Name: Matt 
Role Title: Environmental Works Implementation Officer
Location: DNRE Tatura

Description of work undertaken: 
Matt processes environmental and tree growing grants and also does a lot of the 'hands on' work - working with contractors on ground preparation for tree growing (fencing, woody weed removal). Matt also coordinates the Australian Trust for Conservation crews and the Goulburn Valley Regional Environmental Employee program. Matt likes the on-ground works, getting out in the field and seeing results such as the trees growing. He likes to see the benefits when it all works. He also enjoys working with farmers and assisting them to revegetate.

Team and / or individual role / responsibilities:
Matt works within a Public Lands Project, which aims to protect and enhance public lands. Matt is responsible for the project's implementation. 

Future? 
Matt would like to continue working with farmers and concentrate on environmental protection.

BACKGROUND:
Grew up where? 
Matt grew up in Waaia. He originally wanted to be a Fishery and Wildlife Officer, or ranger, but once he began Uni he started thinking of working with farmers.

Course(s) studied: 
Tertiary /post secondary:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks and