Careers in Conservation: National Seagrass Action Plan Project Manager
The Careers in Conservation: Below the Surface series takes a deep dive into the variety of job roles available within the conservation sector. In this article, National Seagrass Action Plan Project Manager Carl Gough shares his experiences and the route he took to a career in conservation. Job Description Carl began his role as Project Manager for the National Seagrass Action Plan in March 2025. The National Seagrass Action Plan presents a blueprint of action to achieve a vision where Welsh seagrass meadows are supporting marine biodiversity, vibrant communities, a sustainable economy, and making a valuable contribution to the climate emergency response. The 4 priority areas of action needed to achieve this vision are: Mapping Wales’ seagrass Building partnerships across land and sea Halting seagrass loss Reversing seagrass loss. Carl’s role involves cultivating a supportive operational environment for seagrass conservation in Wales. Carl’s main responsibilities include coordinating Seagrass Network Cymru partner organisations, reporting, strategic planning, organising funding, networking, communications, meeting facilitation, and governance. Carl notes that listening, negotiation, communication, planning, and flexibility are the most helpful skills he utilises to carry out his role. Problem solving is Carl’s favourite aspect of his role, stating: “Any difficulty is an opportunity depending on how you choose to approach it.” Previous Experience Carl left school at the age of 15 and joined a youth training scheme, working in pet shops followed by a public aquarium. At the age of 21, he returned to education and completed a BSC in Marine Biology before achieving an MSc in Zoology. Carl highlights that the life experience he gained between leaving school and returning to full time education was invaluable and says that even the jobs he didn’t perhaps enjoy at the time provided him with valuable skills and knowledge. When asked about which of his previous roles and experiences led to his current role as Project Manager, Carl said: “I’m sure my background in marine science helps, but it is certainly not the main reason for my appointment. My background and the skills I have developed from working in community development are possibly the most relevant to my role. This has included working in local authorities developing, facilitating, and monitoring large scale strategic plans; working directly with communities and being able to navigate the conflicting priorities that so often exists; supporting social enterprises with business planning and securing funding and interfacing with Welsh Government; and translating national policies into local action.” Advice Carl suggests that the qualities of patience, resilience, and perseverance make someone ideal for working in conservation. When asked what he would look for if recruiting for his own role Carl said, “Most of all, someone who has experience of local communities and demonstrable examples where they have managed to achieve a successful outcome when faced with multiple and differing viewpoints.” Carl also emphasised the importance of networking to help build connections: “Networking is very important! Getting active on LinkedIn is a useful way to develop your knowledge as well as your connections.”
Careers in Conservation: Programme Manager
The Careers in Conservation: Below the Surface series takes a deep dive into the variety of job roles available within the conservation sector. In this article, Project Seagrass Programme Manager Mark Hart shares his experiences and the route he took to a career in conservation. Job Description Mark has been Programme Manager with Project Seagrass since the end of 2025. As Programme Manager, Mark spends a lot of time working closely with the science and operations teams to co-ordinate and deliver a portfolio of projects to agreed timescales, budgets, and outcomes. He leads the setting up of new projects, including development of project plans and reporting frameworks, supports the implementation of new systems and processes to improve efficiency and collaboration, liaises with internal and external stakeholders and ensures compliance with contractual requirements, funder expectations, and organisational policies and strategy. Solid IT skills and being a good communicator are essential skills for this role. Although fieldwork is not an essential aspect, Mark mentions how attending fieldwork where the opportunity arises is beneficial as it helps him better understand operational challenges, costs, timescales and risks. Mark most enjoys the teamwork aspect of his role, as well as meeting like-minded people and contributing to better outcomes for nature. Previous Experience Previously, Mark has had various roles in the UK Hydrographic Office, NHS, local government, consultancy and Royal Navy related to risk and project management deliverables as well as volunteering as a school governor and with his local Wildlife Trust. He notes how despite the various roles throughout his career, he enjoyed sciences and the environment as a student and never lost that enthusiasm. During university, Mark studied a BSc in Oceanography and an MA in International Security. Mark notes the experience he gained in previous roles with operational delivery, strategic planning, partnership working, and collaboration across different sectors were most helpful in getting him where he is today. Advice Mark suggests that the best qualities that make someone ideal for working in conservation are passion, energy, a can-do attitude, and a love of the outdoors. Mark previously knew very little about seagrass until he started working with the organisation – so it is important to remember you don’t have to be an expert in a subject before starting to work with it!