Ewan Watson
Glasgow,Glasgow City
Summary
My name is Ewan Watson. I am an enthusiastic, experienced and committed 31 year old professional from Dunfermline in Fife, currently living in Glasgow. I am currently working for the energy consultancy firm, TNEI Services and have been working in acoustics consultancy, focusing primarily on renewable energy developments, for the past 9 years.
I am a hard-working individual with strong organisational skills who prides himself on producing the best possible work output for clients and colleagues alike. I have extensive knowledge of the energy industry and am well versed in resolving complex acoustics problems that are often critical to the viability of developments. Offering strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with knack for strategic thinking. Knowledgeable about project management, client relations, and business development. Ready to use and develop communication, leadership, and organisational skills in [Desired Position] role.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Principal Acoustics Consultant
TNEI Services
Glasgow, Glasgow City
08.2016 - Current
I have been working at TNEI for 8 years, having joined as a graduate back in 2016. Within my current role as Principal Consultant, my responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Producing fee proposals and tenders in response to ITTs, meeting with clients to discuss potential opportunities and business development, predictive noise modelling using noise modelling software, organising and undertaking baseline sound level surveys for various renewables projects, analysis of measured data, production of figures and technical reports, review and QA of technical reports and deliverables, liaising with clients and local planning authorities, presentation of feasibility modelling results and overall project management (both of staff time and project budgets).
In my current role as a Principal Consultant I am often responsible for the QA of other consultants’ work - primarily noise models, reports, figures and calculations.
I am responsible for management of a large number of projects and client relations, ensuring that the client is up to date with the status of the project, addressing their needs and any queries they may have. It is my continued responsibility as a consultant to efficiently manage and track project budgets. When acting as a project manager, I am required to ensure the overall project budget is not exceeded and that other consultants are using budgets effectively.
Within my current role I also frequently input into new bids and tenders by compiling costs, writing case studies and writing of proposals. Other responsibilities include assisting with the training of new assistant and graduate consultants, production of technical notes and instructions and development of noise calculation tools and templates.
I am also solely responsible for the continued upkeep, calibration and purchasing of the company’s noise monitoring equipment, ensuring that the equipment is maintained and is fit for use, whilst also tracking the equipment’s whereabouts across various active sites in the UK and Ireland.
Additional responsibilities include frequently undertaking tasks for various teams across the business using the software packages ArcGIS and AutoCAD. This includes the production of figures, georeferencing and design of site layouts, production of electrical single line diagrams and site finding procedures, feasibility studies and constraints mapping work.
I also have line-management experience as a Principal Consultant, having been responsible for graduate consultants within the team. In this role, I need to help ensure the wellbeing and professional progression of junior members of staff, as well as perform annual performance reviews, setting attainable yet challenging goals.
Sales Assistant
USC Fashion
Edinburgh
03.2014 - 07.2014
During my 2nd year at university, I began working at USC Fashion. In my position as Sales Assistant, I was entrusted to complete various tasks to a high standard on a daily basis and during my time there I had to adapt and learn new skills. I was expected to cater to the needs of customers in various departments throughout the store. I was trained on tills and was entrusted to operate them during the busiest shopping periods of the year. I was also thoroughly involved in the organisation of stock deliveries and, towards the latter period of my time there, I was entrusted by the management to help count the official till money at the end of the working day. I learned a lot during my time here about being a conscientious employee and how good application and attitude are invaluable qualities in a fast-paced customer-facing work environment.
