Samuel Leigh

Experience

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  PRETOMA (Programa Restauración de Tortugas Marinas)

  Oct 2009 - Apr 2010

  Research Assistant

  I spent seven months as a sea turtle conservation research assistant at a number of different sites across Costa Rica. As well as carrying out beach patrols with other research assistants, I was also responsible for training volunteers in identifying different species, tagging nesting females, taking body measurements and hatchery management operations. This gave me the opportunity to work with olive ridley, green and leatherback turtles. I also assisted in a project which looks at the spatial foraging patterns of juvenile hawksbill turtles, using acoustic telemetry tracking and stomach content analysis. In addition, I acted as a liaison between local guides and volunteers. This involved overseeing the logistics for volunteers during their time at the research station and organising activities and trips on their behalf. Show less

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  The Ecology Consultancy

  May 2011 - Nov 2011

  Field Ecologist

  I worked as an ecological field assistant for a leading ecological consultancy, where I carried out surveys and worked on mitigation projects for a range of different species. I supervised various works on development sites, gave toolbox talks, liaised with clients and wrote watching brief and protected species reports. I gained experience in surveying and translocation of reptiles and great crested newts. I also surveyed bats for activity, emergence from roosts and re-entry.

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  Ecological Planning & Research

  Mar 2012 - Sept 2012

  Seasonal Ecologist

  I worked as a seasonal ecologist building on my first year of experience in ecological consulting. I enhanced my survey skills on species I am familiar with, and learnt new techniques such as how to survey dormice and carry out ecological appraisals. I wrote protected species reports and contributed to technical appendices for Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA). I assisted MSc student interns, training them and supervising their field work. I was also a member of the GIS mapping team.

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  University of East Anglia

  Sept 2012 - Aug 2013

  MSc Student
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  University of Reading

  Oct 2016 - Apr 2018

  Project: Harnessing multiple ecosystem services from novel crop rotations: increased yield, pest regulation and biodiversityBBSRC DTP - LIBERATION I was module convener and sessional lecturer for the 2016-2017 Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Data course at the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading. Responsibilities included organising the course structure, field trips, coursework assessment and teaching sessions as well as lecturing throughout the course.

  • PhD Student

    Sept 2013 - Apr 2018

  • Sessional Lecturer

    Oct 2016 - Jan 2017
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  Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2017

  Academic Fellow

  I worked as an academic fellow for the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology conducting interviews, carrying out research, and writing on the subject of environmentally sustainable agriculture.

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  BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY(THE)

  Apr 2017 - Sept 2017

  Policy Intern

  I was the policy intern at the British Ecological Society working within the policy team. As part of this internship I authored a policy guide for members on how science can inform Parliament. I supported the day to day work of the policy team which included event management, partnership building and science communication.

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  Defra

  Sept 2017 - Feb 2018

  Policy Advisor
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  Defra

  Apr 2018 - Dec 2019

  Senior Scientific Officer
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  Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

  Dec 2019 - May 2024

  Nature Integration Lead
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  Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

  May 2024 - now

  Regional Landscape Advisor