I have had over twenty-five years' professional experience as a Technical Research Officer and Manager in Entomology at The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia. I have overseen several research projects while also leading and supporting a team of dedicated research staff.
I have extensive knowledge of research within this sector and have co-authored five research papers. I've worked closely with a diverse range of clients, consultants, and other stakeholders. While I thrive in autonomous, self-managed roles, I equally value and excel in collaborative team environments.
Previous to my DPIRD role, I have had several years managing farming properties throughout regional Australia where I have established close connections and lasting friendships.
My deeply-held values around supporting the community and service to others, underpin my strong and unwavering work ethic. I am eager to leverage my broad experience and knowledge to contribute meaningfully and professionally in my next role, ensuring I create a lasting positive impact.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Works Officer Civil Construction
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council
Swansea, Tasmania, Australia
02.2024 - 01.2025
Engaged in road construction and maintenance
Engaged in landscaping and environmental maintenance
Operated various equipment/ machinery proficiently and safely
Demonstrated high quality workmanship/ results across multiple infrastructure and landscape projects
Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations and safety
Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
Technical Officer Entomology
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Perth, WA, Australia
01.1997 - 01.2024
Managed the Sterile Medfly Project from 2000 onwards, overseeing the operation of a mass fly rearing facility
Worked on a Codling Moth outbreak, as well as a Stable Fly project, running multiple field-based trials.
Appointed Facility Manager of the Medfly Project from 2010 to 2024, leading the team in production and quality standards
Worked as a Compliance officer on the Stable Fly Project, assisting with research to come up with a control method to suppress the fly
Co-authored five research papers
Specialized in rearing the Mediterranean Fruit Fly strain, ensuring successful breeding and supply to South Australia
Facilitated delivery of Medfly pupae to successfully eradicate over 15 outbreaks in South Australia, helping to ensure market access for hundreds of million's of dollars worth of horticultural produce.
Administration of regular quality control tests
Oversaw the entire fly-rearing process, and am fully competent in all facets including irradiation and dispatch
Oversaw technological implementation within the Department. We purchased a Radsource X-Ray machine, and were the first facility in Australia to move to this technology. ( We now have two x-ray machine's commissioned and running four days a week)
Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices in clinical research management.
Continually updated knowledge of industry best practices in document management through professional development opportunities and research.
Continually assessed emerging trends in the field of research management to inform future strategy decisions.
Enhanced research productivity by streamlining processes and implementing efficient team management strategies.
Licenced Crowd Controller (casual)
Fly By Night Club
Fremantle, WA, Australia
01.1997 - 01.2001
Assisted with crowd control
De-escalated potentially volatile situations with patrons
Fostered a friendly atmosphere through facilitating positive interactions with patrons
Supported event staff in maintaining order during peak hours, contributing to a well-organized environment.
Provided excellent customer service, addressing attendee concerns and ensuring their needs were met throughout events.
Mitigated conflicts among attendees through diplomacy and conflict resolution skills, fostering a peaceful environment for all guests.
Research Assistant in Zoology
Centre for Forensic Science, UWA
Perth, WA, Australia
01.1998 - 01.2000
Assisted with decomposition trials as part of a forensic research team
Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
Arborist
Fox's Tree Lopping
Perth, WA, Australia
01.1996 - 12.1996
Operated as an arborist and provided various tree management services and advice, primarily in the Perth Northern suburbs
Engaged in climbing and quoting job-estimates post-work
Used ladders, ropes, harnesses and other protective equipment to climb trees and to identify arboricultural pathology concerns.
Managed contracts for UWA and Ascot Racecourse
Conducted thorough site assessments to identify potential hazards before beginning any work, minimizing risk to personnel and property.
Operated woodchippers, cherry-pickers and stump grinders
Head Stockman
Gracemere Pastoral Company
Moora, WA, Australia
01.1994 - 01.1995
Undertook role as Head Stockman for 20,000 sheep
Managed sheep for live export trade to the Middle East
Produced monthly stock reports
Hired seasonal staff and organised supplementary feeding, shearing and drenching programs
Student Farm Worker
Waterlane Trout Farm
Dorset, United Kingdom
01.1993 - 04.1993
Optimized fish health through ongoing observation of stock, regular water-testing and implementing effective feeding programs,
Maintained and repaired various trout farming equipment.
Jackeroo 'Glencoe' Property
Private Family
Falmouth, Tasmania, Australia
01.1988 - 01.1989
Management of various aspects of stock husbandry, including sheep shearing and feeding
Growing/ preparing stock feed
Fencing newly – cleared land
Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Jackeroo, ' Northwood Park' Property
Private Family
Seymour, Victoria, Australia
01.1987 - 01.1988
Assistance with breeding of racehorses, sheep and production of lucre hay
Cattle husbandry and crop production
Fencing, building sheepyards and training of kelpie pups
Sole management of property when owner was travelling
Record management of daily work details and communication with management to ensure operational success
Education
Diploma - Farm Management
Marcus Oldham Agricultural College
Geelong, Victoria, Australia
01.1992
Graduated -
Christ Church Grammar School
Claremont, W.A, Australia
01.1986
Skills
Effective Team Leadership
High-level Communication
Complex Problem Solving
Documentation Proficiency
Project Coordination/ Planning/ Scheduling
Budget Development
Collaborative Teamwork
Effective Relationship Building
Team Leadership
Co-authored 5 research papers in Entomology
Adaptability and resilience
Commitment/ reliability/ integrity/ authenticity
Co-authored five research papers in Entomology
Interests
I enjoy regular gym workouts and am committed to maintaining a high level of fitness and health
I enjoy all outdoor pursuits - ocean-swimming, boating, hiking
I place a high value on spending quality time with my family and friends
I love supporting/ volunteering at community events and mentoring young people, especially with fitness / life goals
Personal
In addition to my full-time work, I have helped care for my ageing parents.
I looked after my father for over five years when my mother died, as he navigated the challenges of late-onset Parkinson's disease.
As his primary carer at the time, I assisted him with activities of daily living, often extending to medical or nursing tasks. Although it was tiring at times ( since I was working fulltime), it was a totally fulfilling and rewarding role, and one that I whole-heartedly embraced.
I am naturally drawn to helping others, and have a high level of compassion, empathy, and patience.
Timeline
Works Officer Civil Construction
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council
02.2024 - 01.2025
Research Assistant in Zoology
Centre for Forensic Science, UWA
01.1998 - 01.2000
Technical Officer Entomology
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Major Works and Construction Supervisor (Civil Engineering and Marine Works) at Port of San PedroMajor Works and Construction Supervisor (Civil Engineering and Marine Works) at Port of San Pedro
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