HEI 2024 – Careers in the Environment

Hunter Environmental Institute welcomed students, early-career professionals, and industry members to its annual Careers in the Environment panel event. Held at NUspace, the session featured an engaging discussion from a panel of environmental professionals who shared insights into their career journeys, key skills in demand, and advice for navigating the environmental sector. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, gain practical career tips, and network with professionals in the field.

This event also provided a valuable space for industry representatives to meet emerging talent, with attendees encouraged to connect informally following the panel session. Professionals were invited to bring information about their organisations to help students explore future pathways.

Guest Speakers

Leanne Cross – Environmental Post Approval Specialist
Leanne is the founder of Across Environmental, a consultancy specialising in post-approval environmental management. With over 20 years of experience, she supports developers and contractors on compliance, environmental planning, and audits. Her background includes work with Transport for NSW, Ausgrid, and various renewable energy projects.

Lynette Plenderleith – Biodiversity Engagement Specialist
Dr. Lynette Plenderleith is a Biodiversity Engagement Specialist at the City of Newcastle. She holds a PhD in frog ecology and has conducted wildlife research globally. Formerly a science communicator with ABC’s Gardening Australiaand founder of Frogs Victoria, she now works to connect communities with biodiversity initiatives in NSW.

Sam Brandley – Environmental Engineer
Sam is an Environmental Engineer with over 5 years of experience at GHD, working within the Northern NSW Environmental Team. He specialises in environmental impact assessments and environmental planning and management, with experience preparing Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) across various sectors.

Tristan Cox – Graduate Environmental Consultant
A recent graduate of the University of Newcastle, Tristan works at Ramboll in their Newcastle office. He has one year of experience in contaminated land consulting, with involvement in projects such as landfill and smelter remediation, site investigations, and environmental monitoring.

Jane Gibbs – Acting Executive Director, Energy
Jane is a senior executive and environmental scientist with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). With 30+ years of experience in both the public and private sectors, her work spans environmental assessments, climate adaptation, and energy strategy. She currently serves as Acting Executive Director, Energy.