Name: Dale
Role Title: Technical Officer
Location: DNRE Tatura

Description of work undertaken: Dale monitors and processes data that is utilised for the mapping of tile drains and ground water. Team and / or individual role / responsibilities: Some of Dale's responsibilities include processing data for salinity management plans and converting this data to Arcview maps that are stored on CD-ROM.

Dale processes data for salinity management plans

Future?
In the future Dale hopes to be involved in more agronomy work and also surveying and monitoring vegetation, weeds and fauna. [Since this interview, Dale has moved within DNRE to a cropping agronomy position in Cobram.]

BACKGROUND: Grew up where? Dale grew up on a farm in Calivil, Victoria and this influenced his selection of a career in the agricultural field. He attended Dookie College because a friend recommended it. Course(s) studied: Tertiary /post secondary: Dale has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture) at The University of Melbourne, Dookie College.

Secondary:
Dale believes that his selected VCE course at East Loddon High School was directed toward agriculture, however was not directly related to university preparation. Dale's VCE subjects included; English, Maths, Agriculture & Horticulture, Biology and Physical Education.

Work experience:
Dale worked as Field Officer at DNRE whilst at University. He also worked as a gardener in secondary school.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Dale believes there are plenty of opportunities for him to conduct further study in the future. He also wishes attend additional short courses through his work.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Dale has learned Information Technology skills utilising Global Information Systems programs such as Arcview. Dale also completed a 'Working in Confined Spaces' training course with DNRE as part as OH&S awareness.

Travel, etc.
As a Technical Officer based in Tatura, Dale travels around the Goulburn Valley Region.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Dale suggests that younger students should keep an open mind and broader perspective about their future and consider careers with promising employment prospects in the future but he also said to choose a career they will enjoy.

VCE students
Dale believes that students should carefully choose subjects that relate to their future (if known) and their interests.

Tertiary students
Dale thinks students should undertake as much work experience as possible, even if they don't find it enjoyable. He said that the more on-job experience students have, the better chance they have of obtaining employment.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Dale suggests that if students get an opportunity to attend university they should go for it. Dale believes they will not regret the decision.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Examples. Agronomists, Field Officers, Agricultural services, Nutritionist, Farmers and Scientists.