Roberta Hawkes
Caloundra,Australia
Summary
I am a highly motivated and committed Animal Ecologist Specialist with a dual major in Ecology and Marine Science. My strong foundation in ecological principles, sustainability practices, and scientific research drives my dedication to overcoming environmental challenges through innovative, data-driven research strategies. My educational background has provided me with an in-depth understanding of environmental systems, the conservation of land and marine biodiversity, the promotion of sustainable natural resource use, the implications of policy, and the latest advancements in science. I have a deep passion for advancing the conservation of biodiversity in both land and marine environments, as well as for sustainability and environmental stewardship. I am enthusiastic about utilizing my knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to impactful projects and initiatives within the environmental sector.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Industry Placement Student
Merlin Entertainment Group, SEA Life Sydney Aquarium & WILD Life Sydney Zoo
Sydney, Australia
07.2024 - 08.2024
- Assisted veterinary nurse to carry equipment, prepared medications, cleaning of surgical instruments
- Helped prepare and feed fish, turtles, penguins, dugongs, and reptiles in accordance with diet protocols
- Kept aquarium enclosures tidy and well-maintained to enhance the welfare of the animals
Industry Placement Student
Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Anna Bay, Australia
02.2024 - 03.2024
- Contributed to extensive fish breeding and stock enhancement efforts for species such as Australian bass, Mulloway, and Yellowtail Kingfish
- Managed hatchery equipment, which included recirculating aquaculture systems and live feed setups (Artemia - small shrimp and Chlorella - green algae)
- Collected larvae samples from specialized fish pens and tanks, analysed the results, and documented data using pipettes, microscopes, data sheets, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) systems, while monitoring fish growth in accordance with established procedures over a five-day period
Industry Placement Student
QLD Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services
Moggill, Australia
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Played a role in the SEQ Koala Research and Monitoring Program
- Assisted in field surveys for koalas using line transect distance sampling in both remote and urban environments
- Gathered data, performed quality control, and managed databases
- Supported the preparation and planning of fieldwork
- Engaged in ArcGIS mapping to plan surveys, visualize results, and contributed to reporting efforts
Student
The Esplanade, Toorbul, Moreton Bay Area QLD
Toorbul, Australia
04.2023 - 04.2023
- Collected data on crab holes and pneumatophore count using quadrats as survey techniques
- Completed and combined data sheets, and examined through standard linear regression analysis
- Examined the structure of mangrove forests, properties of soil, and the relationship between the abundance of crab roles, presence of mangrove pneumatophores and species predation over a 3-day period
- Observed and recorded structure of mangrove forests ecosystems, vegetation diversity and physical changes over three coastal intertidal zones (coastal, middle, inland zones)
Student
Heron Island Research Station
Heron Island, Australia
04.2023 - 04.2023
- Collected data and recorded which factors influence where Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) Loggerhead Sea turtle (Caretta caretta) will lay their eggs and what influence this has on nest predators using combined measuring tape (open reel measuring metric tape) with transect surveys techniques over a 4-day period
- Observed and identified turtle nesting abundance, and compared nesting preferences for specific turtle species
- Completed and combined data sheets, and used Statistical Analysis with R to process recorded data
Student
Obi Obi Creek, Kondallila National Park
, Australia
04.2022 - 04.2022
- Collected data on fresh water fish and invertebrate’s abundance and diversity in different sites throughout Obi Obi Creek, Kondalilla National Park using combined underwater camera, touch handled GPS navigation system and geographic information system, mapping (GIS) over a 2-day period
- Collected specimens from freshwater pools and streams to compare data such as hydrology, abiotic factors, aquatic insect’s species diversity, vegetation and water quality
- Collected specimens using combined fine meshed fyke nets and stone-washing method to sample shallow riffles and examined details on the insects that live there as survey techniques
Veterinary Nurse
Chancellor Park Veterinary Services
, Australia
03.2017 - 12.2020
- Animal husbandry
- Surgery room preparation for surgical procedures
- Stock allocation
- Administering medication
- Packing surgical instruments, drapes and operate autoclave machine
- Surgery clip and aseptic technique
- Administering medication
- Pathology tests run - Idexx Catalyst Dx, Hematology Idexx Procyte Machine, X-ray machine operation
- Administering medication, setting up an infusion pump, IV catheters placement
Student
UniSC's K'gari Research Station
, Australia
04.2020 - 04.2020
- Observed and recorded sand shore ecosystems, vegetation diversity and physical changes from the high tide mark inland towards established woodlands over a 4-day period
