Meet Your Future Colleagues
Jess HosierEcologist
Jess Hosier
What attracted you to Atmos?
I decided to apply to Atmos because it seemed to be a company that worked in all sorts of sectors, and a place where I would be able to gain experience and also progress my career. I started off as a part-time, seasonal ecologist and I am now a full-time ecologist!
What separates Atmos from other companies you have worked for?
I came to Atmos from a large company where I was one of over 100 seasonal ecologists, which meant I blended into the crowd, without much say on what went on. At Atmos, I feel like I am a valued member of the team, and I am able to get involved with a range of different projects. Joining a company where everyone knows your name, your interests and supports your career goals is completely different to anything I have experienced before, and it definitely makes Atmos stand out.
What is a typical day/week like for you?
In short- there really isn’t a ‘typical’ week! I have a really varied job, for example, in just one week I could go from carrying out bird or bat surveys at a wind farm, to analysing bat data and writing reports in the office.
What is your favourite thing about working for Atmos?
It’s hard to pick just one favourite thing, as there are so many positive things I love about Atmos. However, being surrounded by supportive and friendly people every day definitely makes work much more enjoyable.
How do you relax away from work?
I enjoy going to watch live music and comedy gigs, and also catching some sport when I can.
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
That’s a difficult question to answer, but for me it has to be my home county of Somerset: great countryside, great scenery, and more importantly, great cider!
Michael ChristieEcological Consultant
Michael Christie
What attracted you to Atmos?
I have had previous experience of working for an Engineering Consultancy as a Seasonal Ecologist and as a volunteer for various wildlife charities such as the RSPB and SWT, and I was looking for further experience of working for an environmental consultancy as an ecologist and Atmos offered the perfect opportunity.
What separates Atmos from other companies you have worked for?
Definitely the team. In larger companies it very easy to get lost in the crowd whereas with Atmos it’s a small team and everyone is willing to help each other out with whatever problems might creep up.
What is a typical day/week like for you?
There isn’t really a typical day or even week. One minute I am in Scotland doing bird surveys, the next in England doing bat surveys and then the next back in the office writing reports and entering data.
What is your favourite thing about working for Atmos?
Definitely the variety of the job. There is always something new to do and learn.
How do you relax away from work?
Watching telly, playing computer games, going for walks and of course bird watching
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
That’s a hard one. Probably the Isle of May. I have been out there twice now, once for my Masters project for two weeks and once for a week on an SOC training course. Both times were unforgettable experiences. You are out in the middle of nowhere, working and living in a seabird colony. There’s never a dull moment what with all the breeding seabirds or rare birds moving through on passage. Where else can you see puffins from your bedroom window or trip over nesting eider ducks on the commute to work ?
Lauren KellawaySenior Consultant, EIA
Lauren Kellaway
What attracted you to Atmos?
I previously worked for a renewable energy developer and wanted to gain experience in other sectors. Atmos offered me the opportunity to broaden my experience across a range of sectors and variety of scales of projects.
What separates Atmos from other companies you have worked for?
The supportive environment and team work. With Atmos everyone makes time for each other to support you as you advance your career.
What is a typical day/week like for you?
Variety of project tasks from tendering, writing reports, speaking with public bodies and consultees and reviewing sites.
What is your favourite thing about working for Atmos?
Being involved at all stages of a project lifecycle from initial feasibility of sites all the way to post consent. Which you may not experience at larger consultancy practices.
How do you relax away from work?
I attempt to be an interior design geek and put this into practice on my house!
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
Either San Diego or Santorini both beautiful for different reasons!
James WilsonSenior Ecologist
James Wilson
What attracted you to Atmos?
A company with a diverse order book, and project work together with opportunities for career progression. I started out as ecological consultant and have now progressed to senior
What separates Atmos from other companies you have worked for?
The staff are friendlier and approachable, even those in the other offices that I haven’t met.
What is a typical day/week like for you?
Diverse, to say the least. From report writing, site surveys with focus on ornithology and habitats, to finalising accommodation and transport details for other members of staff as they are out on site. Then there is undertaking ECoW on St Kilda, our most northerly project.
What is your favourite thing about working for Atmos?
I always have a feeling that my thoughts, abilities, etc are trusted and respected. That and the ability to get out and about working in a variety of locations on a variety of projects, getting up close to golden eagle, red kite and divers
How do you relax away from work?
Reading, playing cricket, spending time with the family.
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
Tough one. Firstly, my honeymoon to Namibia with the highlight being a dawn hot air balloon ride over the Namib desert followed by a champagne breakfast at Sossusvlei. An amazing country, and a fantastic, friendly people. Secondly, the middle of nowhere feel that is St Kilda.
Paul ReidOperations Manager
Paul Reid
What attracted you to Atmos?
I was looking to work for a small ambitious company where I could grow and Atmos seemed the perfect fit.
What separates Atmos from other companies you have worked for?
Definitely the family feel and flexibility. At Atmos, family comes first and this attitude comes from the very top of the company.
What is a typical day/week like for you?
The good thing about my role is that there is no typical day or week. It’s one of the things which has kept me at Atmos for over 8 years. One day I could be dealing with an IT project, the next an office move and the day after dealing with a complex HR issue.
What is your favourite thing about working for Atmos?
I would say the people, which is a very standard answer but just happens to be true.
How do you relax away from work?
Relax probably isn’t the right word as a season ticket holder at Hibs – but I try my best!
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
Definitely the Isle of Skye (minus the long drive!).
Alex HattonPrincipal Ecologist
Alex Hatton
What attracted you to Atmos?
Atmos is uniquely structured by that I mean I may not get the diversity of project experience in a smaller consultancy, equally I may not get the involvement in developing the business in a larger consultancy!
What separates Atmos from other companies you have worked for?
The size- we bring in some very interesting work and really work well across the three offices meaning you always feel like you have support and learn new skills to deliver high quality work.
What is a typical day/week like for you?
Being a senior ecologist I do spend a good part of the week in the office writing reports, filling out EPS licence applications, and tendering, but I also get out on site, particularly with the more complex ones, so that I understand the scheme fully.
What is your favourite thing about working for Atmos?
The flexibility, I have a young family and there are times that balancing work and life can be challenging. Also having access to a shower at the office! It’s a small thing but great to be able to cycle in or go running at lunch time knowing I will not stink the office out in the afternoon!
How do you relax away from work?
I enjoy competing in triathlons so I do train a fair bit, it’s a great way to relax the mind.
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
I have not quite finished exploring the world yet to make that decision but I do keep going back to Canada.
