Description

Ecologist

Mélanie Élouise Bennet (LTD) BSc, CIEEM, IEMA
* melanie.elouise.bennet@gmail.com   ) 07511 219454
: uk.linkedin.com/in/mebennet                            : www.bennet-ecology.com

I am a competent early career ecologist with experience in a range of areas including ecological surveying, research, scientific analysis, data analysis, report writing, compliance, policy, business metrics and project coordination. My approach is the field is methodical with a good understanding of the species I am working with. Commitment to continuing professional development and solidifying my range of field skills whilst while exceeding project expectations is always my goal. As a self-starter I excel in positions of responsibility and require minimal supervision to succeed as demonstrated through my numerous self-initiated projects.

Ecological and Analytical Skills

CIEEM Code of Conduct
Theoretical
Includes familiarity with CIEEM Practical / Technical Guides

Phase 1 Habitat Survey
Applied
Experienced – NGO Internship

Protected Species Monitoring
Applied
Hazel dormouse, GCN, Bats

Botanical Surveying
Applied
Developing ID skills botanical keys

Wildlife Surveying
Applied
Experienced – NGO Internship / Contracting

 

GIS
Applied
Experienced – NGO Internship

UK Planning Policy
Theoretical
Knowledge acquired from university and self-study

MS Excel
Intermediate

 
Functions, Pivot Tables, MI Dashboards

SharePoint
Intermediate
Creating, maintaining and updating SP pages

SQL
Basic
Writing queries and extracting data (BObj, SAS, Access)

SPSS
Basic
Statistical analysis

Conono
Basic
Multivariate statistical analysis

Analook
Basic
Understanding of how software is used, some experience

Expedition skills
Intermediate
Maps, compass, camping, mountaineering, jungle camping

Education
2010 – 2012 : University of East Anglia / John Innes Centre, MRes Molecular Ecology (sans thesis)
2007 – 2010 : University of East Anglia, BSc Ecology 2:1

Career History

Jan 2016 – Mar 2016: Conservation NGO Internship Costa Rica, Frontier

·        Produced habitat survey reports

·        Prepared data for distribution analysis using GPS and GIS mapping using

·        Produced literature reviews for use in scoping studies

·        Surveying lowland tropical forest reptiles, sea turtles, amphibians, primates, big cats, otters and birds near Corcovado National Park

·        Eco camp sustainable outdoor living whilst on project

 

Sept 2015 – present: Ecologist

·        Freelance ecologist with a particular interest in habitat, botanical and protected species surveying

·        Experienced in newt, reptile and amphibian surveying

·        Experienced literature review and reporting

·        Experienced habitat surveyig

 

June 2015 – present: Dormouse Licence Trainee, Kier, Natural England (et al.)

·        Assisting the long term monitoring and conservation of Hazel Dormice and their habitats in Somerset under the supervision of a licensed Dormouse Ecologist with the purpose of acquiring my dormouse licence. Multiple sites.
June 2015: Botanical Survey Volunteer, Long Term Monitoring Network, Natural England

·        Long term monitoring survey of plant communities on North Devon sand dunes

·        Used orientation tools (grid reference, GPS, compass and OS maps)

·        Read and interpreted maps, aerial photos and spacial data (clinometre) to describe topography, geology and land use.

·        Used keys to place species in their appropriate taxonomic position

·        Identified commonly found taxa / species associated with sand dunes

 

Sept 2013 – Sept 2015: Data Governance Analyst, Lloyds Banking Group (contract)
Sept 2012 – Sept 2013: Environmental Project Officer, British Biochar Foundation

·        Supported the national environmental policy on biochar application in soils

·        Provide support in compiling progress reports, presentations and similar documentation on behalf of the Directors

·        Checking financial reports and invoices, assisting with the monitoring of project and programme budgets

·        Tracking project and programme risks and issues

·        Data analytics, dashboard metrics and reporting

·        Project support, coordination and reporting

 

Oct 2012 – Apr 2013: Research Associate, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

·        Developed research plan for a climate change and agriculture research grant proposal

·        Coordinated project research and wrote literature reviews
­Nov 2010 – March 2011: Research Consultant, AgroPlas AS (Contract)

·        Conducted feasibility studies on the company’s product as a contributor to healthy soils

·        Recorded and analysed data for reporting

·        Wrote summary analysis and research recommendations

·        Developed technical repot

·        Managed relationship with project, business and academic colleagues
Pre 2011 see LinkedIn

·        See LinkedIn for additional details https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mebennet

Interests, Activities, Volunteering and Continuing Professional Development

·  Full clean driving license and car owner

·  Learning Arc GIS in my spare time

·  Volunteer with the Avon Wildlife Trust Action Group with recent Bat Surveying experience

·  Woodland conservation and ecological consultant at Tortworth Forest Centre

·  Active hiker and camping, currently training to run a half marathon

·  Involved in Explorers Connect – a community of outdoor expedition and adventure enthusiasts

 
Languages
French (native speaker)

Spanish (Developing conversational skill whilst iin Costa Rica)

References
Available upon request