Nick Moran's path to becoming a training officer for the British Trust for Ornithology. Nick talks about his path going from formal to informal education and working on his passion. Current Job Tell us about your current role I am the Training Manager at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Info about what that entails can be found here: https://www.bto.org/about/who/staff/nick-moran Career Beginnings When you were 15, what job did you want and who did you ask for advice?Probably a bird tour guide, though I may already have been leaning more towards 'pure' educational careers by then. I'd met and talked to various bird tour guides / tour company owners, though I don't think I specifically asked for advice about a career in that area.Did you have an interest in the environment at this time?Yes! Interested in birds and other wildlife from early childhood (per my parents!).What were your first steps in starting your career? During university holidays, I spent two summers as working as a wildlife guide for Canvas Holidays in France, and an Easter break volunteering at RSPB Minsmere. Career path and skills What does your career path look like? My path was somewhat linear i.e. A-levels (Biology, Chemistry, Geography) –> (BSc Environmental Biology) –> PGCE (Secondary Science/Biology). I was a secondary school teacher for 10 years before getting a job as a BTO Survey Organiser (recruiting & motivating birders to log their sightings). Now I am the BTO Training Manager.What skills were important for you to develop in your career? For my current role, the two primary skill requirements are strong bird ID skills and teaching skills. This article was published on Monday 19 October 2026
