What Does a Remediation Engineer Do?

Today we’re catching up with ERS returnee Louis Sandground, who is a keen angler and also one of our Remediation Engineers. Louis originally joined us as a graduate for a couple of years before moving on to other things. However, like a few other staff, he later chose to back to ERS and is now an integral part of our Contracting team.

Hi Louis, tell us about your role at ERS and what does a typical day look like?

My role at ERS is a Remediation Engineer. I am responsible for manging site activities on a day-to-day basis, effectively acting as site manager or site engineer throughout the duration of projects.

A typical day changes all the time, from office-based work – prepping for projects (RAMS,H&S plans Drawings etc), to on-site work – overseeing remediation activities, coordination with subcontractors and other contractors on site. Along with this, health and safety is a key aspect within any project taken on by ERS. On-site I carry out site inductions, enforce safe systems of work and ensure all staff on a project are always safe.

Alongside this, I regularly liaise with my team mangers, who support me in delivering projects to the highest standard. This help ensures challenges are addressed quickly and that the projects run smoothly. In recent months I have also been involved in the financial aspects of specific projects.

How did you get into the remediation industry?

I got into the remediation industry through both my academic background and early exposure to the field. I studied Environmental Science and Technologies at Abertay University from 2018 to 2022, where I developed solid understanding of environmental processes and contaminated land management. Additionally, my father works within the industry, so I’ve been familiar with it for a long time.

What’s the most interesting ERS project you’ve worked on to date and why?

It’s hard to choose one project, as what I find most interesting about remediation is the variety. Every site presents different challenges – whether its asbestos, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, invasive weeds, wildlife habitat or protected animal species, etc.

Each factor requires a tailored approach, from planning through to delivery, which keeps the role both challenging and engaging. I enjoy that no two projects are the same, and that each one challenges ERS and myself to achieve a safe and effective outcome.

And finally, Louis, can you tell us a bit more about what you were doing in between your ERS stints?

Between my time at ERS, I took a year away from full time work to gain some broader life experience. During that time, I worked as a salmon fishing guide in the Outer Hebrides, specifically on the Isle of Harris. That role involved working closely with clients, manging expectations and operating in a remote and challenging environment.

After that, I travelled to New Zealand with my partner, where we spent time exploring different parts of the country and experiencing life on the other side of the world. I then continued onto Australia and travelled through parts of southeast Asia before returning home. 

Wow, that sounds like an exciting adventure Down Under!

Thanks for sharing your journey from ERS into the world and back again, Louis. We’re looking forward to seeing your continued progress through the remediation industry.