I may not be on the ground helping with hands-on conservation work, but I still feel like I’m contributing to the bigger picture. Telling the story of our Wardens and volunteers, showcasing our special nature reserves, and teaching people why we should value wildlife. We’re all working towards a shared aim: to create a Wilder Lincolnshire.
Careers in Conservation - Marketing and Communications
This National Careers Week we explore the different types of roles available within the charity conservation industry. We chat with Marketing Officer, Jade Oliver about studying Environmental Biogeoscience and how she's using her creativity for the good of conservation.
What is your role?
I started at the Trust in 2018 as Communications Officer, and currently, I’m working on a secondment as a Marketing Officer. As well as continuing some of my communications responsibilities, such as social media monitoring, creating interpretation and signage, and contributing to our membership magazine, I’ve also been able to dip my toe into the world of marketing. I’ve made improvements to the website and fundraising activities, got involved in campaigns, and also started up an e-newsletter.
© Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project
Did you have a career before conservation, if so, what made you decide to change careers?
I’ve always been interested in wildlife and the environment. Ever since watching a VHS on climate change on an old TV that was wheeled in to our year 4 classroom. I remember watching it and thinking I might not be here in my 20s. I went on to study Environmental Biogeoscience at university, but following that I really struggled to kickstart my career in the environment sector with no real-life experience behind me. I went into retail, and having moved my way up to management, knew it still wasn’t what I wanted to do.
I relocated back to Lincolnshire, and alongside several part-time jobs, started volunteering with the brilliant Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project as part of a 3-month Graduate Volunteer Placement opportunity. This voluntary work was so crucial for both reinforcing my desire to work in the environment sector, but also to help give me a step up to then achieving a job within the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
What advice would you give to others who may be currently thinking about making a career change to the conservation industry?
Don’t give up. It can be really hard, especially if you’re fresh out of school or university and just want to dive straight in. Applying for jobs and getting rejections, or most of the time not hearing back at all, can be really draining, especially on your mental health. Look after yourself and keep doing the things you love to keep fuelling that passion for nature.
What is it about your job that you enjoy the most?
I enjoy being able to bring my creative and communication skills into something I have a passion for. I may not be on the ground helping with hands-on conservation work, but I still feel like I’m contributing to the bigger picture. Telling the story of our Wardens and volunteers, showcasing our special nature reserves, and teaching people why we should value wildlife. We’re all working towards a shared aim: to create a Wilder Lincolnshire.
Where is your favourite spot/wild space in Lincolnshire?
It’s got to be Red Hill nature reserve! A lot of people’s assumption of Lincolnshire is that it’s flat, but take a trip up to Red Hill and you’ll see that it’s not. Amazing views, stunning wildflowers in the summer, and just a little wild nugget that needs to be seen to be appreciated. Take a trip on a late afternoon in summer and you won’t be disappointed.
Rachel Shaw