Environmental Careers: Information Session for University and High School Students

Hunter Environmental Institute and the University of Newcastle hosted this engaging careers session for students and emerging environmental professionals. Attendees heard directly from professionals working across planning, ecology, engineering, consulting, law and government about how they navigated their career paths, the qualifications they pursued, and what their day-to-day roles involve. The session offered guidance on study choices, internship opportunities, and industry connections, with time for audience questions to help support the next generation of environmental leaders.

Guest Speakers

Jack Turner – Senior Environmental Assessment Officer, NSW Department of Planning and Environment
Jack has over eight years' experience in environmental planning and assessment, working across government and consultancy. His expertise includes assessment of major infrastructure, energy and resource projects. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science and a Masters in Environmental Law.

Kirsty Davies – Principal Environmental Consultant, Umwelt
With over 16 years' experience, Kirsty leads multi-disciplinary projects from concept through to construction, specialising in environmental impact assessment and approvals. She has worked across sectors including renewables, infrastructure and mining, and manages diverse specialist teams for complex approvals.

Josh Smart – Senior Ecologist, NGH
Josh is a biodiversity specialist with a focus on flora identification, ecological surveys and impact assessments. With a passion for orchids and aquatic ecology, he works on major renewable energy, transport and utility projects and contributes to threatened species research.

Tegann Kelly – Legal Counsel – Property and Planning, CWP Renewables
Tegann is a qualified solicitor with over 12 years' experience in environmental consultancy and legal practice. She advises on large-scale renewable energy developments and has extensive expertise in land tenure, licensing and complex contract negotiation. She’s also an MBA graduate with strong roots in Newcastle.

Kate Connolly – Principal Ecologist & NSW Ecology Team Leader, Umwelt
Kate is an Accredited BAM Assessor with broad experience in ecological assessments, offset strategies and EPBC referrals. A Newcastle graduate, she leads ecological teams and has a passion for fieldwork, biodiversity conservation, and sharing knowledge with others in the sector.

Wendy Cadelago – Environmental Engineer, Tetra Tech Coffey
Wendy is a UoN graduate who works in the Site Assessment and Remediation team. She has built her career in contaminated lands and holds both a Bachelor and Masters in Environmental Engineering. Wendy is passionate about applying her skills locally and contributing to cleaner environments.