At VertaseFLI, our strength lies in the dedication, passion, and expertise of our team members. 

We’re proud to shine a spotlight on Sam Filkins, an Environmental Engineer who has made an incredible journey from his beginnings as a site operative to becoming an integral part of our technical team.

Sam was also recently nominated in the ‘Best Early Career Brownfield Professional’ category at the Brownfield Awards.

In this Q&A, Sam shares his unique path to environmental engineering, the challenges he’s overcome, and the rewarding moments that make his role so fulfilling. 

From learning new skills, Sam’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a passion for sustainability.

Q.1 What inspired you to pursue a career in Remediation/Environmental Engineering, and how did you start in the field/with VertaseFLI?

Coming from a background in Criminology, I wasn’t entirely familiar with what Remediation/Environmental Engineering entailed when I first started. In March 2021, I joined VertaseFLI as a picker on the Festival Gardens project in Liverpool, which had just begun. The steady schedule and hands-on work appealed to me, and I quickly focused on collaborating with my colleagues and getting my hands ‘dirty.’

After a few weeks, I was offered a chance to support the technical team as a Remediation Technician. I jumped at the opportunity and haven’t looked back since!

Q.2 What does a typical day/week look like for you in your role at VertaseFLI?

The thing I love most about this job is its versatility. One day, I could be on-site conducting environmental monitoring, soil sampling, or groundwater sampling. The next day, I might be in the office, analysing data and writing up reports.

This dynamic mix of hands-on fieldwork and technical analysis keeps things exciting and ensures I’m constantly learning.

Q.3 Can you share a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?

I’m incredibly proud to have been part of the Liverpool Festival Gardens project, especially as it earned the 2023 Brownfield Briefing Award for “Best Sustainable Re-use of Materials.”

The collaboration and support from the entire team throughout this project made the experience even more rewarding, and winning the award was the cherry on top.

Q.4 What unique challenges have you encountered in your role as an Environmental Engineer, and how did you overcome them?

Coming from a different academic background, I initially found it challenging to understand the remediation technologies VertaseFLI uses. The scale of active sites was also daunting when I first started.

Fortunately, I was able to complete various training courses, including CAT & Genny, Emergency First Aid, and SMSTS, among others. I also took a free online CL:AIRE course on Remediation Technologies, which provided valuable insights into the broader spectrum of remediation.

The combination of training, support from colleagues, and hands-on experience helped build my confidence and technical knowledge.

Q.5 How do you stay updated on new trends, technologies, and practices in environmental engineering?

I find LinkedIn to be a great resource for staying informed about industry trends. I’ve also attended Yorkshire Contaminated Land Forum events, Environmental Conferences, and guided Lab Tours, all of which have been insightful.

At VertaseFLI, our technical department hosts annual Engineers Days, where we participate in discussions, hear from guest speakers, and share knowledge. These events are incredibly rewarding and help us stay at the forefront of the industry.

Q.6 What key skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in this industry?

Collaboration and communication are critical. You also need a genuine passion for the industry, reliability, responsibility, and a commitment to doing your best both as an individual and as part of a team.

From her beginnings as a site picker to becoming an award-winning Environmental Engineer, Sam Filkins embodies the core values of VertaseFLI: collaboration, commitment, and a passion for sustainable solutions. 

Her story is a testament to the opportunities available in the environmental engineering field and the importance of embracing challenges with determination and curiosity.

We’re proud to have Sam on our team, and we’re excited to see what she achieves next!