I find myself missing the people, nature and food of the countries I have visited there so far.
I like having some level of uncertainty about the future.
Instead of having a set career position, salary or destination in mind, right now, I’m satisfied in being guided by principles and the things that matter most to me.
For me, that’s family, pursuing a passion, and doing work that aligns with my belief that the natural world has irreplaceable value.
I like to think that if I make sure these things take priority, I’ll stay on the path I enjoy and will keep achieving things that I’m proud of.
In work, for now, I’d like to learn as much as I can about UK ecology and obtain some protected species licenses.
Further down the line, I would like to become an expert in a particular species. I have always been very interested in birds, but having learnt more about native reptiles, amphibians and bats over the last few months, I think I’ll need a bit more time to find my niche.
Outside of work, I’d like to broaden my knowledge of martial arts and do more performing in gymnastics and dance. I also want to become fluent in Mandarin (and one day Spanish).
I think I have yet to capture my best wildlife photos. I would also like to volunteer in community projects that help educate and engage people with their local wildlife.
Amaranta joined Arbtech in October 2025.
Meet the other members of our leading ecology and arboriculture team.