- Work Hard
- 19th Aug 2026
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From alpaca farmer to archaeologist – Meet the people behind Northumberland’s most unique jobs
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When people think about careers in Northumberland, they might picture 9-5 office jobs, teaching or working in retail.
But beyond the everyday lies a world of fascinating professions that are as varied as the county itself.
From excavating Roman treasures beneath Hadrian’s Wall to rescuing injured hedgehogs, raising alpacas, protecting communities as a firefighter and helping shape the future of renewable energy, Northumberland is home to people whose working lives are anything but ordinary.
We spoke to six inspiring locals who prove that there’s no single route to a fulfilling career and whose stories might just encourage others to follow their passions.
STEVE OWENS – THE FIREFIGHTER KEEPING NORTHUMBERLAND SAFE
For more than three decades, Steve Owens, a recently retired on-call (retained) firefighter with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, has been answering emergency call-outs while balancing family life and a career outside the fire service. Like many on-call firefighters, Steve responded to incidents from his local station while continuing in his primary job, providing emergency cover in towns and rural areas across Northumberland
His commitment to helping others began when he was just 24 years old.
“I originally joined to become part of something local that truly served my community,” he explains. “What drew me in most was the opportunity to learn new skills, work alongside a highly skilled team and make a real difference to people’s lives.”
While many people associate firefighting with dramatic emergencies, much of the role involves prevention work, safety checks and supporting local residents.
“There have been countless rewarding moments throughout my 32 years of service, sometimes it’s the major incidents you remember, but often it’s the quieter moments – the conversations, the gratitude and the reassurance you can offer people – that stay with you the longest.”
Steve’s advice for anyone considering a career in the Northumberland Fire Service?
“Give it a try. You never know just how valuable you could be until you take that first step and ask the question.”
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters, encouraging people who live or work close to their local station to consider this rewarding role.
DR MARTA ALBERTI – DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DIGGING INTO HISTORY AT VINDOLANDA
For Dr Marta Alberti, Deputy Director of Excavations at Vindolanda, work involves uncovering stories that have been buried for almost 2,000 years.
The Italian archaeologist has spent years helping to reveal some of the most significant Roman discoveries ever made in Britain.
“I have been excavating at Vindolanda since 2015, and I have been lucky to witness many fantastic discoveries,” she says, recalling the discovery of Roman swords, boxing gloves and mysterious iron ‘hippo sandals’.
Despite the excitement of uncovering ancient artefacts, Dr Marta says archaeology is often very different from what people see on television.
“Finding something extraordinary is not a guarantee, but the fruit of patience and hard work.”
Her passion for archaeology began during childhood travels with her parents in Italy, where Roman history was all around her.
Today, she hopes more young people will consider a future in archaeology.
Marta’s advice for anyone considering a career in archaeology?
“There are hundreds of ways to get into archaeology, from fieldwork to pottery specialism to digital humanities, there is really something for everyone. Do not let anyone tell you that being an archaeologist is a bad idea.”
she says.
ANTHONY JOHNSON – THE SENIOR REGISTRATION OFFICER SUPPORTING NORTHUMBERLAND THROUGH LIFE’S BIGGEST MOMENTS
For Anthony Johnson, Senior Registration Officer for Northumberland Council, work means guiding people through some of the biggest days of their lives, from a baby’s first cry to a couple’s wedding vows to the loss of a loved one.
The former primary school teacher joined the Ceremony Coordination Team in Alnwick 10 years ago, and says no two days are ever the same.
“All Registrars would say that meeting members of the public and helping them through some of the most difficult, emotional and stressful times in their lives is the reason we love our jobs.”
The role demands real emotional range. Anthony has gone from registering a birth one morning to conducting a wedding in a hospital for a couple where one partner didn’t have long to live.
“The most important thing is that, whether it’s a wedding or a death registration, it’s not about us. The focus is always on the people we work with.” He adds.
He’s officiated ceremonies dressed as Gandalf, and finds the greatest reward in citizenship ceremonies, welcoming new British citizens into the community.
Anthony’s advice for anyone considering a career in registration services?
“They’ll understand how important our job is to people going through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and knowing we can help them is more reward than we could hope for.”
DEBBIE RIPPON – LIFE ON HER ALPACA FARM
At Barnacre Alpacas, Debbie Rippon has built a career that’s a little different from most. Nestled in the Northumberland countryside, her farm is home to a herd of alpacas that have become a popular attraction for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What began as a fascination with the gentle animals has grown into a successful business that combines farming, tourism and animal welfare. From caring for the alpacas and maintaining the land to welcoming guests for walks and experiences, no two days are ever quite the same.
