Name: Kane
Role Title: Irrigation and Drainage Officer
Location: DNRE,Tatura

Description of work undertaken:  Kane coordinates community surface drains which involves meeting with landholders, other agencies and local govewrnment,  environmental management staff and aboriginal affairs. He coordinates and facilitates meetings, assisting the landholder groups in running the meetings. In his job Kane is involved in field work with landholders. Kane likes to talk to farmers about their ideal scenario, how they want their farm to be in the future and enjoys helping them to develop whole farm plans.

Kane coordinates community surface drains

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Kane works with 10 other extension officers to provide surface drainage to the Shepparton Irrigation Region.

Future? 
Kane will continue to work in surface drainage, eventually moving up to a higher role. He intends to achieve the following in his current work; continued employment, personal development skills and a sound financial future. 

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where? 
Kane grew up in Bunbartha, just outside of Shepparton, and has always lived in the Shepparton Irrigation area. His father works at Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), so Kane learned quite a lot about the industry from him.

Course(s) studied: 
Tertiary /post secondary:
Advanced Certificate, Diploma and then Bachelor of Applied Science.

Secondary: 
Kane studied Maths, English, Biology, Geography and Outdoor Education in VCE. He found his secondary schooling helpful in Uni.

Work experience: 
During Uni, Kane completed work experience with GMW in irrigation planning, pest plant management and maintenance, and this helped him decide he wanted to work in this field. 

OPPORTUNITIES: 
Further study: 
Kane would consider doing Agricultural extension.

Learning on job, new skills, etc. 
He leant a lot of what he is doing now in Uni, but he is able to implement and develop his skills and knowledge in his job. He has completed the following short courses: extension skills and practices, effective public speaking, and a range of others.

Travel, etc.
Kane travels around the Shepparton Irrigation Region in his daily work.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW: 
"Its important to do work experience in the area you are interested in, and plenty of it!"