'Everything within Waardenburg Ecology is done with enthusiasm'

Dirk Spruijt,
Researcher-Analyst Aquatic Ecology

In the third year of my study of Applied Biology, I had already done an internship at (then) Bureau Waardenburg and I liked it: the type of projects, the collegiality, the innovative character. This all matched the way I was used to working from my studies. For me, enough reasons to send an open application after graduating.

What kind of work do you do exactly?

The first 3.5 years of my time at Waardenburg Ecology I mainly did fish work: fish stock monitoring on rivers and in floodplains by means of electro- or seine fishing. But also macrofauna sampling, both marine and fresh. A lot of field work; I really enjoyed that. Then I decided that I wanted to see more of the world. I got a year of unpaid leave and went travelling through Australia. After that year I was not finished with the country and decided to quit my job at Waardenburg Ecology to travel further.

When I got home I first had another job, but my passion lay more in ecological research and I was allowed to return to Waardenburg Ecology. Now I am more widely deployable in the field of Aquatic Ecology, for example I do more amphibian research and I have started performing quick scans. In these fields I work with the more experienced colleagues and I do more and more myself.
Dirk at work

What do you like most about your job?

I really enjoy being broadly deployable. I do all kinds of work within aquatic ecology, from fish and amphibian monitoring to dropcam research. In addition, I broaden my ecological knowledge by performing quick scans that cover all kinds of species groups. At first, that seemed like a lot, but I am becoming more and more familiar with it.

I also like having multiple trajectories. In addition to the existing work that I do, I am also in a learning trajectory for amphibian research and performing quick scans. I really wanted that. During the results & development discussions that I regularly have with my manager, I indicated this. Together we made a plan for this. I am very happy that there is room for that.

What do you like most about working at Waardenburg Ecology?

Doing what I like best: being outside with nature and doing my bit in the field of sustainability, ecology and nature restoration. There is a lot of flexibility within Waardenburg Ecology, within the agreements you can organize your work the way you want. I also like the collegiality, you can ask anyone anything. We are an accessible organization, which makes it easy for everyone to drop in and get a lot of information.

What is typical of Waardenburg Ecology?

Due to the size of the organization, we can do small things, but also very large projects in which you see and learn a lot. Everything is done with the same enthusiasm and skill.

What would you like to say to people who are considering applying to Waardenburg Ecology

Are you looking for a company with challenges, fun colleagues and cool projects, apply to Waardenburg Ecology!