UXO Risk Assessor – why it’s perfect for history graduates

By Rosie Grist

Introduction

Graduation season has come around again, along with the question from all sides of ‘what will you do now you’ve finished university?’

Looking for a graduate role has become no less daunting in the two years since I graduated with a BA in History and Ancient History.  I was determined to look for a grad role that would offer me the excitement and fulfilment of learning more about the subject I loved but also an opportunity to grow and develop in the working world.

After some time searching, I found both at Zetica as an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) risk assessor.  In this blog, I hope to highlight some of the reasons why a role most people have never heard of can be the perfect opportunity for a recent graduate.

Graduation: wondering what’s next

So, what is it?

While the words ‘Unexploded Ordnance’ bring forth images of evacuated streets and bomb disposal squads, the desk-based role of the UXO Risk Assessor isn’t quite as glamorous.  What it is, however, is crucial to ensuring our clients’ projects progress efficiently and safely.

Day-to-day, I work on preliminary and detailed UXO risk assessments, which form the first and second stage of the UXO risk assessment and mitigation pathway.

Preliminary UXO risk assessments involve consulting readily available records to determine if a UXO hazard may be present on or in the vicinity of a site.  If we decide that further research to understand the potential UXO hazard, we will recommend a detailed risk assessment.

A detailed UXO risk assessment is where the deep, meticulous research process lies.  Through consulting archival records, historical aerial photography, plans, maps, and various other sources, we work to determine whether there is a potential source of UXO hazard on a site.

Where the magic happens: the UXO Risk Assessor’s desk

After the research is finished, we’ll present our findings in a report, which is then issued to the client.  If a UXO hazard is identified, we’ll recommend appropriate risk mitigation options.  The detailed desk study acts as the key intelligence with which the team plan their next steps, depending on the identified UXO hazard and the risk to the client’s works.

The perfect intersection

Most people have never heard of a UXO risk assessor, and it certainly never came up in my degree!  Today, I often find myself explaining what it is and exactly why it scratches all the metaphorical itches I had after graduating with my history degree.

As a history graduate, you often get asked what you can do with such a qualification.  The common explanation I always offered to interested parties was that history is an extraordinarily applicable subject: the skills of analysis, argument and research are invaluable to many industries and specialities.

However, what I really wanted was a role which would offer me not only the opportunity to apply my skills while making real-world contributions but also the chance to continue absorbing the subject matter that I enjoyed so much at university.

Being a UXO risk assessor offers a truly endless well for research and knowledge.  On any given day, I consult hand-written reports, read through meticulously typewritten papers, and watch the evolution of Britain from above through historical aerial photography.

Regular archive trips: perusing papers often more than 80 years old

Every site is different, whether it be in terms of location, history of military use, or nature of records.  Each time I undertake a desk study, I can really dig my teeth into its unique history.  This variety and never-ending opportunity to research and learn is what, in my opinion, makes the role ideal for a passionate history graduate.

There’s more on offer!

Outside of the research, there are many aspects of the role and the wider Zetica team which drew me in during the interview process and the beginning of my employment.

Zetica focuses on professional development and a structured onboarding process.  You’re never alone when researching – colleagues welcome questions and always offer expertise.

Bigger projects offer the chance to work collaboratively with more experienced members of the team, something I’ve really enjoyed over the last few months.

Furthermore, there’s invaluable opportunities to gain experience of GIS systems, absorb knowledge of risk mitigation methods and technical processes, and finally build familiarity with the construction industry.  This ensures that after some time in this role, you’ll be in possession of a valuable and unique set of skills.

The future

Two years on from graduation and looking forward to what the next year has to offer, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the UXO team.

If you’re interested in a new role, we’d love you to get in touch.  We always welcome speculative applicants with relevant backgrounds, so send over a CV to recruitment@zetica.com and we look forward to hearing from you!