Science, Technology and Engineering

School of Life Sciences

Department of Environmental Management & Ecology

Industry support for next generation of environmental managers.

Media release October 2007

Identifying areas to increase wildlife corridors for the region’s declining squirrel and sugar gliders, further developing the region’s successful Water Watch program, and investigating the impact summer flooding has on the ecology of the north east floodplains.

These are some of the interesting research investigations being conducted by final year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Ecology students at La Trobe University’s Albury-Wodonga campus.

Head of the Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, Associate Professor Phil Suter, said an increasing number of regional employers were offering work placements to students undertaking the course with the entire third year cohort currently undertaking ten-week work placements with employers across the region.

Dr Suter said the strong industry support reflects the growing career opportunities in the environmental management field.

Employers recognise that they need a steady stream of quality graduates to fill demand in all areas of natural resource management as well as contributing to environmental research.

Joshua Flint and Simon Maffei are working with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) at Wodonga on a study to assess the habitat of sugar and squirrel gliders in the west Wodonga area.

lncreasing urban development has reduced habitat for these small mammals which rely on a continuous canopy to move from one place to the next. The project involves analysing aerial maps and undertaking field assessments and recommending actions to increase wildlife corridors including revegetation and habitat management

Louise Trickett is working with the North East Catchment Management Authority to develop region specific monitoring data sheets to help local volunteers more easily identify macro-invertebrates in local waterways to gain a more accurate picture of the health of rivers and streams.

While, Adrian Clements is getting a taste of research in the real world undertaking his placement at the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC)
His project aims to increase knowledge on the role of flooding on the north east floodplains on the life cycles and food supplies of aquatic invertebrates in the Ovens River.

Dr Suter said students were also undertaking placements at Environmental Group Limited (EGL), North East Greenhouse Alliance, Department of Primary Industries, North East Regional Water Authority, and Wodonga Council.

“One student has also gained international experience working with GHD consultants in Kuala Lumpur during the last semester break.”

Joshua Flint said his work placement at DSE Wodonga was a great opportunity to gain real industry experience to further develop his skills and explore career opportunities in the environmental management field.

“The great aspect of this course is its strong practical focus providing opportunities to gain industry experience and to undertake field trips to hone our skills and knowledge. We are looking forward to travelling to Dubbo in New South Wales next month for a three-day field trip.”

Dr Suter said job opportunities in the environmental management field are diverse with graduates working in careers in water and waste water management, landcare, environmental protection, pollution control, catchment management, education, and research.

“More and more employers are prepared to show their support to training professionals for the future by offering opportunities for students while they study. This is wonderful for students choosing to study the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Ecology at Albury Wodonga because it increases opportunities for them to sample a range of careers and to develop their professional readiness.“

Further media releases.