Supervising a multidisciplinary team in delivering biodiversity conservation, soil and water and technical programs, policy advice and support to ensure ecologically sustainable forest management outcomes.This role involves the design and implementation of environmental monitoring, mapping, research and technology programs, including working with a range of other government agencies and independent experts. It includes providing expert support to changes to environmental regulations in NSW native forests, including advice on the necessary protections for native species, habitats, soils and waterways. The provision of technical support to operational teams pivotal to the success of regulatory programs as well as policy development and advice for the Minister and the EPA and a range of cross government programs.

The role of Operations Officer is within the Central & South Operations Branch of the NSW EPA. The position is responsible for conducting regulatory, stakeholder engagement and extension operations for native forestry activities conducted on both private and crown land within the southern region of NSW. Regulatory activities include conducting proactive and responsive inspection/auditing of areas subject to logging as well as various enforcement actions.Stakeholder engagement and extension involves liaison with both internal and external clients which can include other government agencies, informants, community groups, conservation groups and state-owned corporations. A meticulous understanding of the complex legislative arrangements of environmental regulation of forestry is a necessity. The ability to negotiate between stakeholders in a politically-sensitive, controversial and emotionally-charged environment is a key challenge of the role.It is a role that requires exceptional communication skills both internally and with groups of significant external stakeholders.

The role of Natural Resource Management Project Officer is tasked with the undertaking of environmental assessments, studies and land management planning activities to effectively utilise and maintain NSW Crown Land. This involved the specific provision of environmental management advice to various internal and external clients regarding the land and property issues to ensure awareness of objectives in the negotiation of crown land issues. I had specific responsibilities to carry out a regional project to assess multiple historically contaminated sites on crown land to determine the risk they posed to public who can access the sites and any potential liability faced by the NSW government for their remediation. Other responsibilities include providing technical advice to other internal staff regarding a state-wide compliance project.

Role SummaryAs a Water Regulation Officer, I specialised in investigating and assessing complex floodplain water access applications in compliance with the NSW government Floodplain Harvesting Policy. This role demanded both technical expertise and strong communication skills to balance stakeholder interests and ensure sustainable water management.Key ResponsibilitiesApplication Assessment: Conducted thorough reviews of applications, combining historical analysis, on-site field investigations, and advanced GIS software analysis to make informed recommendations to decision-makers.Stakeholder Engagement: Liaised with landholders and government partners to navigate controversial and politically sensitive water management issues.Advisory & Outreach: Provided expert advice on water resource access, licensing and approvals to clients, staff, and community members.Unique ChallengesComplexity: Managed the balance between intricate applications requiring technical data integration, regulatory knowledge, and environmental considerations.Sensitivity: Addressed challenging water management issues, finding solutions that satisfied diverse and sometimes conflicting stakeholder needs.

Role and Impact:This role directly contributed to sustainable development in the southwest region of Queensland through targeted, consistent, and transparent regulation. Working collaboratively with other professionals, I proactively managed and monitored environmental risks within the department's forward-thinking regulatory framework.Key Responsibilities:Environmental Risk Assessment: Identify and analyse environmental risks, developing insights that contribute to implementing proactive environmental protection strategies.Compliance Promotion: Facilitate compliance with environmental regulations through effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders. I provided targeted advice and negotiated with industry representatives, government agencies, and community groups.Environmental Audits: Conduct rigorous compliance audits to assess adherence to regulations, focusing on areas that impact land, water, air quality, and community well-being.The role requires the identification of environmental risks and includes contributions to the implementation of environmental protection strategies whilst promoting compliance. Responsibilities of the position include undertaking compliance audits, advising and negotiating with a range of stakeholders including industry, government agencies and the community focussing on environmental management issues impacting on land, water, air, & people.

Summary of ExperienceMy role as an environmental scientist at SESL Australia honed significant skills in environmental assessments, regulatory compliance, and project management. Key competencies include:Technical Expertise:Environmental Sampling and Monitoring: Proficiency in sampling, monitoring, and interpreting scientific data within established legislative frameworks.Regulatory Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of legislation and guidelines, including: the NSW waste classifications (Environmental Waste Guidelines DECCW 2009), exemptions (POEO 1997 & POEO Waste Regulation 2005, WARR 2001), sampling guidelines (NSW EPA 1995), contaminated sites (CLM Act 1997), and water quality guidelines (ANZECC 2000 & ADWG 2011).Project Management & Client Relations:Project Lifecycle Management: Proven ability to manage environmental projects from client engagement to completion, prioritizing customer service and exceeding client expectations.Comprehensive Reporting: Extensive experience in authoring technical reports, including preliminary/detailed site assessments, remediation strategies, validation reports, water monitoring programs, waste management programs, environmental impact assessments, and acid sulphate assessments and management plans.Fieldwork & Soil Assessment:Soil Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in soil landscape assessment, soil classification, and application of NSW EPA waste exemptions.

This role primarily involves routine collection and management of hydrometric data from water and wastewater networks. Key responsibilities include:Data Collection and Calibration: Collect hydrometric data, record readings, and perform calibration tasks for hydrometric networks.Equipment Operation: Operate hydrometric equipment and vehicles (both on- and off-road).Data Management: Perform data entry, including inputting data into Hydstra systems.Confined Space Activities: Participate in confined space activities as needed.Training and Development: Undertake training as required to enhance skills and knowledge.Maintenance and Support: Assist with instrumentation test room tasks and equipment maintenance within Sydney Water's operations area.