Utain Pummatin, 28, nature educator at the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST)
Tell us a bit of what you do.
I’m a communicator who teaches about animals in thier natural environment to a non-expert audience from the ages of five and above.
Why a nature educator?
Im happy when I get to pass on knowledge to youngsters, open them up to the world of nature and impress on them a love for nature. I can also work as a biologist in the lab with lots of chemicals and test tubes, but I like having my lab in the forest instead.
What kind of skills do you need for this job?
You need to know how to manage outdoor activities with regards to certain age group. For example, children under six years old can only concentrate for up to about 30 to 45 minutes. So I have to create activities that capture their attention. For instance, when I had to guide them on a rally (a nature walk), I used QR codes to give them clues on how to solve riddles.
What equipment do you need?
A telescope with a tripod, binoculars to find a bird’s position, headlamp and a field guide of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, but these days you can also find it on the Internet. I also need a laser pointer—a green light to point out the bird's’ position to the kids.
What’s the best part about this job?
I get to work and travel at the same time. Its also a privilege to have my lab and classroom in the forest.
What’s the hardest thing you have to deal with?
Dealing with politics and policies on conservation created by people who are irresponsible or don’t have any knowledge on wildlife and the environment. For example, earlier this year in Kokam (30 minutes away from Bangkok), land was bought to make a solar farm that can potentially affect the food source and existence of the chai len pak chon (Thai spoon-billed sandpiper), an endangered bird species. We had to contact them on behalf of the foundation and tell them about this issue. Now, the plan has been postponed.