Gill Ferrie

With 12 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry at the management level, I am now seeking to pivot my career towards ecology and conservation after completing a Zoology, BSc (Hons) degree and achieving a First Class 1 classification, after returning to education as a mature student. My passion for environmental preservation is further demonstrated by my volunteer work, which has equipped me with hands-on experience and a deep understanding of ecological practices. As a student member of CIEEM, I am dedicated to furthering my knowledge and expertise in environmental management. I am eager to leverage my diverse skill set and newfound proficiency to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts.

• Valid, clean UK driving licence
• Accustomed to shift work with late-night and holiday shift availability
• Currently learning the Welsh language, with a basic understanding
• Engaged in the University of Chester Volunteer Scheme as a Peer Mentor
• Competent computer literacy and an understanding of a wide range of software, including ecological based software, such as MEGA X, R Studio, NetLogo and QGIS
• Both results and customers orientated
• Good with numbers and arithmetic
• Dedicated team play but with outstanding managerial skills
• Friendly and helpful
• Experience with conservation technology, such as drones, GPS telemetry tracking and camera traps
• Experience with various survey methods such as transacts, quadrants and pit fall traps

Biodiversity Expertise

·       Led species identification and cataloguing during a research trip, documenting over 198 flora and fauna species without internet access, enhancing local biodiversity knowledge and contributing to further research.

·       Assisted in designing and conducting population surveys for Little Terns at the RSPB's Point of Ayre reserve, using GIS mapping and statistical analysis to gather data on avian trends and breeding success, leading to secured funding for conservation efforts and contributing to future RSPB research action plans.

·       Utilised camera traps and GPS tracking technology during cheetah monitoring surveys to accurately track and locate individuals, providing precise population data and improving monitoring efficiency.

·       Applied various software including R Studio, SPSS, QGIS, MEGA X and NetLogo for various university projects, mastering data analysis, spatial and genetic modelling, and agent-based modelling, including competency in R coding language.

·       Conducted habitat restoration at an RSPB reserve, removing invasive flora species, and improving water management, resulting in an increase in native bird populations including sensitive species.

Ecological Research

·       Investigated the impact of size, as a proxy for age, on maternal care levels in grey seals through field surveys and data analysis using R Studio, resulting in a First-Class dissertation that found no age-related differences in maternal behaviour.

·       Analysed UK deer management policies including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Deer Act 1991 and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, identifying gaps and proposing improvements to enhance wildlife crime prevention and management practices.

·       Conducted a Population Viability Analysis (PVA) on the endangered Sooty Falcon using statistical models and demographic data in R Studio, producing recommendations that inform conservation strategies to support species’ survival.

Operational Compliance Management

·       Implemented a KPI tracking system and conducted regular performance reviews, leading to a 15% increase in operational efficiency and achieving the 10th best-performing business out of 900, consistently meeting or exceeding KPIs.

·       Conducted comprehensive risk assessments, updated fire safety and health regulations compliance, and implemented corrective actions, resulting in full compliance with health and safety regulations and reduction in incidents.

·       Developed and enforced food safety procedures in line with HACCP and COSSH guidelines, maintaining a 100% compliance rate and receiving top food hygiene rating from external sources.

People Operations Management

·       Developed and managed staff rotas, oversaw hiring, training, performance reviews and coaching, and handled terminations and investigations, improving team productivity, consequently increasing customer satisfaction, and reducing employee turnover by 19%.

·       Improved standards and team morale by resolving communication and conflict challenges within the business through active listening, resilience, empathy and emotional intelligence, increasing standards and team recognition, earning the team a monetary bonus.

Project Management

·       Developed and adhered to a comprehensive project plan using Gantt charts and relevant forms (PEA, BIOCOSHH, D3), ensuring the timely completion of my dissertation thesis, which received a first-class grade for its thoroughness and organisation.

·       Successfully managed and implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, achieving 100% compliance in audits, ensuring a safe working environment for both customers and staff and significantly reducing transmission risks in the workplace.

September 2020 - June 2024                     Zoology (BSc Hons), University of Chester

                                                                                          Grade: First Class

Dissertation: Effects of Maternal Size, as an Indicator of Age, on Caring Behaviours in Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus)

March 2020 - July 2020                                   Zoology Diploma, Centre of Excellence

                                                                                          Grade: Distinction, 98%

September 2010 – July 2012                      GCE A Levels, Wallasey School

                                                                                          Mathematics [C], English Literature [C], IT [C], General Studies [D]

September 2005 – July 2010                      GCSEs, Wallasey School

                                                                                          11 GCSEs: 1 A*, 4 As, 4 Bs, 2 Cs