How I became a project coordinator in the ecology and environmental sector

Hi, I'm Sheila, a senior project coordinator in the AtkinsRéalis Ecology team. First, a bit about my background: I grew up in the countryside, in a family that encouraged my passion for wildlife. Unfortunately, at school, career options for girls were limited. So I don't have an ecology degree – I trained as a receptionist, and my first job was in a drawing office at Dover Port Authority! So how did I end up working in one of the most exciting environmental jobs in a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization?

Here's my story: I applied for a secretarial role in AtkinsRéalis' Planning, Landscape and Heritage team in the early noughties. I got the job! And as the team grew, my role expanded. Soon, I supported other teams, from Ecology to Creative Design and Water Operations. When the Ecology practice director announced a new role: for the practice, Project Coordinator, I put my hand up and stepped into the role.

What does a project coordinator do in an environmental job?

There are now six of us in Ecology project coordination/administration, and our roles are all very different, depending on the team's and projects' needs. I'm currently mainly working on the Lower Thames Crossing, where I’m part of the team assisting the Ecology lead in keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

I step in when the Ecology lead can't attend meetings and support the project manager and Environment lead with monthly breakdowns of time, costs, and budget spend. I liaise with Species leads, land agents, and the client to ensure all onboarding, health and safety, and securing access requirements for ecological surveys. That includes logging who's been onboarded, what's outstanding, and flagging any risks to ecologists ahead of surveys – like livestock in fields, crop spraying, or game shoots. I also ensure land agents have what they need to inform landowners of survey dates, times, equipment, and numbers. On top of that, I manage subcontractor onboarding, including land registration and contract support. Read more about the work of our Ecology team.

What transferable skills are useful in ecology jobs?

For any Project Coordinator, relationship-building is key. Working on large projects like we do at AtkinsRéalis helps you build a strong internal and external network, giving you the confidence to ask questions and connect with the right people when you need specialist knowledge. Flexibility is just as important. You need to be able to switch between focus areas quickly. As a team, we support with risk assessments, travel plans, and status reports, and we'll even head out on surveys if needed. We also flag when work can be better handled by our Bangalore team or virtual assistant. Other skills you might already have include being great at organizing people, managing time v. priorities and recording data.

Below is a picture of Dover castle & Langdon cliff, where Sheila was raised.

What's working at AtkinsRéalis really like?

I've felt encouraged and supported by the ecologists I work with from day one. And then, two years ago, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disease. My line manager kept in touch in just the right way while I kept him updated at every stage. I had regular WhatsApp messages from the wider team – checking in and sending good wishes. It made me feel appreciated and raised the spirits, which matters so much when coming to terms with a rare illness. My team supported a phased and flexible return to work. Working from home has made all the difference (especially as I currently need help getting out and about). My colleagues have backed me 100%, including my career progression – I was promoted to Senior Project Coordinator last year! Read our commitment to a workplace where Everyone Belongs.

So, how do I start a career in ecology project coordination?

Did you know that AtkinsRéalis Ecology team does not cite a degree as a mandatory requirement to apply for many of our ecology jobs? Look at me. I had budget control/drawing office experience, supported a bird of prey centre with marketing and sponsor retention, and worked alongside planners, heritage and landscape architects as a team secretary. These experiences gave me the transferable skills I needed to secure a role in the ecology sector. Interested in a career like mine? My advice is, "GO FOR IT. Explore current roles in the Ecology team, including ones that don't require a degree!"