Leah De Bastos
Buckra Bendinni,Australia
Summary
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Operations Leader, Compliance and Regulation
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment & Water
05.2018 - Current
- Interpret and apply functions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Local Land Services Act 2013, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in the regulation of Aboriginal cultural heritage, threatened species and land management activities
- Undertake investigations including desktop assessment utilising mapping programs and GIS, making enquiries with landholders on the telephone, conducting interviews and preparing statutory notices
- Conduct property inspections in the NSW North Coast, Northern Tablelands and Hunter Central Coast region
- Collection of evidence and identification of vegetation
- Assessment of land management activities, alleged harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage and threatened species
- Engage and maintain relationships with landholders the Aboriginal community and Government stakeholders including Heritage NSW, Local Land Services, Crown Land and Local Council
- Provide landholders land management advice and guidance to assist with compliance
- Engage and coordinate expert ecologists and archaeologists when required
- Develop remediation orders to repair harm caused by land management offences
- Provide specialist knowledge for operational activities of compliance teams undertaking investigation, enforcement, audit and non-regulatory activities that promote compliance
- Prepare high quality written correspondence including statutory notices, reports and ministerial correspondence
- Coach and mentor operational compliance and regulation staff
- Assist the team to manage safety as a priority every day
- Lead by example carrying out review of JSA’s, Take 5 and regular communications when in the field
- Reporting safety incidents and near miss incidents
- Lead the collaboration and delivery of proactive compliance and education campaigns with other agencies to improve compliance outcomes including;
- Lead team participation in the delivery of a workshop with TAFE teachers.
- Lead team participation in proactive compliance inspections with NRAR.
Aboriginal Manager Assessments
Heritage NSW
03.2022 - 09.2022
- Lead and manage the Assessments team in the assessment of development applications and conservation documents for items on statutory listings in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1979 to achieve effective and timely heritage conservation outcomes
- Lead the team to assess and determine Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) applications and assess State Significant developments in accordance with Aboriginal heritage regulation policies and guidelines
- Assess AHIP applications and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Reports, preparation of assessment reports and endorsement of AHIP approvals
- Lead negotiations with owners/managers/applicants on complex matters or about approval pathways, strategic heritage planning and conservation management
- Proactively foster and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including across Heritage NSW, with the community and with local, state and federal government agencies to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote engagement and ensure the effective delivery of heritage outcomes
- Coordinate Heritage NSW specialist assistance provided to achieve cultural heritage outcomes
- Implemented a system to record & track compliance requests
- Assist team to respond to requests for assistance with Compliance investigations
- Review draft Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA), consult with Heritage NSW representatives and coordinate Heritage NSW response
Senior Team Leader, Compliance & Regulation
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment & Water
01.2021 - 10.2021
- Lead Hunter Central Coast Branch compliance staff to plan, deliver, monitor and report on credible, robust operational investigation, enforcement, audit and strategic response programs in the region in accordance with statewide priorities, policies and procedures
- Interpret and apply functions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Local Land Services Act 2013, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in the regulation of threatened species, land management and Aboriginal cultural heritage
- Set clear team goals and delegated tasks and set deadlines.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support to enhance their career progression.
Compliance & Regulation Officer
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment & Water
06.2005 - 05.2018
- Implement a credible compliance program for native vegetation clearing, threatened species and aboriginal cultural heritage including delivery and assistance in a range of outcomes including Penalty Notices, Remediation Orders and Prosecution.
- Interpret and apply functions of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, Native Vegetation Conservation Act 2003, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Water Management Act 2000 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in the regulation of threatened species, land management, Aboriginal cultural heritage and water.
- Participate in the review and development of the Compliance Policy, Compliance Business Rules, OEH Auditing Framework, field investigation procedures, the incident risk management process and the testing and review of the case management system.
- Management of Work Health and Safety requirements using departmental protocols including Job Safety Analysis, Take 5 Risk assessment, regular work health and safety discussions with colleagues and implementation of Operation Orders for high risk site inspections.
Natural Resource Project Officer
Department of Natural Resources
06.2002 - 06.2005
- Coordination and delivery of Compliance Module training for Compliance staff and ongoing staff support and coordination with the management of the compliance module.
- Development of the draft Water Enforcement Guideline for State Water and DNR.
- Coordination of legal delegations and staff authorisations.
Environmental Engineering Assistant
Energy Developments
01.2001 - 06.2002
- Analysis and review of environmental legislation requirements including Load Based Licensing and National Pollutant Inventory.
