What's your job about?
I am a graduate in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). This is the Federal Government body that designs policies to protect Australia’s environment.
I am currently undertaking a rotation in the Parks Australia Division and am based Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (UKTNP) in the Northern Territory.
I joined this team as I am passionate about exploring and developing First Nations contribution to the design of environmental policies. I’m working on a project to celebrate the National Park’s achievements over 40 years. For context, in 1985 the Australian Government officially ‘handed back’ the National Park to local Anangu Aboriginal community where they decided to work together and manage the Park for 99 years until it is then solely passed to First Nations to takeover. The Government’s aim is to support the transition to fully hand back the Park to Anangu through providing resources, personnel, and training.
My project is showcasing the contributions of local Anangu over the past 40 years. One of the best things about this job is visiting local the Anangu community and speaking with Aboriginal Elders to gather stories and insights on their life.
What's your background?
I grew up in Sydney and went to Menai High School where I studied Geography in my HSC. From this I discovered my interest in Ecology and understanding how the abiotic elements impact the biosphere. My geography teacher was super passionate about the subject which got me excited to also learn about the impact of climate change on our environment.
As cliché as it sounds, this made me realise that I wanted to explore a career that would help protecting our environment. From this I studied a Bachelor of Science (Ecology) at the University of New South Wales. In my first lecture, I remember our professor saying scientists have lots of research demonstrating environmental degradation but lack the skills to effectively communicate this to politicians and environmental policy makers. This was a knowledge gap I knew I wanted to address. This is where I decided to explore a career designing environmental legislation and policy through the public sector since I believed this was the most effective way, I would make a positive change.
Throughout university, I undertook internships with environmental NGOs including Humans for Earth and Para La Tierra based in India and Paraguay. These internships built my science communication skills as well discover a passion for engaging with Indigenous communities which underpinned my application to DCCEEW’s grad program, which I’ve been enjoying since February!
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely yes! My role isn’t limited to people with a science background and can be tailored to anyone. We have a number of streams available into our graduate program such as STEM, Data, Finance, Legal and Generalist to accommodate a range of students with different education and qualifications. As long as you have the drive to try new things, you will learn most of the skills ‘on the job’ with the support of your supervisor. A new skill I’ve developed is using a government style writing for documents and correspondence for the Australian Government and Parliament.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about my current role is living at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It’s so surreal to wake up every morning and see Uluru outside my bedroom window!
I also get to put my hand up for lots of opportunities including camping out for our annual fauna surveys, observing back burning/fuel reduction burns and visiting animal sanctuaries. I love immersing myself in the Muṯitjulu community here and witnessing how we work together to make a positive impact in protecting Anangu country through the National Park.
What are the limitations of your job?
DCCEEW’s graduate program offers ample opportunities to volunteer in lots of different initiatives around the Department. Sometimes I find that I put my hand on too many and I get overwhelmed, and it takes my energy away from my actual role!
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