Environmental Scientist – Ecological Restoration

“I have always had a keen interest in the outdoors from growing up at the beach; birds, the ocean, anything nature-based. So being able to have a job that has allowed me to explore and learn more about these things, is what attracted me to this occupation.” — Tamara Kubica Q: Name of the town you went to primary school? Seaford, Victoria Q: How would you describe yourself in Primary school? I loved primary school and I had great teachers in years 4-6. My hobbies were all sport related such as netball, surfing, tennis and rollerskating. I liked all things about school, borrowing library books was my favourite activity as I have always loved reading. I also participated in every sports carnival, while always doing all my school work. I loved every subject. Q: Where did you go to High School? Christies Beach High School Q: Which were your favourite subjects in high school? English, Mathematics, Science, Technologies, Humanities and Social Science, Health and Physical Education, The Arts and Languages Q: What further study/qualifications did you complete after high school? Cert 1 in Conservation and Land Management through a Government Training Scheme, Bachelor of Environmental Science – Double Major in Environment Resource Management and Coastal Resource Management and I am currently enrolled in a Master of Environment. Q: What is the name of your STEM career? Project Officer – Ecological Restoration. Q: What attracted you to this STEM career? I have always had a keen interest in the outdoors from growing up at the beach, birds, the ocean, anything nature-based. So being able to have a job that has allowed me to explore and learn more about these things, is what attracted me to this occupation. Q: What is some of the typical work you do in this career? There are so many variations to working in the environmental field, but my role includes on-ground works such as planting trees, 4wd driving, removing weeds and office-based work such as planning projects, water monitoring, soil testing, supervising teams of people, report writing, budgeting, facilitating volunteer groups, and liaising with many interest groups. Q: What do you love about your job? The thing I love about this occupation is that every single day there is something different to observe and learn, and I get to see so many areas of the region I would not get to see if it wasn’t for my job. It gives me a closer connection to the land. Change happens all the time, so be adaptable and have a plan A, B C and D because one door might close, but 5 more could open! Tamara Kubica