Name: Vanessa
Role Title: Environmental Scientist
Location: Goulburn Valley Water

Description of work undertaken: Vanessa coordinates wastewater, ground water and soil sampling programs at Goulburn Valley Water waste water treatment plants. Vanessa has been heavily involved with the research in the use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation purposes. This has involved writing site management plans for properties using reclaimed water. Vanessa has always had a keen interest in Agriculture, animal husbandry and the environment

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Vanessa's individual responsibilities include; using wastewater sampling data to compare with EPA licence criteria. Vanessa also reports to the EPA if specific wastewater treatment plants do not comply with appropriate regulations. In addition, Vanessa uses waste water data to produce monthly reports for GVW staff and the GVW Board.

Future? According to Vanessa the authority is moving toward land based re-use rather than discharging wastewater into rivers. Therefore Vanessa believes that her role in extension work to farmers using wastewater for irrigation will increase indefinitely. More over, Vanessa's research in creating site management plans will also intensify. Vanessa reports to the EPA if specific wastewater treatment plants do not comply with appropriate regulations

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where?
Vanessa grew up in Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria. Her family owned a hobby farm where Vanessa spent the majority of the time riding horses and caring for a small heard of beef cattle amongst many other animals they had on the farm. Vanessa has always had a keen interest in Agriculture, animal husbandry and the environment.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
Vanessa has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture), An Associate Diploma of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management and is currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management.

Work experience:
Vanessa has worked at a variety of National Parks across Victoria; she has worked with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment with the Animal Health Department. Vanessa has also been involved working with the Waterwatch program with Goulburn Valley Water.

OPPORTUNITIES:
Further study:
Vanessa is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
Vanessa has found that many tasks are learnt on the job (eg. Field sampling for wastewater). New skills and knowledge are developed almost daily.

Travel, etc.
Vanessa travels to various locations around the Goulburn Broken Catchment.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Vanessa suggests that students should utilise any opportunities to work, learn or do work experience in areas that interest them.

VCE students
Vanessa believes that VCE students should keep their options open, she suggests doing at least one maths and one science subject at VCE level. Vanessa also urges that students should do voluntary work in an industry they wish to develop a career in.

Tertiary students
Again, Vanessa believes that students should do as much work experience as possible to get an idea of what career field area they wish to persevere.

OTHER:
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Soil Agronomists, Rural Merchandise Stores, Field Officers, Facilitators, Lab research, Agricultural journalism.