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Who do you work for?
Queensland Fire & Rescue Service
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What does your job involve?
My job involves providing intelligence to help managers and ground crews make decisions during large bushfires, including fire location and fire movement. I also provide support for counter terrorism projects and other natural disaster events. I am also involved in the modelling of community risk throughout the state so that resources may be allocated appropriately and so that high-risk groups may be targeted for education programs.
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What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the opportunity to be involved in operations both locally and interstate. During severe bushfire seasons the hours can be long and we can end up in remote locations, but it is always interesting.
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What are the perks of your job?
Travel, playing with new technology, helicopter flights over large fires.
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What is the most unusual or fun thing you’ve done in your job?
During the Kosciuszko fires I was based in Jindabyne. One afternoon the smoke was so thick that it was like night, the only light was from a surreal red sky and ash was falling around us like snow.
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What inspired you to choose a career in this area?
I am actually an Environmental Scientist and used the GIS technology for environmental modelling before moving into the Queensland Fire & Rescue Service. I believe the use of GIS technology in environmental issues can provide hard evidence to what can sometimes be a very subjective science. I also believe this technology can help in the protection of communities from disasters.
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How did you get to where you are now?
I studied Environmental Science, stumbled into GIS and have applied these two skills to provide solutions to problems in a range of fields including environmental consulting, local government and now emergency services.
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Who or what has been an inspiration to you?
A previous manager has been a good role model and my continued interest in environmental management keeps me motivated.
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What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Fail to plan, plan to fail.
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What training/qualifications do you have/need?
Bachelor of Applied Science-Environmental Management, University of Canberra. There are pure GIS focused courses offered at universities now, however I think employers appreciate an employee with not only a knowledge of the technology but also how it can be applied to problem solving which can be gained by studying GIS units within another degree.
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What subjects did you study at school?
Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physiology and Anatomy
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What are your career goals/plans for the future?
To own a small property and grow organic vegetables and herbs.
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What career opportunities are there for people in your field?
GIS technology is used in many different industries. It is used extensively in environmental management, local government authorities, defence, engineering, infrastructure (eg road, rail), town planning and emergency management. This allows the GIS professional to diversify into many fields.
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What is the average starting salary for a graduate?
$35-45K
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