Elliott Bell: Intermediate Environmental Engineer

What drew you to a position at Pick Everard?

I was drawn to Pick Everard by the range of projects I would be involved in, and the scope for personal development within my role. I was interested in the responsibilities my role offered, and Pick Everard’s Hybrid Working Policy enabled me to commit to the position despite not being local to the office.

What personal development has been available to you through Pick Everard?

Through my time at Pick Everard, I have initiated the process of tracking my CPD to assist me with an eventual chartership application, and I am currently being supported in my application for accreditation with The Society of Brownfield Risk Assessment (SoBRA). Additionally, I have benefitted from a number of external training courses suggested to me by my team, and from internal CPD talks.

How has your team helped you to develop in your role?

My team has consistently supported me and provided guidance throughout my time at Pick Everard. I am regularly pushed to take on new tasks that further expand my experience and skill set, and very much enjoy the sense of progress that comes with this.

What is your favourite thing about your role at Pick Everard?

I greatly enjoy the variety that my role at Pick Everard provides. My position consists of a healthy mixture of outdoor site-work, and more technical office work. I appreciate the change of scenery that this regularly offers, alongside the opportunity to utilise different skill sets and work with a range of different individuals.

What have been your biggest accomplishments in your role at Pick Everard?

I would say my biggest accomplishments have been the ground investigations I have undertaken as part of Pick Everard. The larger scale projects have required close liaison with the client and supervision of numerous teams of sub-contractors to ensure the completion of the investigation within a short timeframe, whilst maintaining the health and safety of all those on and around the site.

What kinds of resources have you taken advantage of while at Pick Everard?

At Pick Everard, I have benefitted from a number of internal CPD sessions and external training courses that have all aided my professional development.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in Environmental Engineering?

My advice would be to get hands on experience of site investigation. Much of your early career is based in the field conducting ground investigation, and so it is a great advantage to show an eagerness to get stuck in and involved whatever the weather.

In your opinion, which environmental issue will require the most attention in the next 5 years?

Aside from the ongoing climate crisis, I believe that PFAS “forever chemical” contamination within our environment will require significant attention from the global community. These compounds are an emerging contaminant that are widespread throughout the globe and their impacts are still not fully understood.

What do you think are the main skills that make an environmental engineer successful?

It is important for an environmental engineer to be personable and able to co-operate with a range of sub-contractors and site operatives. Other skills that go a long way are an organised mindset and an attention to detail.

What is the most interesting aspect of environmental engineering to you?

For me, the most interesting aspect of environmental engineering is that of the remediation of contaminated land and the reclamation of brownfield sites into land that can be re-used for greener purposes.