Career Profile: Theo Barker REnvP PISEP, environmental consultant, WSP

“Communication underpins everything” Theo Barker REnvP PISEP, environmental consultant, WSP

Why did you become an environment/sustainability professional?

Studying geography at Exeter and an MSc in sustainability at Bath sparked my passion for how people and the environment interact. I pursued this profession because I want my work to contribute to society and help shape more sustainable, resilient places.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

I coordinate and support environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for major national infrastructure projects across road, rail and energy. I also project-manage a range of smaller environmental schemes. My day-to-day work includes contributing to consultation processes, drafting and coordinating environmental deliverables, forecasting budgets and working closely with multidisciplinary teams to drive projects forward.

What’s the best part and the most challenging part of your work?

The variety. One day I’m building relationships with clients, contractors and new colleagues; the next I’m planning surveys or drafting environmental inputs. This diversity keeps me developing – whether that is refining communication and project management skills or deepening my technical understanding of biodiversity net gain, seasonality and environmental constraints. Balancing these different tasks is a challenge I enjoy.

What are the most important skills for your role?

Strong project-management skills are essential – juggling multiple projects, timelines and budgets. Equally important is client management: understanding their needs and helping technical teams deliver to a shared vision. Communication underpins everything. Coordinating specialists, engaging with new stakeholders and navigating different viewpoints all require clear, adaptable and empathetic communication.

Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

I aim to lead larger environmental schemes and EIAs that focus on delivering positive environmental outcomes. I also hope to take a bigger role in mentoring early career professionals, sharing the lessons and experiences that have shaped my journey so far.

What advice would you give to someone entering the profession?

Stay curious. Ask questions. Build your network. Develop both technical environmental knowledge and strong foundations in project management and communication. Seek feedback – it’s one of the quickest ways to grow.

Describe yourself in three words

Passionate, curious, empathetic.

What motivates you?

Learning new skills and supporting clients and colleagues to deliver projects that are environmentally led and socially beneficial.

Greatest risk you have ever taken?

Starting my master’s in sustainability in the middle of Covid – an uncertain time that has helped to shape my career today.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?

Winston Churchill.

Want to raise your profile?

You can share your career journey on our Green Careers Hub: www.bit.ly/GCHcareer-stories. For details contact: s.maguire@isepglobal.org