Natalie. Wheeler
Environmental Officer
Gladstone,QLD
Summary
CARREER OBJECTIVES To continue with my professional growth in the regulatory and compliance industry, as well as in formal investigations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
13
13
Certifications
Work History
Senior Environmental Officer
Department of Environment, Science
06.2011 - Current
- For just over 10 years (on a full-time, basis) I have worked in the Environmental Services and Regulation division of DES as a Senior Environmental Officer within the Gladstone Office. Predominately in compliance and earlier experience in assessment as well.
- I contribute to providing targeted, consistent, and transparent regulation that facilitates sustainable development in Queensland, through my following duties
- Plan and conduct compliance inspections at licenced premises including a wide range of activities (heavy industry, mines, local government, LNG etc) where I;
- Ensure compliance with their environmental authorities and broader obligations under the Environmental Protection Act 1994
- Conduct impact assessments & assess environmental risks
- Make recommendations for improved environmental outcome consistent with legislation & DES's regulatory framework
- Plan and conduct investigations of non-licenced activities and community complaints. Make outcome recommendations
- Conduct incident response & investigations, gather sound evidence to support formal investigations
- Actively participate in the formal investigations with the investigations team, through review work, witness statements, formal interviews, and information requests
- Review document submissions, analyse technical reports to define environmental risks or non-compliance
- Write business letters; prepare statutory notices and prepare executive and ministerial reports and briefings
- Advise, liaise, and consult with a range of internal and external customers and stakeholders to achieve ESR's regulatory strategy
- I model a workplace culture consistent with the department's values
- Support less experienced staff with review work, managing complex and contentious matters, navigating department policy and legislative interpretation
- Contribute to workplace initiatives, such as participation in the ESR CCC Workplace Health and Safety forum
- I am an authorized officer under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011, Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, Queensland Heritage Act
Senior Environmental Health Officer
Gladstone Regional Council
01.2007 - 01.2011
- In this regulatory and compliance role, I contributed to delivering a range of public and environmental health services in place to protect and promote health, prevent the incidence of infectious diseases, safeguard the environment, and enhance quality of life in the community
- Specifically relating to the compliance under the following legislation: [Environmental Protection Act 1994, Public Health Act 2005, Public Health Act (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) 2003, Food Act 2006, Dangerous Goods and Safety Management Act 2001 & Local Government Act 2009, Privacy Act 2009, Sustainable Planning Act 2009]
- Duties included
- Inspect and audit premises to assess compliance with legislative requirements, State and Local, including food safety, environment protection, dangerous goods (flammable and combustible liquids), noise management, public health & infection control
- Respond to and investigate environmental health related complaints and enquiries
- Assess and make recommendations for approval of business licence applications and registrations
- Issue legal notices, orders, and instructions to secure compliance with legislation, such as
- Write inspection notes and letters, compliance audit reports & decision notices
- Ground enforcement such as Transitional Environmental Programs & Penalty Infringement
- Notices, for non-complaint sites
- Assess Development Applications for Environmentally Relevant Activities
- Write conditions for the approvals of Environmentally Relevant Activities
- Assist ERA sites in the development and implementation of site-based management plans
- Develop & implement community education programs, such as for mosquito disease control
- Prepare and undertake Environmental Health programs such as the school-based immunisation clinics in accordance
- Environmental Protection Agency - Data entry position, Employed on a casual basis within the head office in Brisbane
- Working within Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services in the grazing department
- Enabled me to familiarize myself with environmental protection legislation and liaison with different government departments
- Responsible for updating had copy Qld Land Leases to electronic records.
Environmental Health Officer
Gold Coast City Council
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Obtained work experience with the GCCC in relation to my Environmental Health degree
- Allowed me to participate in Food premise audits and Environmentally Relevant Activity inspections, as well as nuisance complaints
- Participation in complaints, licence, registration and compliance within local government
- Allowed exposure to the day-to-day roles of an EHO
- Gained knowledge in the Health Act, Food Act, Local Government Act, Dangerous Goods Act and the Environmental Protection Act
Education
Certificate IV Onsite Environmental Management for Environmental Officers -
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Health
Griffith University
01.2005 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Environmental Management - undefined
University of Notre Dame
01.2002 - 01.2003
Diploma - Food and Beverage Service
TETC
01.1998 - 01.1999
Advanced Certificate in Animal Care - undefined
Bentley TAFE
Skills
Motivated and willing to learn
Well organised
Good problem solving & critical thinking
Certification
Current First aid certificate, CQ First Aid
Timeline
Senior Environmental Officer
Department of Environment, Science
06.2011 - Current
Senior Environmental Health Officer
Gladstone Regional Council
01.2007 - 01.2011
Environmental Health Officer
Gold Coast City Council
01.2006 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Health
Griffith University
01.2005 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Environmental Management - undefined
University of Notre Dame
01.2002 - 01.2003
Diploma - Food and Beverage Service
TETC
01.1998 - 01.1999
Certificate IV Onsite Environmental Management for Environmental Officers -
Advanced Certificate in Animal Care - undefined
Bentley TAFE