Emily Speck
Ochilbank, 28 Ochil Road, Alva, Scotland, FK12 5JT
t: 07875 100 318
e: ees22@alumni.st-andrews.ac.uk
Education
June - July 2009 Universidad San Francisco de Quito
BIO 321 Mamíferos Marinos (Marine Mammals) field course module based in Esmaraldas, Ecuador
2005 -2009 University of St Andrews, Scotland
Bachelor of Science in Ecology & Conservation (2:1)
Modules included: Marine Mammals and Man, Conservation Research Methods, Evolution in Action, Science, Museums and the Public, Biology of Marine Organisms and Ecosystems and Conservation
June 2004 Dollar Academy, Scotland
SQA Highers: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Physics (A), Human Biology (A), Maths (A), Geography (A), Business Management (A) and English (C)
Relevant Experience
May - July 2010 Data Access Work Experience (RSPB Scottish HQ)
Through volunteering with the RSPB, I gained valuable experience, developed new skills within one of Europe's largest conservation charities. My primary focus was dataset preparation for internal and external use. This involved formatting species survey data using Microsoft Excel. I contacted relevant RSPB conservation staff, to help validate the data and mapped data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) and checking for errors. I prepared metadata by obtaining information about the data from scientific papers, and preparing dataset metadata. I was also involved in setting resolution/access rights of sensitive data
January - March 2010 WWF Earth Hour Mobiliser 2010
WWF Earth Hour is a global event held annually during which people, businesses and iconic buildings switch off their lights for an hour in March. I was selected as the local representative to help assist WWF for three months in the run up to the 2010 event. In this role I identified and approached community groups, local businesses. An example of this was when I contacted the University of St Andrews and secured a stall at one of their green week events. I designed and distributed the leaflets for this event. I was also selected to act as lead volunteer at a corporate event held in conjunction with HSBC. Responsibilities included liaising directly with Earth Hour champions at HSBC and to the other volunteers in on the run up to the day. I was also responsible for setting up for the event on the day and providing feedback to senior members of staff at WWF. During these events I gained confidence in approaching and engaging people.
July - September 2009 Galapagos Academic Institute for Art and Science (GAIAS)
This internship was with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito on San Cristobal, Galápagos. It was fully funded by the British Council and organized by IAESTE to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin’s work, On the Origin of Species. My primary focus was on a cetacean project. The university is collecting data on the migration of whales through the Galapagos, particularly via waters frequented by boat traffic. I also assisted with the administration of the Second World Summit on Evolution. Roles here included meeting and greeting the speakers and attendees at the airport and showing them to their accommodation. On the day of the event I assisted in distribution of welcome packs and dealing with any general enquires. In preparation for this internship I learned to speak Spanish.
July - August 2008 Operation Wallacea
During a research expedition in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in Peru, I participated in a long term data collection programme studying turtles, primates, fish and the pink river dolphin. Of particular interest to me is the recovery of Melanosuchus niger (the black caiman). I took part in surveys, carried out nightly, to investigate the population structure of the black caiman and various aspects of its ecology. The work included recording habitat preference, GPS location and various morphometric measurements as well as obtaining diet samples. The data collected were used as the basis for my final year dissertation.
Before 2007 Further Field Work
Volunteering at the RSPB’s Minsmere Reserve. the work ranged from clearing reed beds to carrying out surveys of the endangered Bittern. Another rewarding experience during this project was assisting with open days for young children.
A seven day course on the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales with an environmental education charity called the Field Studies Council during which I gained skills in the surveying of habitats. These included exposed and sheltered rocky shores and sand dunes.
A course in Kindrogan, Scotland, where I surveyed lakes, streams and rivers.
Employment History
April 2002 to present SB Analytical, Alva, Scotland
As a part time position throughout my time at University and full time during my summer breaks this varied role has allowed me to gain valuable experience in a wide variety of areas.
Personal Assistant
SAGE book keeping
Booking accommodation and making travel arrangements
Screening telephone calls, enquiries and requests
Organising and maintaining diaries and making appointments
Dealing with incoming email and post
Taking minutes
Database Administrator
Responsibility for management of customer/supplier records
Manipulation of large quantities of data, presented in various formats, into Excel to produce reports for the management team
I have been responsible for updating price tables and importing these into Sage Accpac and onto the company website
Website Development Assistant
Jointly responsible for developing the project brief and selection of web development company
Development of appropriate database structure
Liaise with suppliers to ensure the project runs according to the schedule
Communicate progress reports to senior management
Maintenance of the website, keeping it up to date with new content/products
Accounts
Processing cash and VISA payments
Bank reconciliation
Working in a small office has highlighted the need to be adaptable and to have a flexible approach to my work. The varied and fast paced nature of this position requires the ability think on my feet and adapt, identifying what needs doing and getting on with it.
Skills
Communication
As a representative for my colleagues on the Staff Student Council at St Andrews University I developed my ability to listen to and to communicate effectively with people at all levels in the organization.
Teamwork
In my current role I work as part of a team on various projects this has built upon the team working skills I developed during my time at university. I am comfortable taking a lead role within the team when appropriate but also take instruction from senior team members well.
Time Management
When working in the web development team I have had to schedule and manage a large number of tasks that needed to be completed against tight deadlines. This expanded both my organisational and time management skills and has taught me the importance of prioritizing my workload.
IT Skills
I have extensive experience using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher. In particular my skill level in Excel is that of an advanced user and I am confident manipulating large amounts of data, performing lookups, and writing basic macros. I am often the first person people turn to if there are queries with software functionality. I recently was responsible for upgrading the entire network to office 2007 and was responsible for trouble shooting during the days and weeks following.
I also have experience in upgrading hardware; I am responsible for adding new machines to the network and have often upgraded RAM for my colleagues.
Other programmes I am confident are SAGE accounts, SAGE Accpac. I have often used Adobe Photoshop for website and producing literature. I am comfortable using both SPSS and Minitab for statistical analysis. I have some experience using GIS software, in particularly MapInfo.
Other
I hold clean, full UK driver’s licence. I am an Advanced Open Water Diver certified by PADI. I also speak reasonable Spanish.
Résumés Details
