Research and collation of known responses of threatened fauna to fire

Undergraduate demonstrator and casual lecturer, teaching the following subjects;- Marine and Aquatic Ecology (3rd yr)- Invertebrate Biology (3rd yr)- Ecology (2nd yr)- Principals of Zoology (2nd yr)- Wildlife Studies (1st yr)- Comparative Physiology (2nd yr)

Autonomous running of field-based experiments primarily related to understanding the mechanisms and functions of colouration in the Mountain Katydid (Acripeza reticulata). This research predominantly involves field-based experiments in Kosciusko National Park NSW to determine the role of colouration and toxicity in the defence mechanisms of the Mountain Katydid. Experiments included: Behavioural assays (including food choice assays), field-based predation trials (using live and model katydids) and mapping of their geographic range. I also was involved in the training and supervision of summer scholarship students and volunteers in the field, who assisted both with my research and carried out their own projects.

- Assisting in capture and transporting of kangaroos- Field surveys for kangaroos and emus- Capture recapture surveys- Body condition checks- Wildlife herding

Forest to Foreshore specialises in the management and restoration of indigenous bush land reserves in south eastern Victoria.Using a holistic approach, we incorporated a large array of different methodology to achieve this, which often includes practices such as hand weeding, brush cutting, cut and paint, woody weed removal (i.e. through hand removal & using chainsaws) and herbicide spraying. We supplement these management practices with flora and fauna assessment on our sites (e.g. species lists, mapping of habitat trees, broad scale mapping of significant weeds) and habitat restoration (i.e. planting & nest box installation). Finally, I ran fox baiting programs (including camera trapping at bait stations to detect other species present in the areas).

As events coordinator at Bunnings Warehouse I promoted engagement with the local community through weekly family and special interest group events and coordination of good and services donation to local community groups. As part of this role I was responsible for the following work;- Organising and running of special events for over 400 customer including entertainment, workshops, catering, rostering of staff and liaising with suppliers and community groups. - Maintaining and updating the website and in store advertising for upcoming events and activities- Managing of monthly budget to meet targets set by head office- Managing incoming donation requests, liaising with community groups and organising good and services donations to groups.

DEPI and Parks Victoria are the primary organisations responsible for suppression of bushfires on private land. Seasonal fire fighters are employed each year to help undertake such work. As part of this role I was responsible for the following work;- Bush fire suppression through controlled burning, clearing of control lines. This is achieved predominately through chainsawing and slashing.- Operation of pump systems and other fire truck equipment in 'wet fire fighting' practices. - Traffic management and contractor supervision- Advanced four wheel drive operation - Navigation from maps and gps’

Animals On The Move is a mobile farm specialising in native and farm animal educational sessions. As part of this role I was responsible for the following work; - Public education and demonstrations on the ecology and biology of the animals, for often over several hundred customers (children and adult) - Transportation and care of the native animals, including care on the business farm.

As work experience, I assisted to the ‘Natural Values Team Leader’ for a period of 8 months. My involvement in the roll included;- Assisting in liaising with the public and contractors- Assessment of newly acquired sites- Planning of and overseeing of bushland & waterway rehabilitation work- Spraying of weeds in ecologically sensitive areas- Meetings with community groups- Fox baiting- Supervision of bird feeding zone at Grants Picnic ground- Opening and closing of park.I also took complete responsibility of the following;- Creation of weed identification guides for employees- Mapping of fuel breaks and areas of proposed work for contractors (e.g. areas for weedmanagement) through the Fireweb system.