- Developed analytical and research skills in connection to the development of policy in the areas of conservation, environmental protection, agriculture and fisheries
- Observed and identified shore bird species using combined point surveys with transect surveys techniques
Student
Moreton Bay Research Station and Study Centre
North Stradbroke Island, Australia
03.2020 - 03.2020
- Analysed the abiotic factors of an intertidal zone, and investigated how they are linked to species diversity within low, mid and high intertidal zones over a 3-day period
- Collected specimens from rocky shores, swamps and lakes to compare data such as hydrology, abiotic factors, species diversity and water quality
- Trapped, caught and released Rakali / water rat (Hydromys chrysogaster), and identified survey techniques, species morphology and predator avoidance strategies
- Collaborated to turtle dissections
Roberta's Pet sitting services
Hunter Valley, Australia
01.2016 - 03.2020
- Pet sitting dogs, cats, birds, feeding, cleaning, administering medication, dog walking, housekeeping
Animal Care and Veterinary Nurse
RSPCA NSW Hunter Shelter
Hunter Valley, Australia
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Animal care provided to cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets at adoption shelters, food preparation, cleaning, laundry
- Veterinary nursing provided to cats and dogs on infectious disease isolation wards
- Packing surgical instruments, drapes and operate autoclave machine
- Administered medications
- Assisted in a range of surgery areas
Animal Care
Newcastle Bird Rescue
Hunter Valley, Australia
11.2014 - 12.2016
- Animal care, rehabilitation and fostering provided to birds
Social Worker
The Westmead Hospital
Sydney, Australia
05.2011 - 11.2014
- Qualified Social Worker at Acute Mental Health Ward
- Case management, counselling
- Assist patients with a wide range of psychological, financial, social, family, health, relationship issues
- Crisis support and referrals
- Substance abuse counselling
- Family counselling
Social Worker
The Australian Red Cross
Sydney, Australia
11.2008 - 05.2011
- Qualified Social Worker at Migration Support Programs
- Comprehensive case management of vulnerable clients under refugee temporary visa
- Community support, referrals to other service providers
- Family counselling
- Home visits to vulnerable clients with social issues and health conditions
- Case management of clients with chronic health conditions including mental health
Education
Bachelor of Animal Ecology - Ecology and Marine Science Majors
University of The Sunshine Coast
Sippy Downs, QLD09-2024
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing -
TAFE
Kurri Kurri, NSW11-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Anthropology, Languages
The University of Sydney
11-2008
Skills
- Statistical Analysis with R
- Laboratory Skills
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- PCA (Principal Component Analysis)
- Centrifuge
- Water quality analysis
- Spectrogram
- Dissecting Microscopes
- Writing environmental reports
- Microsoft Office
- GIS
- Mapping
- Fieldwork
- Written communication
- Oral communication
- Writing and editing reports
- Survey techniques
- Quadrats
- Line Transects
- Underwater camera
- Environmental DNA (eDNA)
- Survey equipment
- Touch Handled GPS Navigation System
- Measuring Tape
- Entering field data
- Compiling field data
- Analysis of field data
Affiliations
- Volunteer, Coolum & North Shore Coast Care, 2025
- Volunteer, Turtles In Trouble Rescue Inc., 2025
Certification
- Provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Australian Red Cross
- Provide basic emergency life support, Australian Red Cross
- Provide first aid, Australian Red Cross
Community Service
- Wildlife Care, Newcastle Bird Rescue, Hunter Valley, NSW, 2025
- Volunteer, Wildlife Care, RSPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Eumundi, QLD, 2022
Languages
- English
- Portuguese
- Spanish
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Industry Placement Student
Merlin Entertainment Group, SEA Life Sydney Aquarium & WILD Life Sydney Zoo
07.2024 - 08.2024
Industry Placement Student
Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries
02.2024 - 03.2024
Industry Placement Student
QLD Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services
07.2023 - 08.2023
Student
The Esplanade, Toorbul, Moreton Bay Area QLD
04.2023 - 04.2023
Student
Heron Island Research Station
04.2023 - 04.2023
Student
Obi Obi Creek, Kondallila National Park
04.2022 - 04.2022
Student
UniSC's K'gari Research Station
04.2020 - 04.2020
Student
Moreton Bay Research Station and Study Centre
03.2020 - 03.2020
Veterinary Nurse
Chancellor Park Veterinary Services
03.2017 - 12.2020
Roberta's Pet sitting services
01.2016 - 03.2020
Animal Care and Veterinary Nurse
RSPCA NSW Hunter Shelter
01.2016 - 12.2016
Animal Care
Newcastle Bird Rescue
11.2014 - 12.2016
Social Worker
The Westmead Hospital
05.2011 - 11.2014
Social Worker
The Australian Red Cross
11.2008 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Animal Ecology - Ecology and Marine Science Majors
University of The Sunshine Coast
Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing -
TAFE
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Anthropology, Languages
The University of Sydney
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