Name: Kylie
Role Title: Technical Officer, Pathology and Sustainable Agriculture
Location: DNRE, Tatura

Description of work undertaken: Kylie has a variety of tasks in her role as a Technical Officer. Some of the specific duties include the analysis of root diseases in crops, investigation of pests and disease in crops, research into soil structure, soil properties, sustainable crop production, irrigation systems and crop rotation systems. Kylie has always had a keen interest in the outdoors, environment and the country way of life

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
As Technical Officer, Kylie's role is to provide technical support in Sustainable Agriculture, science research in pathology and some administrative support.

Future?
In the future Kylie would like to be involved in extension within the local community on whole farm planning and irrigation.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Kylie grew up in Adelaide and Melbourne. She has always had a keen interest in the outdoors, environment and the country way of life. So, instead of being trapped in the city, Kylie decided to study at The University of Melbourne, Dookie College completing a degree in Natural Resource Management.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Kylie has completed an Advanced Certificate in Natural Resource Management, a Diploma of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management and currently completing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management.

Secondary:
Kylie's secondary school had no particular environmental, outdoor or agricultural subjects. During VCE Kylie studied Biology, English, Literature and Physical Education. Kylie believes the basics in science and math helped her through parts of her university course.

Work experience:
Kylie had work experience at a variety of locations. She has worked at Silvan Reservoir (Melbourne Parks and Waterways) completing tasks such as revegetation works and fauna surveys, Kinglake National Park (DNRE) conducting general ranger duties, DNRE and Fraser Island National Park (QNPWS), completing fauna surveys, public relations work, patrols and general ranger duties.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Kylie would like to complete a Diploma in Education in the near future to become involved with environmental education and teaching at secondary schools.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
As Technical Officer, Kylie has learnt a number of new skills on the job. These include; Aseptic techniques, soil analysis procedures, pest and disease identification, work place techniques and skills.

Travel, etc.
Kylie has many opportunities to travel in the North East Victoria and Southern New South Wales. Presently, Kylie travels to farmers' properties in Kerang, Boort, Jerilderie, Rochester and Colbinabbin.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Kylie suggests to students that they should have fun and be social. She believes that students should gradually build up their study skills from year to year, so VCE will not be as difficult to deal with.

VCE students
Kylie advises students to choose subjects that are interesting and challenging at the same time. She believes that students should look ahead to courses of interest following VCE and also suggests that students make the most of those two years to be able to look back and say "I did the best I could."

Tertiary students
Kylie advises students to work hard with their studies and to gain as much practical experience as possible. She said don't be afraid to change the path you are on, because many people do not end up in their selected career area.

OTHER:
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Fisheries, mining, GIS/remote sensing, consultancy, teaching, research scientists, farming, ground water research, herpetologists.