Name: Kim
Role Title: Environmental Scientist (Private Consultant)
Location:Sinclair Knight Merz, Tatura

Description of work undertaken: Examples of some of the main tasks Kim carries out include; environmental assessments and development of management recommendations, field work such assessing the health of local and interstate waterways, and working with landholders in the implementation of Salinity Management Plan. Other tasks include desktop research, community consultation, identifying sustainable land use practices suitable to different regions, and monitoring progress in greenhouse issues.

Kim conducting an environmental assessment

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Kim's individual role is to act as Project Officer and to be an effective team member. Other responsibilities include managing small budget projects and coordinating with other team members to achieve project goals.

Future?
Kim is unsure of her future career footsteps. She believes that she will take what ever comes her way.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Kim grew up in Hamilton, Victoria. Kim believes that growing up in a rural setting has nurtured a passion for the environment. This has prompted Kim toward an interest in Integrated Systems Management. She has chosen a Biology related career choice in an attempt to contribute to the development of improved land use practices for the sake of the environment.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Kim has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Aquatic Science; Natural Resources Management (Honours)

Secondary:
Kim believes that no science courses were encouraged while she attended Secondary School, however an environmental focus was emphasised.

Work experience:
Kim has completed work experience at the CSIRO - Shather Shark Fishery Research in Hobart, Tasmania. Kim had also worked at Underwater World as a Marine Aquarium Assistant at Hillaries, Western Australia.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Kim wishes to complete a Diploma in Education to allow expansion of employment and career opportunities, and to tackle environmental issues from an alternative perspective.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Kim believes that she is constantly learning new concepts and on-the-job-skills, which are different to her general background and expertise.

Travel, etc.
Kim predominately travels in the Goulburn Valley and extended Murray Darling Basin Area. Kim occasionally travels interstate to places such as Bateman's Bay in New South Wales.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Kim suggests to students that they should think about subjects that are interesting to them and they enjoy the most. She believes that students should consider how these subject choices relate to the world around them, and what potential they have to offer in future employment opportunities and self-fulfilment.

VCE students
Kim believes students should select courses which best cater for their future aspirations. Kim also suggests that students should be aware that further education is not the only option and that it may not suit every individual. Kim believes that whatever path students decide to follow, they should do it confidently and with enthusiasm. If they have a passion for the Environment, Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management she believes it is a terrific and worthwhile area to direct their energy.

Tertiary students
Kim believes that students have battled mighty hard and eaten numerous meals of two-minute noodles to get this far in life. Therefore, they should keep at it and try not to loose sight of their goals. Kim believes the planet's future relies on research, education and better management. She says we need young people out there, qualified and ready to go.

OTHER:
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Other graduates have found work as Catchment managers, Waterways managers, Education roles, Aquaculture, Fisheries Officers, Research Scientists, Environmental Protection Officers and Landcare / Waterwatch Co-ordinators.