Name: Lexie
Role Title: Part time Ranger and university student
Location: Dookie Bushland Reserve, The University of Melbourne, Dookie College

Lexie is a Ranger of 270 hectares of Bushland Reserve

Description of work undertaken: At present Lexie is a Ranger of 270 hectares of Bushland area. Some of her interesting duties include regular fence checks (electrified), pest plant and animal control, fauna identification (spotlighting) and community education. Team and / or individual role / responsibilities: Lexie is primarily responsible for the preservation and protection of the Dookie Bushland Reserve and to educate people about this resource.

Future?
Lexie finishes her position as Ranger in July 2000. Consequently, she is searching for further work in this type of field including rehabilitation and revegetation.

BACKGROUND: Grew up where? Lexie grew up in Melbourne. However, worked at Mount Hotham during summer periods for five years conducting revegetation programs. Course(s) studied: Tertiary /post secondary: Bachelor of Applied Science (Natural Resource Management).

Secondary:
Nothing in particular, Environmental classes were not around in 1986 (HSC completed).

Work experience:
Lexie has worked at Mount Hotham for five years during summer periods conducting revegetation programs. She has also held a ranger position at the Dookie Bushland Reserve for three years.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Lexie believes that students should study hard with core subjects and receive advice on career opportunities for the future.

VCE students
Lexie suggests that VCE students should target their education toward primary interest areas and investigate all aspects in relation to what career or course they should endeavour.

Tertiary students
Lexie considers that obtaining as much work experience (voluntary or paid) as possible in selected field areas is considerably important for future employment.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Lexie believes that students should make their presence known to people in selected industries and they should create as many personal contacts as they can.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Catchment managers, Landcare facilitators, Rangers, pest plant and animal managers.