Delivery Personel
Andrew Thompson's Electronics
Dunfermline
06.2013 - 08.2013
After completion of my first year at university, I began to work for the local Electronics and Furniture Company, Andrew Thomson's. I was employed as a delivery worker during the week (Mon-Fri) and on Saturdays I worked as a sales assistant in the shop. In the delivery capacity, I was required to undertake physical lifting work, often moving large deliveries by hand, working closely with my fellow employees as part of a team. In the sales side of the job, I had to approach the work at hand with knowledge and confidence as the customers were often purchasing very highly priced goods and needed to feel confident that what they were purchasing was of the highest quality. I was required to work the tills, calculate transactions and arrange delivery details for customer purchases. Working full time throughout the whole summer taught me to be a more dedicated and punctual worker overall and I found it to be a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
Education
BENG Hons. - Energy and Environmental Engineering
Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh 09.2012 - 06.2016
Scottish Qualifications Certificate -
Queen Anne High School
2012
Relevant Skills
I have over 8 years of experience as an acoustic consultant and have worked for TNEI for the entirety of those 8 years. I have progressed from Graduate Consultant to Principal Consultant during my time at the company. I know feel that I am ready to take the step in a new direction within renewable energy acoustics and believe I have the necessary skillset and experience to do so successfully. During my 8 years at TNEI, I have learned a vast amount about acoustic consultancy, the energy industry and the UK planning system as a whole and feel I have a good knowledge of the development process and what clients typically require of an acoustic consultant to help see their projects through to fruition. I have worked on a range of projects across various sectors including renewable energy, oil and gas, ports and harbours and energy from waste to name a few. I currently specialise in the modelling and assessment of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Solar developments, and have a vast knowledge of the sector.
Since joining TNEI in 2016, I have been able to hone a number of acoustic consultancy skills such as:
Predictive Noise Modelling – I am proficient in the use of the predictive noise modelling software, CadnaA, applying it across a number of assessments including industrial noise assessments in accordance with BS 4142, construction noise assessments in accordance with BS 5228 and ETSU R-97 wind farm noise assessments. I have used the software to build complex models that incorporate multiple noise sources and have also made use of the CadnaA SET_T module to produce typical sound power level datasets for client that are unsure of candidate plant noise levels. This was particularly effective during modelling of a dredging boat for a port redevelopment project, in which the client was unable to provide typical noise data, but could provide technical specifications of the motor. I was able to use these specifications to generate typical noise levels for the vessel. I would say that CadnaA modelling is one of, if not my strongest skill and is something I really enjoy doing. I use this software extensively every day, and through my focus on BESS developments, I have gained a great understanding of the modelling of these units, and have good knowledge of various BESS manufacturers and their product's sound level output. I believe my solid understanding of the noise propagation modelling process in accordance with ISO 9613 means I am not limited to use of just CadnaA, and could be easily transfer these skills to any other relevant software packages.
Understanding of Relevant Standards and Assessment Methodologies – I have developed a good understanding of British Standards such as BS 4142, BS 8233, BS 5228, BS IEC IN 60076 and the Wind Turbine noise assessment methodology, ETSU R-97 and its associated Good Practice Guidance notes. I have also successfully carried out the Sound Power Level testing methodology prescribed by ISO 3744 in order to ascertain the operational noise level of liquid-cooled BESS units.
Technical Reporting – I have a high level of experience in producing concise noise impact assessment reports for various types of developments including wind farms, solar farms, energy from waste plants, gas and battery storage developments, synchronous compensator and various other stability pathfinder developments, port and harbour redevelopment projects as well as others. I understand the need for succinct technical language and precise presentation of data. This has been improved by my completion of the IOA Diploma in Acoustics in Noise Control, where good technical writing is paramount in order to complete the project module to a good standard. I have experience in producing noise impact assessments to support planning applications, to discharge compliance noise planning conditions and of writing ES chapters for larger projects for which an EIA is deemed appropriate. As such I have developed a good understanding of the UK planning system and the relevant local and national noise-related policies. I also have good experience in the technical review of reports, ensuring that the final deliverables we produce are of an appropriately high standard.
Noise Surveying – I have vast experience undertaking noise surveys, primarily for BS 4142 and ETSU R-97 assessments. I am able to assist with all aspects of noise surveying, from identification of appropriate noise monitoring locations in order to best represent nearby noise sensitive receptors all the way through to the installation and maintenance of noise monitoring equipment and analysis of noise data. I am proficient with the use of both Rion and Cirrus Sound Level Meters and believe my general understanding of these types of equipment would leave me in good stead to quickly adapt to any other make or model of sound level meter, should this be necessary.
AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Helioscope Solar Design – Although this was not initially something that was required of me within my early roles at the company, over the years I have developed a good understanding of various additional software packages which have allowed me to diversify my skillset and apply my skills across many different teams within the business. I now use these packages on a regular basic and find them an enjoyable aspect of the job. My ArcGIS skills are exploited by the wider team mostly to produce figures for technical reports, but I also have experience in using the software to undertake site finding, constraints mapping and feasibility projects. I use AutoCAD primarily to georeference and create site layout designs for use within CadnaA, primarily for BESS sites, but have most recently found myself assisting our power systems teams with the production of electrical single line diagrams. Helioscope is the newest software that I have become familiar with, and is something I have used most recently to design solar layouts for various feasibility studies.
Costing and Proposal Writing – I have good experience in leading on large proposals and tenders in order to win new work from new and existing clients. I am frequently tasked with costing up jobs by breaking down a scope of works into individual tasks, applying consultant charge-out rates to obtain task-specific budgets and incorporating any expenses or overhead costs they may need to be considered if site-work, travel or sub-contractors are required as part of the scope. I frequently input into tender and proposal writing by compiling case studies on relevant past projects and have good experience in proposal writing in terms of understanding the required tone and layout of the document. My client relations skillset has also developed over the past year or so, attending conferences and meeting with clients in person to discuss potential business opportunities.
Microsoft Office – I am proficient in the use of Word, Excel and Teams and use them on a daily basis. Excel is essential tool that I use on a daily basis in order to effectively analyse noise data, so it is something I am very well-versed in. I also often use excel to undertake acoustic calculations and input frequently into the production of in-house noise calculators and QA sheets.
With regards to my personal skillset, I pride myself on ensuring that my work is of the highest quality, which I believe aligns with the company’s objectives. I am hard working, punctual and am not afraid to put in additional effort and time to ensure projects are progressed effectively. I love working as part of a team and really thrive in a positive working environment, where close working relationships are championed. I do my best work when part of a team, and I feel my overall happiness at work is unquestionably improved when I feel comfortable to ask questions and seek advice from fellow team members.
I am applying for this position primarily because I feel I am ready to progress in my career and I feel the best way to do this is to explore new avenues and undertake a new challenge with a different employer. From the research I have done regarding the company, I am encouraged by RES' diverse project portfolio and am excited by the prospect of testing my abilities further and adding to my skillset. I truly feel I have the right combination of a positive attitude, a good base of knowledge, a diverse skillset and a strong work ethic to become an asset at RES, and should I be given the opportunity, I would try my utmost to help the company achieve its ambitions in assisting with the delivery of innovative and essential infrastructure developments.
Certification
IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control (2021)
Institute of Acoustics AMIOA Membership
CSCS Professionally Qualified Person Card
Hobbies and Interests
I have a wide range of hobbies and interests that I participate in outside of work. My main interest is football, which I love to watch and play regularly and have done so for many years. I enjoy keeping fit and healthy and attend the local gym regularly. I also enjoy other sports such as tennis and badminton. I enjoy being sociable and spending time with friends, family and my girlfriend, Hettie. I am also very interested in music and love playing guitar and recording music. I find it a really good way to relax and wind down whilst also doing something creative and challenging.
Additional Information
References:
Referee 1:
Dr Stephanie Hay
Director of TNEI Ireland and Networks and Innovation Team
TNEI Services
28 Telegraph Road
Airdrie
ML6 7RR
07769693671
Email address available upon request
Referee 2:
Dr Elena Prokofieva
Acoustic Consultant/Research Fellow
Edinburgh Napier
0131 455 5125
E.Prokofieva@napier.ac.uk
Timeline
Principal Acoustics Consultant
TNEI Services
08.2016 - Current
Sales Assistant
USC Fashion
03.2014 - 07.2014
Delivery Personel
Andrew Thompson's Electronics
06.2013 - 08.2013
BENG Hons. - Energy and Environmental Engineering
Edinburgh Napier University
09.2012 - 06.2016
Scottish Qualifications Certificate -
Queen Anne High School
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