Environmental Careers: Information Session for University and High School Students

Hunter Environmental Institute and the University of Newcastle hosted this career-focused seminar aimed at university and high school students exploring pathways in the environmental sector. The event brought together professionals across government, private consulting, and academia to share their personal career journeys, current work, and advice for those aspiring to work in the environmental field. Attendees learned what to study, where to intern, and how to get connected in the industry. A Q&A session followed the presentations.

Guest Speakers

Melissa Moore – Assistant Director, Employability, University of Newcastle
Melissa first joined the University of Newcastle as a Careers Counsellor in 2002 and has led the transformation of its Careers and Employability team. She played a key role in broadening the team’s engagement mandate in 2021 and currently serves as Division President for NSW/ACT Universities to the National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services.

Dr David Wainwright – Director, Salients; Coastal Engineer
David holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from UTS and a PhD in Coastal Engineering from the University of Queensland, where his thesis focused on numerical modelling of coastal entrance processes. He established Salients in 2015, a local consulting firm specialising in coastal and environmental engineering and science.

Logan Shea – Ecologist, Umwelt
Logan is an ecologist based in Umwelt’s Newcastle office with over two years of industry experience. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, majoring in Ecosystems and Biodiversity, from the University of Newcastle. Logan works across ecological consulting projects with a focus on biodiversity.

Josh van Lier – Senior Environmental Strategist, City of Newcastle
Josh currently leads coastal and environmental strategy work at the City of Newcastle. He previously worked as a Senior Scientist with Fisheries New Zealand and was an elected member of Greater Wellington Regional Council. He holds a PhD in seascape ecology and is passionate about citizen science and effective environmental governance.

Leonie Bryson – Strategic Planner, Maitland City Council
Leonie brings over a decade of experience in both the private and public sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Geography and a Masters in Urbanism (Urban and Regional Planning). She is a Certified Practicing Valuer and an Australian-Certified Economic Developer, currently working on strategic planning for Maitland City Council.

Bernadette Quirk – Environmental Scientist, WSP
Bernadette graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2021 with a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Ecosystems and Biodiversity). She works as an Environmental Scientist at WSP, where she prepares environmental assessments for projects in renewable energy, defence, infrastructure, remediation, and recycling.