- Database development and update environmental records for NSW EPA reporting.
- Update Environmental Management Systems to ensure that all procedures are compliant with current license conditions.
- Assessment of disposal options for solid wastes and liquid wastes.
- Review of Waste Management Plan and Health Risk Assessment modelling calculations.
- Research current issues and formulation of education materials.
Project Officer - Performance Monitoring
Department of Natural Resources
10.1999 - 12.2000
- Database maintenance and validation of data to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
- Assist with the Development of the ISO9001 Quality Management System for the Project.
- Coordination of material for Performance Monitoring Web page.
- Production of the monthly Performance Monitoring newsletter.
- Production of Performance Monitoring Software Package User Guide.
Coast, Estuaries and Waterways Officer
Department of Land and Water Conservation
03.1999 - 09.1999
- Review and assessment of Part 3A Permit applications in relation to the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948.
- Environmental review and assessment of Integrated Development Applications in relation to the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948.
- Review and assess consultants tender applications for capital works projects.
- Co-ordination of the Anna Bay Sand Drift Project Team Report.
- Inspection and assessment of licenses and lease applications on Crown land.
- Review technical reports dealing with coastal zone issues.
Environmental Scientist
ACIRL Environmental Management Services
06.1996 - 03.1999
- Project planning, financial analysis, proposal preparation, reporting and ensuring projects are completed by the designated time frame and within budget.
- Preparation of Annual Environmental Management Plan Reports for Hunter Valley coal mines.
- Water, air and noise sampling for coal mines and Asbestos air sampling at a heavy construction, railway extension and rock crushing quarry in Western Australia.
- Operation and maintenance of real time water sensors and preparation of reports.
- Preparation of weather reports using data from automatic weather stations.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Archaeology
University of New England
12.2026
Master of Secondary Teaching - Geography & Legal Studies
University of Newcastle
12.2016
Graduate Certificate Investigations Management -
Charles Sturt University
03.2008
Bachelor of Applied Science - Environmental Assessment & Management
University of Newcastle
Newcastle NSW05.1994
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Continuous Improvement
- Safety Management
- Reliability
- Compliance Management
- Excellent Communication
Trainingandqualifications
- 2024 NSW EPA Certificate of Attainment EPA Environmental Auditor
- 2024 Dealing With Aggressive Stakeholders
- 2023 Workmates Mental Health & Wellbeing Ambassador Training
- 2023 Future Leader Training – Marana Consulting
- 2023 Keeping Safe In The Field
- 2023 CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
- 2022 Remote First Aid, St John
- 2021 WHS for Supervisors Managers & Directors
- 2021 WHS For Leaders
- 2019 Drive and Recover a 4WD Vehicle.
- 2017 Provisional Environmental Auditor, Exemplar Global
- 2007 Certificate IV in Government (Investigations), ICETS
Voluntaryroles
- Volunteer, Saltwater Freshwater Festival, 06/02/23, 06/03/23, Attend volunteer induction and assist with festival set up., Assist with volunteer catering and engagement with volunteers, artists and the community.
- Deputy Chair, Board of Management Trees in Newcastle, 01/01/13, 12/31/15, Monitoring and approval of financial records, implement strategies to ensure long term financial viability., Review bush regeneration grant applications., Regular attendance and participation at Board of Management meetings and community events.
Timeline
Aboriginal Manager Assessments
Heritage NSW
03.2022 - 09.2022
Senior Team Leader, Compliance & Regulation
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment & Water
01.2021 - 10.2021
Senior Operations Leader, Compliance and Regulation
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment & Water
05.2018 - Current
Compliance & Regulation Officer
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment & Water
06.2005 - 05.2018
Natural Resource Project Officer
Department of Natural Resources
06.2002 - 06.2005
Environmental Engineering Assistant
Energy Developments
01.2001 - 06.2002
Project Officer - Performance Monitoring
Department of Natural Resources
10.1999 - 12.2000
Coast, Estuaries and Waterways Officer
Department of Land and Water Conservation
03.1999 - 09.1999
Environmental Scientist
ACIRL Environmental Management Services
06.1996 - 03.1999
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Archaeology
University of New England
Master of Secondary Teaching - Geography & Legal Studies
University of Newcastle
Graduate Certificate Investigations Management -
Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of Applied Science - Environmental Assessment & Management
University of Newcastle
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