PRUDENCE JOY McGuffie
Environmental Conservation and Aboriginal Heritage Specialist
Moruya,NSW
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organisational goals. Known for collaborative approach, adaptability and commitment to excellence.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER
Eurobodalla Shire Council
Moruya, New South Wales
12.2023 - Current
- Evaluate potential environmental impacts of new projects, ensuring adherence to legislation and conservation principles throughout planning stages.
- Reduce environmental risks by conducting thorough site assessments and implementing corrective actions.
- Improve the company's compliance with environmental regulations through regular monitoring and reporting activities.
- Conduct rigorous audits on environmental permits, identifying areas for improvement, and addressing non-compliance issues swiftly.
- Met with environmental agencies to discuss compliance and conservation initiatives.
- Established a robust emergency response plan for dealing with potential environmental incidents or accidents on-site promptly and effectively.
- Provide expert advice and guidance during remediation efforts following Aboriginal Heritage Unexpected Finds, accidental spills, or releases that affected natural habitats.
- Prepare, assess, and authorize Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP).
- Assess and authorize Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions to address concerns for permits, concessions, and licenses.
- Obtain necessary permits for company operations, navigating complex regulatory frameworks efficiently.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop environmentally responsible policies and procedures for various operations.
- Enhanced staff awareness of environmental issues by providing comprehensive training programs and resources.
- Lead coordinator in developing Aboriginal Heritage training for council staff.
- Facilitate Aboriginal engagement sessions to address concerns about the company's Aboriginal Heritage practices, while fostering positive relationships within the community.
- Aboriginal Heritage site assessments, RAP communication, and coordination of AHIPs.
- Lead in coordinating, planning, and developing policy and protocols around Aboriginal Heritage Values.
- Lead in researching and preparing Aboriginal Heritage protocols and policy for maintenance programs.
- Stakeholder engagement and communication.
- Foster a culture of environmental responsibility within the organization by regularly communicating progress updates and celebrating achievements in conservation and compliance efforts.
NATUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICER
EUROBODALLA SHIRE COUNCIL
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Collaborated with other department leaders to ensure seamless coordination of threatened species conservation efforts throughout the organization, promoting synergy among all functional areas.
- Built strong partnerships with external stakeholders to leverage additional resources and support mutual success outcomes for each party involved in collaborative projects.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to guide critical management decisions for threatened species.
- Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
- Developed strategic plans aligned with company goals, resulting in improved management of threatened species.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with stakeholders and community members, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
- Improved communication processes for better consultation between the council and community members, enhancing stakeholder engagement.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills, including human-wildlife conflict in urban areas.
- Handled problematic clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Updated and resolved incidents, and managed complaints objectively while maintaining client relationships.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones on time and within budget constraints.
- Implemented staff training programs to ensure all team members maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, resulting in a consistently high level of service delivery.
- Initiated process improvements that enhanced organizational effectiveness and streamlined workflows.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and coaching for continuous improvement efforts.
- Managed budgets effectively, allocating resources wisely to support business objectives and maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase threatened species education and awareness.
- Supervised and co-created exciting presentations and displays to catch the attention of community members.
- Increased community engagement through the implementation of fun, educational opportunities, and programs.
- Improved communication processes for better consultation between the council and community members, enhancing stakeholder engagement.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and collaboration.
CONTRACT SCIENTIST
SOUTH EAST MACQUARIE PERCH PROJECT, BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA (BHA) & SOUTH EAST LOCAL LAND SERVICES (LLS)
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Developed the Community Habitat Assessment Method, which utilizes the adventurous volunteer program to collect qualitative habitat data to inform management of assets within a river system, as well as areas in need of improvement.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary research projects, merging diverse perspectives to tackle complex scientific questions.
- Fostered collaborations with other research teams and stakeholders, enriching the scope of scientific inquiry.
- Simultaneously managed several complex projects, meeting all pertinent milestones.
- Designed experiments using appropriate controls and variables, resulting in valid conclusions being drawn from collected data.
- Implemented quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.
- Evaluated emerging research trends, positioning organization at forefront of innovation.
- Pioneered use of cutting-edge technology in experiments, obtaining unprecedented data quality.
- Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with assays or instrumentation.
- Maintained accurate records of all methods and research conducted, and wrote in-depth scientific reports.
- Conducted in-depth data analysis to uncover hidden patterns, contributing to breakthroughs in scientific understanding.
- Conducted field research in challenging environments, expanding empirical base of study.
- Followed strict safety protocols, protecting staff and assets while carrying out technical procedures and research protocols.
- Trained new employees and volunteers on areas of technical expertise and compliance issues relevant to collecting field data.
- Translated complex scientific concepts into accessible presentations, broadening audiences' understanding.
- Designed and delivered engaging scientific workshops, enhancing the skill set of participants.
SENIOR FISHERIES TECHNICIAN
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTIES (DPI) FISHERIES NSW
01.2009 - 01.2021
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive fishery management plans based on sound scientific data and stakeholder input.
- Contributed to successful grant applications to secure funding for essential research projects aimed at understanding key factors affecting fish populations.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders by preparing reports summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and recommendations for future actions.
- Implemented innovative sampling techniques to improve the accuracy of fish population assessments in challenging environments.
- Enhanced fish population monitoring by conducting field surveys and collecting data on species abundance, distribution, and habitat use.
- Conducted pioneering field research to inform management practices.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of threatened species recovery strategies.
- Supported sustainable fisheries management through the collection of biological samples for age, growth, and reproductive analysis.
