Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
School of Natural and Built Environments
School of Natural and Built Environments
Year of Graduation:
2003
Current Employer: SA Water
Current Job Title: I am currently employed as a Graduate
Project Officer
(but will soon be starting as position as an Environmental Project
Officer)
Honours: No
Most memorable experience on the degree program:
During my degree I was awarded a summer scholarship with SA Water in
early 2003. The scholarship involved conducting propagation
experiments for a difficult to grow native species called
Lepidosperma semiteres. The research was needed to assist with
establishing this important understorey species for a SA Water
revegetation project at Mt Bold Reservoir Reserve. This experience
opened the door for me to start my career in the SA public sector.
What do you do on a daily basis?
The graduate program is designed to give participants a chance to
work in different business units on various project assignments to
fast track graduate knowledge and skills. Thus far I have worked
within the ‘green’ business areas in SA Water including the
Sustainable Business Unit and Land Management Unit.
Development of a corporate Environmental Management System (EMS) procedure for native vegetation clearance approvals during construction works, operation and maintenance activities
Assistance with environmental impact assessments including on site assessments and managing contracts
Coordinating a Green Corps project at Mt Bold Reservoir Reserve involving weed removal, water quality monitoring, development of environmental interpretation signage and seed collection and propagation of locally indigenous species
Undertaking a fire track assessment in all eight SA Water reservoir reserves in the Mt Lofty Ranges to implement the State Government Guidelines for Fire Breaks and Fire Access Tracks.
What do you like best about
working in the environmental sector?
I believe it’s a different career path. I like the fact you can work on
projects that you personally enjoy, and make a positive contribution to an
important cause. It’s great to work both in the field and the office, and
work with people who share the same passions as you. The best thing is the
constant change: Every year more is discovered about the function of
ecological systems, and new practical solutions are raised to help
rehabilitate degraded environments and solve environmental challenges.
Change within industry makes environmental management jobs interesting…you
never know what’s around the corner.
What sort of qualities do you need to work in this field?
I believe the most important thing is to be passionate, motivated and really
enjoy what you do; then you will excel in any area of work. Specifically
though, you should have a good knowledge of environmental principles, good
problem solving, and practical skills, to deal with environmental challenges
and help solve them.
