Katie Mitchell

Self-motivated and dependable professional with 3.5 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, a masters degree in Marine Planning & Management, and an undergraduate degree in Biology. Experienced in ecological survey techniques through undergraduate fieldwork and recent volunteering with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Proven organisational and leadership abilities developed through diverse roles spanning customer service, event management, and team leading. A qualifying member of CIEEM, with actively recorded Continuing Professional Development via the CIEEM online platform. I am aspiring Ecologist; a career in ecology would enable me to complete purposeful work that makes a positive impact on the environment, putting my passion for the natural world to good use.

Team Lead, Event Server - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - May 2023- January 2025

Promoted to Team Lead in the Event Serving team at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, where I successfully led and mentored teams to deliver exceptional food service during weddings, corporate events, and trade shows. This included training new staff, independently coordinating smaller events, and being responsible for meeting key deliverables for each event. I fostered a collaborative environment by working closely with colleagues to guarantee efficient and successful event operations. I demonstrated strong communication and problem solving skills, ensuring smooth event delivery whilst adhering to sustainability practices such as reducing food waste and resource management. Time management skills were also crucial in order to meet specific deadlines for food service and event setup. I consistently adhered to the high standard of service expected by the Fairmont team and guests, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in every aspect of my role. 

Marketing & Events Coordinator - Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) - June 2022- May 2023

In my previous role as a Marketing & Events Coordinator for a small-scale renewable energy company (MCS), I honed my project management skills to successfully plan, promote, and deliver 10 events including industry leading tradeshows and a Parliamentary event at the House of Commons. This involved budget control for each event, client liaison for event delivery, and time management skills to effectively manage a busy and varied workload to deliver successful events. The Parliamentary event led to a 25% increase in engagement with the project it was designed to promote, which was extrapolated from google analytics. I developed strong working relationships with stakeholders, third parties, and freelancers. Furthermore, I managed a team of junior staff in the planning, promotion, and delivery of events, ensuring clear delegation of tasks and responsibilities. I organised and facilitated regular team meetings to track progress, address challenges, and maintain alignment with event goals. Furthermore, I provided guidance and support, helping team members develop their skills while ensuring the smooth execution of the event. I have also developed expertise in all legislation under the MCS scheme for the installation of small-scale renewables, as well as ‘The Housing and Planning Act 2016’ and ‘The Future Homes Standard’. 

Operations Analyst - MCS - April 2021-June 2022

Promoted to Operations Analyst in April 2021 after 18 months of hard work and relationship building during my Helpdesk role. I have extensive data analysis and reporting skills through my role as an Operations Analyst for MCS. I was responsible for providing data requests to clients using an internal database and Microsoft Excel. I was also tasked with the organisation of a company wide Excel Masterclass to improve business reporting; I also personally completed the masterclass and am a proficient user of Excel. I have experience of managing several projects simultaneously at varying stages of development which I managed successfully using project management software gantt charts. This has further enhanced my time management skills and ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines. I also led the update of the internal database to support a new scheme being offered. This project enhanced my leadership, organisation, and communication skills. 

Helpdesk Analyst - MCS - October 2019-April 2021

My role as a Helpdesk Analyst developed my verbal and written communication skills through problem solving for clients via phone and email. I have an exceptional team work ethic alongside proficient leadership skills which have been honed by numerous successful projects within the Helpdesk team. For example, I was appointed to organise a stand for MCS at the London ‘Futurebuild’ event to showcase the benefits of the scheme within the renewable industry. We collaborated with the event organisers for the stand space, arranged catering, organised a stakeholder advisory meeting, and managed the 10-minute presentations from a variety of stakeholders which required strong organisation and teamwork skills. Time management and communication skills were required during the 2-day event to keep each activity on schedule and meet tight deadlines. This involved working to brand guidelines in order to promote the new company branding and represent MCS at such a prestigious event. Furthermore, I worked closely alongside the communications team to develop e-shots using Mailchimp aimed at a variety of audiences such as consumers and MCS installers.

Marine Planning & Management MSc - University of Liverpool - September 2018- September 2019

My passion for nature, animals, and protecting the environment led me to my postgraduate studies - Marine Planning & Management (MSc). I am experienced writing and reviewing consultancy reports through my MSc, for example, I produced a consultancy report outlining the role of an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System for improved corporate and environmental performance of a meat packaging company. I also completed an environmental consultancy report outlining the main stressors impacting the North Sea and included recommendations for mitigation of the impacts of these stressors. These reports were required to be concise and informative, therefore developing my written communication skills. I studied a variety of different environmental modules, for example, the EIA module which explored the importance of EIA and SEA to further an environmentally sustainable development and influence policy/practice. This module explored the entire participative EIA process from screening & scoping through to follow-up monitoring of the impacts predicted. As part of the applied Marine Spatial Planning module, myself and colleagues were assigned an independent project with minimal tutor supervision. Working collaboratively within a team, we developed a "Marine Spatial Planning Summer School" targeted at international students. The nature of this project, requiring self-motivation, initiative, teamwork, and limited guidance, helped me strengthen my organisational and leadership abilities. I built effective working relationships with both my peers and external stakeholders, including representatives from the Marine Management Organisation and Ørsted. I delivered an interactive workshop focused on organising stakeholder participation in the MSP process, covering key topics such as stakeholder analysis, empowerment, and strategies for effective involvement. Furthermore, I have a proven technical ability through practical use of ArcGIS, which I used to classify habitats by using Phase 1 classification software, allowing me to identify habitats along the shore zone such as inshore sub littoral sediments.

Biology Bsc - Newcastle University - September 2014- June 2017

My BSc in Biology has allowed me to develop the core skills required for an Ecologist role. For example, I carried out habitat assessments and identification of different species of Oystercatcher on the Isle of Millport. I honed effective teamwork skills to complete a group report and presentation to demonstrate findings. I also carried out visual surveys such as ornithological, entomological, and botanical species identification on a week residential to the Northumbrian countryside. During these studies, keystone species such as bees were studied in detail to evaluate their importance for maintaining ecosystem functioning. I am proficient in quadrat sampling for vegetation, as well as use of pitfall traps and sweep nets for insects. I am proficient at laboratory assessments, for example, I completed my final dissertation project on the interactions between a biological control organism (Trichoderma harzianum) and a pathogen of wheat (Bipolaris sorokiniana) and achieved a first class mark for my final paper. Furthermore, I have developed exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, through presentations and scientific reports. I have also developed a strong teamwork ethic alongside proficient leadership skills which have been honed by the successful group projects I have delivered throughout my degree.