- Provided critical support during emergency response efforts related to fish kills or disease outbreaks by rapidly deploying resources and expertise as needed.
- Studied and assessed outcomes of invasive species on freshwater ecosystems.
- Reduced impacts of invasive species on native fish populations through early detection surveys and targeted removal efforts.
- Managed high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and open communication that ultimately led to better project outcomes.
- Established performance metrics and monitored progress toward goals, ensuring timely adjustments were made as necessary for optimal results.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated a mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Scheduled employees for fieldwork, taking into account project needs and employee strengths.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and coaching for continuous improvement efforts.
- Initiated process improvements that enhanced organizational effectiveness and streamlined workflows.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring, and training of team members.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts in support of fisheries research and conservation projects, including citizen science initiatives and habitat restoration workdays.
- Increased public awareness of fisheries conservation efforts by providing educational outreach programs and presentations to local communities.
- Assisted with the development and implementation of fish stocking programs to replenish depleted populations, or reintroduce extirpated species.
- Provided technical assistance to other agency staff or external partners regarding fisheries-related issues, helping to build capacity for effective resource management.
- Identified areas requiring additional conservation measures based on observed trends in fish abundance or distribution patterns.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of existing regulations in protecting priority fish species by monitoring compliance with guidelines such as catch limits or gear restrictions.
- Assisted in the design and implementation of habitat restoration projects to enhance fish spawning and rearing habitats.
- Streamlined data entry processes by utilizing specialized software to organize, analyze, and report findings from field studies.
- Conducted routine maintenance on field equipment, ensuring accurate data collection during fisheries surveys.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH HONOURS (H2A) -
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY
Wodonga, VIC 01.2024 - 03.2005
Regenerate Regional Australia leadership program participant - undefined
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
Accidental Counselling Course - undefined
Tafe NSW
Financial management for non-financial managers - undefined
ESC
REMOTE FIRST AID COURSE AND SENIOR FIRST AID CERTIFICATE - undefined
Youth Advance
SCIENTIFIC WRITING WORKSHOP - undefined
Robert Brown, Writeway Consulting
CERTIFICATE II IN CHAINSAW OPERATION - undefined
Auswide Colleges
PRINCIPLES & TECHNIQUES OF ELECTROFISHING - undefined
US Fish and Wildlife Service Youth Advance National Conservation Training Centre
MARK SOFTWARE WORKSHOP - undefined
Ken Pollock, Murdoch University
PRESENTATION & PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS - undefined
La Trobe University
PLANNING WITH COMMUNITIES: GROUP SKILLS & FACILITATION - undefined
Social & Environmental Planning Partnerships
OBTAINING ETHICS APPROVAL FOR RESEARCH SEMINAR - undefined
La Trobe University
4WD OPERATION & RECOVERY - undefined
Aust-Link P/L Training for Industry, David Cherry & Associates PTY LTD Psychologists & Training Consultants
OH&S GENERAL INDUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK - undefined
Parsol EMT PTY LTD
undefined
COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS - undefined
Skills
Team Leadership
Teamwork and Collaboration
Relationship building
Strategic Planning
Operations Management
Problem-Solving
Flexible and Adaptable
References
- Peta Brooks, Senior Recreation Planner, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Peta.brooks@esc.nsw.gov.au, 02 4474 7336, 0458 913 475
- DR DEAN GILLIGAN, FRESHWATER ECOLOGIST, Bush Heritage Australia, dean.gilligan@bushheritage.org.au, 0497 426 158
- ANTIA BRADEMANN, UPPER MURRUMBIDGEE DEMONSTRATION REACH FACILITATOR, facilitator@upperbidgeereach.org.au, 0429778633
Timeline
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH HONOURS (H2A) -
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY
01.2024 - 03.2005
ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER
Eurobodalla Shire Council
12.2023 - Current
NATUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICER
EUROBODALLA SHIRE COUNCIL
01.2021 - 01.2023
CONTRACT SCIENTIST
SOUTH EAST MACQUARIE PERCH PROJECT, BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA (BHA) & SOUTH EAST LOCAL LAND SERVICES (LLS)
01.2019 - 01.2022
SENIOR FISHERIES TECHNICIAN
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTIES (DPI) FISHERIES NSW
01.2009 - 01.2021
Regenerate Regional Australia leadership program participant - undefined
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
Accidental Counselling Course - undefined
Tafe NSW
Financial management for non-financial managers - undefined
ESC
REMOTE FIRST AID COURSE AND SENIOR FIRST AID CERTIFICATE - undefined
Youth Advance
SCIENTIFIC WRITING WORKSHOP - undefined
Robert Brown, Writeway Consulting
CERTIFICATE II IN CHAINSAW OPERATION - undefined
Auswide Colleges
PRINCIPLES & TECHNIQUES OF ELECTROFISHING - undefined
US Fish and Wildlife Service Youth Advance National Conservation Training Centre
MARK SOFTWARE WORKSHOP - undefined
Ken Pollock, Murdoch University
PRESENTATION & PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS - undefined
La Trobe University
PLANNING WITH COMMUNITIES: GROUP SKILLS & FACILITATION - undefined
Social & Environmental Planning Partnerships
OBTAINING ETHICS APPROVAL FOR RESEARCH SEMINAR - undefined
La Trobe University
4WD OPERATION & RECOVERY - undefined
Aust-Link P/L Training for Industry, David Cherry & Associates PTY LTD Psychologists & Training Consultants
OH&S GENERAL INDUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK - undefined
Parsol EMT PTY LTD
undefined
COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS - undefined
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