Jessica Poole
Cardiff
Summary
Experienced professional with a strong background in coaching, mentoring, and management of staff. Demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and inclusive team working, effectively engaging and bringing together stakeholders with diverse viewpoints.
An environmentally-focused professional, with a career dedicated to protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable practices. Passionate about environmental law and policy within the Welsh context, with a notable advocacy for disability access and accessible natural greenspace. Actively seeking opportunities to promote accessible public spaces and promoting inclusive practices.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Environmental protection specialist
Natural Resources Wales
Cardiff
04.2013 - Current
- Advised Welsh government, government agencies and local authorities regarding compliance with environmental law and policy.
- Created guidance and delivered training for operational staff in environmental conservation
- Managed teams of operational staff working in varied environments across Wales
- Represented NRW at Public Inquiry, presenting detailed evidence and being cross-examined by lawyers
- Identified potential environmental risks, recommended mitigation measures.
- Worked as part of the Living Wales team tasked with bringing NRW together from three main legacy bodies into a single organisation which could speak with a single voice and integrated culture
Nature Conservation Specialist
Countryside Council for Wales
Cardiff
10.1996 - 03.2013
- Led teams working with landowners to designate sites of special scientific interest.
- Coached and mentored team members to develop their negotiation and collaboration skills
- Partnered with legal team to protect community-supported site of special scientific interest in Cardiff from legal disputes and housing projects initiated by landowner.
- Oversaw grant funding allocation to local authorities and non-government organisations, achieving optimal outcomes for environment and community while ensuring value for public funds.
Centre Assistant
Field Studies Council
Pembroke, Pembrokeshire
04.1995 - 10.1996
- Assisted in running a residential field centre for over 100 weekly residents, including preparation and serving of meals, welcoming guests, cleaning and general maintenance
- Assisted in delivering ecology and geography field courses across varied environments (coastal, freshwater and woodland)
Education
Master of Science - Conservation
University College London
London, England 09.1994 - 10.1995
BSc - Environmental Biology
University of Liverpool
Liverpool 09.1988 - 07.1991
A-Levels - Biology, Chemistry, French
Henbury Comprehensive School
Bristol 09.1981 - 06.1988
Skills
- Coaching, mentoring and management of staff
- Advocate for collaboration and team working
- Stakeholder engagement, including across differences of view
- Passionate gardener and supporter of accessible natural greenspace
- Advocate for disability access, based on my own, acquired disabilities
- Familiarity with advising in environmental law and policy in the Welsh context
Timeline
Environmental protection specialist
Natural Resources Wales
04.2013 - Current
Nature Conservation Specialist
Countryside Council for Wales
10.1996 - 03.2013
Centre Assistant
Field Studies Council
04.1995 - 10.1996
Master of Science - Conservation
University College London
09.1994 - 10.1995
BSc - Environmental Biology
University of Liverpool
09.1988 - 07.1991
A-Levels - Biology, Chemistry, French
Henbury Comprehensive School
09.1981 - 06.1988