Environment Careers

BELINDA THOMSON

Current Student - Master of Applied Science (Ecology)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Ecology)

Project Officer, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency

'QUT has the best ecology program in Queensland,' says Belinda Thomas and this is the reason why she studied her chosen field at QUT.

QUT prepared her well for all that is associated with the study of ecology- experimental design, field work, data analysis and scientific report writing. It also provided her with opportunities to liaise with government departments and private enterprise.

Belinda now works as a Project Officer with the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency and still maintains close contact with graduates and academics, enabling her to seek advice or professional assistance if required.

GILBERT PRICE

PhD
Bachelor of Applied Science - Honours (Ecology)

Senior Research Assistant, Quaternary Earth and Water Systems research program, QUT

As a PhD student in the School of Natural Resources within the Faculty of Science, Gilbert led a research team from QUT and the Queensland Museum which found climate change rather than humans was responsible for wiping out giant Australian marsupials or megafauna 40 000 years ago.

Gilbert's incredible discovery was made on the Darling Downs, in south-east Queensland while excavating a well preserved fossil rich site. Previous to Gilbert's unique discovery it was thought that the arrival of humans destroyed the habitats by over hunting and burning the landscape. The research uncovered 44 species ranging from land snails, frogs, lizards and small mammals to giant wombats and kangaroos including many species previously unknown to have occurred in the Darling Downs fossil record.

Gilbert's research attracted worldwide media attention and was featured in newspapers across the globe including The Middle East Times, Wissenschaft (Germany), News 24 (South Africa), Daily Telegraph (UK), Environment News (USA), Hindustan Times (India), and many Australian newspapers including the Sydney Morning Herald.

KIERAN MCANDREW

Double Degree - Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental) / Bachelor of Business (Marketing)

Environmental Officer, Wide Bay Water Corporation

'I learnt a lot through QUT. I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at QUT.'

Kieran enjoys working for a company that recognises the importance of protecting the natural environmental values of the local area. 'It's an exciting time to be an Environmental Officer - exciting because of the challenge this role presents. And I'm glad QUT has given me the knowledge to tackle such a role with confidence.'

Kieran's Career Tip

To get a great job like Kieran's he recommends studying a field of science you are passionate about. 'If you combine passion with a tertiary degree you are not only making yourself more attractive to future employers, but you are allowing yourself to make a positive contribution to whatever field you are passionate about.' Kieran also suggests undertaking extra curricular work like volunteering at non-profit organisations.

REBECCA SCHADE

Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science)

Environmental Scientist, Environmental and Licensing Professionals

Rebecca respects our natural environment and loves working both indoors and out. She is a consultant for Environmental and Licensing Professionals (ELP). She assists clients across an array of different industries from exploration, mining and petroleum companies, to energy, construction and urban development. Rebecca often analyses the impacts of industry and new developments on the environment. Her job takes her on field studies all over the country, and she is as much at home on river banks, at mine sites, rainforests, marine and beach environments, as she is in her central city office.

Rebecca says, 'I believe the environment sciences industry is about to experience a period of immense growth making it a very exciting time to enter the sector.'

Rebecca completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science) and chose QUT because it 'is a well-established university with an excellent reputation, is renowned for high levels of graduate full-time employment and success in preparing students for the "real world", and is well recognised for outstanding teaching and research.'

Rebecca's Career Tip

This type of career is for somebody 'who has an interest in the environmental challenges the planet now faces, and who is looking for an opportunity to learn how to investigate innovative, scientific solutions.'