Dimi Ratnayaka

Project Management

• Managed a series of six-year direct seeding projects for a key corporate client, delivering large-scale habitat restoration in line with best-practice conservation, and threatened species recovery principles. Responsibilities included budget creation and management, project scheduling, and coordination of on-ground work. Conducted ecological surveys and soil sampling to determine optimal site-specific management methods, researched Plant Community Types (PCTs), and threatened species to guide planting plans, and incorporated targeted threatened plant species to enhance biodiversity. Implemented pest control and weed management strategies to reduce key threats, and applied restoration techniques to improve habitat quality for native fauna. Oversaw contractor performance, organised a corporate volunteer planting day, and ensured all works met ecological and legislative requirements.
• Led a land restoration project in Dubbo, planting 3,000 trees to improve Macquarie River health. Overcame a tight budget and remote project challenges (as I am based in Sydney) by effectively coordinating field teams, engaging Indigenous businesses, collaborating with community volunteer groups, and created educational and active opportunities for at risk youth to participate in environmental work. Achieved cost savings that funded additional weed control and seedling replacement.
• Delivered our team’s first direct seeding project in Inverell, NSW, with no prior direct seeding experience, achieving ongoing project success.
• Managed an NSW Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries project to restore fish passage and improve aquatic habitat in the Mooki River, contributing to the recovery of native and threatened fish species.
• Assisted in managing a $1M Department of Agriculture grant rehabilitating riverbeds across the Namoi Catchment. Oversaw multiple field crews across six sites, each planting ~3,000 seedlings. Responsibilities included: budget oversight, conducting flora and fauna surveys to guide recovery actions for threatened species and ecological communities, sourcing diverse, region-specific seedlings to restore habitat aligned with PCTs and conservation objectives, weed control, biological surveys, and post-planting management, and liaising with farmers and landholders to implement best-practice land management and ecological restoration techniques.
• Maintained accurate project records, including timesheets, chemical logs, monthly reports, and corporate database updates on species distribution, site condition, threats, and management actions.

Drone Surveying.

• Licensed drone pilot working on a project using thermal imaging cameras for koala population monitoring.
• The project encompasses six Landcare hubs across Australia, each equipped with drones and trained pilots. I was appointed as the Maintenance Officer for all hubs due to my advanced technical proficiency and proven ability to resolve complex drone-related issues. Notably, I independently diagnosed and resolved technical problems that even DJI support was unable to address, despite having no prior experience with drones or specialized, high-tech equipment.
• Coordinated survey access with landholders, councils, and community groups, and conducted nocturnal survey flights across reserves and private properties.
• Produced detailed scientific and spatial reports for both internal decision-making and partner distribution, tailored for community groups, private landholders, and local councils.
• I have been the pilot in charge of many missions and have flown over 500 km.

Field Work & Habitat Management

• Led the team's first direct seeding project, independently mastering the operation and efficient use of direct seeding equipment to ensure successful vegetation establishment.
• Worked across multiple sites governed by Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, demonstrating a thorough understanding of relevant guidelines, regulatory requirements, and best practices for land management compliance.
• Extensive experience operating and maintaining 4WD vehicles, utes with trailers, tractors, and side-by-sides for restoration activities.
• Conducted chemical application (backpack and boom spraying) for weed management purposes.
• Performed physically demanding restoration activities, including augering, ripping, slashing, digging, planting seedlings, and installing guards—demonstrating a strong work ethic and readiness to undertake hard manual labor to achieve project goals.

GIS, Community Engagement, & Team Leadership

• Highly proficient in ArcGIS Pro, regularly creating maps and spatial analyses to support decision-making, project management, fieldwork, surveys, and reporting.
• Developed advanced GIS products for a 600 ha carbon rehabilitation project, including satellite imagery procurement, spatial data analysis, and visualization to guide management strategies.
• Experienced in organizing and presenting at community events, coordinating volunteer activities with 30+ participants, including programs involving children, and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Built and maintained strong partnerships with landholders, Indigenous organizations, councils, and volunteer groups to facilitate the delivery of recovery programs.
• Skilled in team leadership and conflict resolution, frequently acting as a mediator to foster collaboration, and maintain a positive work environment.

• Utilized FME, R Studio, and ArcGIS for data analysis, operational problem-solving, and decision support.
• Planned and managed forest inventories, and permanent growth plot assessments.
• Automated data analysis, reporting workflows, and developed process documentation.
• Maintained communication with contractors and consultants.
• Gained experience in software programs in GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS, FME), SQL, Python, and R programming.
• Conducted hazard reviews and gained experience in plantation forestry operations.
• Contributed to the Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability Committees.
• Adapted to remote work during COVID-19 through active self-learning and dedication in an unfamiliar field.

• Hired as the Bush Regeneration Officer at Landcare Australia, gaining expertise in native flora, fauna, and weed control.
• Experienced in site preparation, planting, chemical spraying, and 4x4 vehicle towing.
• Supported project proposals, reports, and maintained accurate timesheets, chem logs, and budgets.
• Demonstrated strong physical fitness and strict adherence to WHS standards.
• Engaged effectively with communities to promote conservation awareness in bushland rehabilitation.

• I was hired by Dirty Planting to work on large-scale planting projects, where I planted seedlings, installed guards and jute mats, laid turf and mulch, and excelled in physically demanding outdoor work.