Over four fire seasons employed by the Victorian Government's Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, I have developed a strong practical skillset and extensive knowledge in forest and fire management practices. This has involved the management of all of the values of public forests - conservation of biodiversity, recreation, provision of fire wood etc. - as well as proactive fuel management and active wildfire suppression. Over the last year, I have used my experience, skills and leadership to help develop the important Strategic Fuel Break network in the Otways - a project which I am now supervising on-ground.In addition, I am nearing completion of a Master of Forestry (forest policy and management stream) at the Australian National University. This academic component strongly complements my on-ground learnings, allowing me to develop a strong theoretical understanding of the science and policy which underpins land management practices.Prior to work in natural resource management, I studied and worked for several years in architecture and urban sustainability. As a result, I have strong administrational/technological capabilities, ability to solve problems and design solutions, and an ethos for finding the best environmental outcomes.