Karen Porter
Tamworth
Summary
As an Aboriginal Environmental Health Officer (EHO) Trainee with experience in Local Government and Health, my objective is to leverage my enthusiasm, dedication, and experience to further develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as a successful and professional EHO.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Trainee Environmental Health Officer
Tamworth Regional Council
07.2021 - Current
- Provide a high level of professional and technical customer service to internal Council officers, community members, businesses, residents, and government and non-government agencies.
- Deliver exceptional customer service in accordance with Tamworth Regional Council’s operational plan and Environmental Health Programs, including investigating customer requests and surpassing conventional levels of customer service in a timely manner.
- Maintain strong working relationships in providing Environmental Health advice and guidance, including Development Application (DA) referrals, to internal and external stakeholders, Government agencies, and the Community.
- Assess applications, conduct inspections, covering key functional areas including Food, On-Site Sewage Management Systems, & regulated systems under delegated Authority.
- Investigate pollution, unauthorised, and illegal activities in accordance with adopted policies and statutory provisions, utilising risk assessment methods.
- Maintain respectful dialogue and relationships by actively participating in working groups, steering committees, and advisory panels. Stay informed on the latest developments in Environmental Health issues and distribute information to team members.
- Assist the Team Leader and team members in leading continuous improvement initiatives for Environmental Health programs.
- Prepare daily written inspection reports that provide up-to-date and consistent written and photographic documentation of activities observed in the field.
- Assist departments in the implementation of training and in-servicing for personnel and junior team members.
- Operate hardware and software for data tracking and recordkeeping.
- Maintain necessary communication with management regarding environmental controls throughout projects.
- Conduct field investigations of potential violations: gather evidence, question complainants, witnesses, and suspects, compare facts to code requirements, and issue citations where needed.
- Meet with all project stakeholders to review and explain code requirements and violations or potential violations.
Aboriginal Environmental Health Officer Trainee
NSW Health
07.2021 - Current
- Participated in NSW Housing for Health community projects as Team Assistant and Team Leader. Input, check, and validate data. Process data to make job sheets for trades to complete. Promote healthy living practices in Indigenous communities.
- Performed inspections and participated in seizures for NSW Health Tobacco and smoking controls program.
- Inspect and undertake cooling water and warm system sampling for Legionella. Analyse and respond to sampling results.
- Conduct and record inspections of mortuaries and crematoriums. Undertake processes relevant to the disposal of the deceased, such as reviewing applications for private burial, exhumation, and holding a body, in line with NSW Public Health programs and regulations.
- Participated and assisted during an exhumation in collaboration with the Public Health Unit.
- Completed 12 out of 19 NSW Health Workbooks successfully, with a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical applications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Major in Environmental Health
Western Sydney University
Richmond04.2025
Skills
- Environmental Health knowledge
- Local Government legislation knowledge
- Contemporary Environmental Health issues knowledge
- Local Environmental Plans (LEPs)
- Development Applications (DAs)
- Development Control Plans (DCPs)
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal relationships
- Negotiation
- Conflict resolution
- Organisational skills
- Time management skills
- Written communication skills
- Oral communication skills
- Technological communication skills
- Interpreting complex information
- Research skills
Certification
- Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance, 2024
- Conflict Management Training, 2023
- Environmental Health Australia: Certificate in Pool Water Quality, 2023
- Food Authority: Officers Training, 2023
- Centre for Environmental Training: Certificate in On-site Wastewater Management, 2022
- Environmental Health Australia: Certificate in Environmental Health Disaster Management, 2022
Hobbies and Interests
- Socializing with family and friends
- Documentaries
- Arts and crafts
- Music
- Reading
- Photography
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Trainee Environmental Health Officer
Tamworth Regional Council
07.2021 - Current
Aboriginal Environmental Health Officer Trainee
NSW Health
07.2021 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Major in Environmental Health
Western Sydney University
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