“Alpacas are incredibly calming animals to be around; they’re naturally inquisitive, each one has its own character, and they bring so much joy to the people who visit us.”
Debbie says.
For Debbie, one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is seeing the positive impact the animals have on others.
“People arrive stressed and busy, but after spending time with the alpacas, you can see them relax. Watching that transformation is one of the best parts of what we do.”
Debbie’s advice to anyone considering a career with animals?
Don’t be afraid to follow an unconventional path. With passion, hard work and a willingness to learn, an unusual interest can become a rewarding career.
We caught up with Debbie to find out more, read our full feature.
DAN MONK – THE ASTRONOMER GUIDING STARGAZERS UNDER NORTHUMBERLAND’S DARK SKIES
For Dan Monk, an astronomer at Kielder Observatory, work happens after dark, guiding visitors through the region’s famously clear night skies.
His fascination with space began around the age of 10, sparked by star charts and constellation maps.
“I remember one day wandering over to have a look through the telescope, and I saw Saturn for the first time. Seeing the rings of Saturn was amazing.”
Dan says.
Dan never expected to turn that passion into a career. He started volunteering at Kielder Observatory in 2012 and was later offered a full-time role as astronomer and science communicator, a job he still holds 13 years on.
“I’m essentially a guide for people to experience the dark skies. That’s essentially what I do.”
A typical night involves an hour-long talk, a tour of the observatory’s equipment and meteorite collection, then stargazing for as long as the weather allows.
Dan’s advice for anyone considering a career in astronomy?
“Just get out and practice, and look at the sky and find a dark sky to build from,” he says, adding that university study in physics and maths opens the door for those wanting to become research astronomers, while teaching, museum and science communication roles offer another route in.
CAROLE CATCHPOLE – THE CHARITY FOUNDER WHO HAS RESCUED THOUSANDS OF HEDGEHOGS
While many people spend their retirement slowing down, Carole has done the opposite. At 82 years old, she continues to dedicate her life to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing hedgehogs across Northumberland, having helped thousands of the prickly creatures over the years.
What began as a love of wildlife grew into a lifelong commitment to animal welfare, setting up her charity, Northumberland Hedgehog Rescue Trust. From caring for orphaned hoglets to nursing injured hedgehogs back to health, no two days are the same. The role requires patience, resilience and a genuine passion for helping animals, often involving early mornings, late nights and emergency call-outs.
Despite the demands, Carole says seeing a hedgehog return to the wild makes it all worthwhile.
“Seeing them recover and knowing they have a second chance is the most rewarding feeling,” she says.
Carole’s advice to anyone considering a career with animals?
Carole hopes her story inspires others to consider careers in wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Whether through volunteering, veterinary nursing, ecology, rehabilitation or charity work, there are countless ways to make a difference.
Her advice is simple: start small, stay curious and never underestimate the impact one person can have. “If you care about wildlife, there’s always a way to help,” she says.
We caught up with Carole to find out more, read our full feature.
NIAMH DOUGAN – MARKETING THE FUTURE AT PORT OF BLYTH
As Marketing Executive at the Port of Blyth, Niamh Dougan is helping put Northumberland on the map. Her role involves promoting everything from offshore wind projects and renewable energy developments to community initiatives and major industry events.
“No two days are the same,” Niamh says. “One day I might be preparing content from a major offshore energy project, and the next I could be supporting a stakeholder event or helping organise a community initiative.”
A big part of her job is helping people understand the scale of what happens at the Port and its role in supporting the UK’s energy transition. Through campaigns, social media and events, she helps tell the story of a region leading the way in clean energy innovation.
Niamh’s advice to anyone considering a career in marketing?
“I think that shows there are different pathways into marketing careers, and you don’t necessarily need to start in a traditional marketing role straight away.”
“Confidence, enthusiasm and a positive attitude can go a long way in marketing careers.”.
FOLLOWING YOUR OWN PATH
Although their jobs could hardly be more different, these Northumberland professionals share something important in common: none of them followed a standard blueprint.
Whether it’s excavating Roman forts, rescuing wildlife, farming alpacas, protecting communities or promoting the region’s clean-energy future, each career began with curiosity, commitment and a willingness to try something different.
As Northumberland continues to evolve, it’s people like these who show that success isn’t about fitting into a mould – it’s about finding your passion, embracing opportunities and making a positive difference in the place you call home.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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