CEnv Profile | Managing Consultant Environment & Health, Ramboll UK Ltd | Richard Moakes CEnv

What does an average day look like in your career?

Environmental consultancy definitely keeps you on your toes—no two days are ever quite the same, which is honestly one of the best things about it. Some days I’ll be chatting with clients and trying to drum up new business, other times I’m supporting the team or getting stuck into projects that can be anything from a small site to a massive, complicated development.

How did you get to where you are now?

I’ve been fascinated by volcanoes ever since I was a kid, so it felt natural to study Geology and Environmental Science at college and eventually get my Geology degree from Leicester University. After graduating, I looked into all sorts of jobs you can do with a geology background. I ended up working at a geo-environmental engineering firm but got made redundant during the 2008-09 financial crash. Still, I didn’t give up—I moved on to SLR and then landed at Ramboll, where I’ve been building my career for the past 12 years.

In what ways does your role consider and protect the environment?

Looking after the environment and working toward sustainability is just part of what I do every day. I spend a lot of my time checking out contaminated land and helping clients figure out how to deal with waste from their sites, which means I’m always working to make things more sustainable. My job isn’t just about spotting and fixing environmental risks—I also try to share tips on saving resources and cutting down on pollution. By teaming up with others, I look for creative ways to reduce our impact on nature and create lasting benefits for both the planet and the local community.

How has your focus on environmental impacts changed over the course of your career?

When I first started out, my job was all about checking out contaminated land and cleaning it up—that was pretty much it. But as time’s gone on and I’ve picked up more experience, I’ve realised that sustainability really sits at the centre of everything I do. It’s not just about ticking a box or trying to look green; it’s about genuinely making a difference to the world we all share.

What are the top three key knowledge areas that are crucial to your role?

• Being able to understand and analyse the relationship between geological and hydrogeological conditions.
• Understanding the often changing and adapting regulations that guide and dictate what can and can’t be done.
• Demonstrating effective problem-solving skills and recognizing when you need to ask for help.

What part of your role do you find the most exciting?

The best part is working with brilliant people and helping clients tackle problems, whether that means coming up with innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges or finding practical ways to remediate contaminated sites. I really enjoy the process of problem-solving—analysing the issues, collaborating with others, and seeing how our efforts can turn sites into places that can actually be used and make a real difference for the environment.

What are your 3 top tips for those applying for CEnv?

• Start thinking about the process early and keep good CPD records so you can easily track how you’re growing professionally.
• Make this one of your main goals to achieve in your career.
• Talk about what you’ve learned and what you’re proud of—getting chartered is all about showing off what you’ve achieved so far.

Why would you encourage others in your sector to aspire to become a CEnv?

For me, going for CEnv just feels like the natural next step in your career. It’s a great way to show how far you’ve come, and it proves you’ve got the skills and know-how to back it up. Plus, it’s a real confidence boost to know you’re recognised for what you can do and how much you’ve learned along the way.