Amy Clark, 26
graduate environmental scientist BSc Environmental Sciences, Msc Biology Diversity

When and why did you join Royal Haskoning?
I joined Royal Haskoning in October 2004 following a year working in conservation for the RSPB. When I came for my interview in Edinburgh, I was impressed with the company and the positive attitudes of the staff.

What sort of project have you been involved in?
I work in the Moray Flood Alleviation (MFA) team which is a group within the Company working in partnership with The Moray Council and Morrison Construction Services. I am the environmental manager for the River Findhorn Flood Alleviation Scheme and am responsible for ensuring that the local and wider environment is considered at all stages of the development of the flood alleviation scheme. I help to steer the environmental design and undertake the environmental impact assessment process.

What’s a typical day?
Depending on which flood scheme I am working on, a day could involve any number of things. Activities could include meetings with the client or external stakeholders, report writing, carrying out ecological surveys or liaising with sub-consultants. It’s very varied!

What about career development?
Joining the graduate scheme, which actively promotes and encourages training, has allowed me to attend courses and seminars to learn new skills which I have been able to put into practice in my everyday work within the MFA group. I hope to work my way up from a graduate position to higher levels within the company.

What’s the best thing about the company?
Within my first year at Royal Haskoning, I have gained a wide variety of new skills and experiences. It's a very relaxed working environment and there are no limits in terms of ambition and achievement. Being based in Elgin and being within easy reach of areas of outstanding natural beauty, whether it be coast, mountain, river or loch is an added bonus.