Name: David
Title/role: Hydrologist and systems modeller
Location: Tatura

Description of work undertaken
It is more than hydrology. The work involves conceptualising how different parts of the world work and representing it with computer models. The work is office based at a computer, but also involves interacting with teams of colleagues to draw on their views of the world for the modelling.

Course studied
A combined Environmental Engineering and Science degree at The University of Melbourne.

David has recently worked on a project called Irrigation Futures of the Goulburn Broken Catchment which explored different scenarios for the future irrigated agriculture and associated industries in the region. He worked with a team including other research scientists, for example in soil and water management, economists, farmers, social scientists, geographers (GIS) and extension staff (who work with farmers to implement natural resource management strategies at farm and community levels).

The work was interesting and enjoyable because of its value to agricultural based industry in the region, the potential for the application of scenario planning methodology to other issues and some personal challenges and highlights. David found this work challenging to his engineering background because there was no defined problem, rather a collection of ideas. One of the highlights was observing the change in participants’ thinking, for example in attitudes to lifestyle farmers. 

As a result of this work, land and water managers in the region can plan and make changes to the way things are done.  One example is that the Catchment Management Authority is considering the future management of groundwater pumping.

The other exciting aspect of the work is the opportunity to apply the learning about scenario planning to other issues. The research team has now commenced a project on the impact of climate change in south west Victoria. 
David is currently completing his PhD which he has been able to combine with his work at DPI. He has used a traditional modelling approach, integrating science and ‘on-ground’ experience to assess the effectiveness of catchment management at a location in the Shepparton Irrigation Region.

Advice to students
Study what you like and are good at. Grab opportunities that come your way as you never know where they will lead.
Somewhat ironically, one opportunity that came David’s way during work placement was to look at the risk of dam wall failure due to floods at Lake Eildon.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Project management and consulting with companies such as Deloitte; engineering and other roles in government and private organisations (EPA, DSE, DPI, SKM); specific projects such as modelling the dynamics of water flow in Gippsland Lakes and farming.

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