Life in Environmental Protection
As an Environmental Protection Senior Advisor, I ensure environmental protection is appropriately managed within the DE&S estate. I act as the site ‘subject matter expert’, working as the conduit, lead, and driving force behind environmental requirements. I provide professional advice to all levels and ensure legal compliance and policy conformance. Where needed, I’m empowered to challenge existing ways of working and identify opportunities for improvement.
I really enjoy having the ability to create effective change while directly protecting and, wherever possible, enhancing the natural environment. That can be through changing perceptions, inspiring others to do more, physically undertaking works or improving management arrangements.
A great environment to work in
The DE&S sites and their surrounding environments make this job particularly special. There are various protected areas, conservation designations and interesting biodiversity that makes it a really nice place to work.
What makes this role rewarding? Being part of a large community of professionals, all with different backgrounds and a shared vision.
“What makes this role rewarding? Being part of a large community of professionals, all with different backgrounds and a shared vision.”
– Raffaele, DE&S Environmental Protection Senior Advisor
Taking his career to the next level
I’ve always been interested in wildlife and environmental protection but didn’t have any formal qualifications. After working at DE&S for a few years, I wanted to apply for a promotion, and take on wider health and safety and environmental protection-related responsibilities. I took up shadowing opportunities to gain more experience, and successfully applied for this role. I’ve now been in the role for over six years and I’m still enjoying learning every day.
Support to keep learning and progressing
DE&S has been extremely supportive of my personal development. The organisation funded my Level 5 Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) certificate and is currently funding my Level 6 Environmental Management Diploma with NEBOSH. I’ve been able to undertake additional training in areas that I’ve identified as a knowledge gap for specific projects, such as conservation and risk assessment.
Part of a community
I’m a member of the Defence Green Network – a fantastic network of individuals working in Defence, with lots of information and events on offer. Although I’m not a huge contributor, I reap the benefits of the network regularly.
A great workplace with plenty of benefits
There are numerous benefits that DE&S offers which I value, including the support for personal development that’s offered, the generous leave allocation, and the market-leading pension. That’s why I would recommend DE&S as a great place to work.
“DE&S has been extremely supportive of my personal development. The organisation funded my Level 5 Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) certificate and is currently funding my Level 6 Environmental Management Diploma with NEBOSH.”
Join the team! Here’s Raffaele’s top tips:
Build as much knowledge and experience as possible. Join a professional body such as IEMA as an affiliate member as an opportunity to learn and develop. Volunteer for local environmental groups to gain valuable experience and potential contacts. Enrol on an environmental qualification course to add demonstrable evidence of knowledge. Above all else, when it comes to applying, show passion in everything you do relating to environmental management and sustainability.
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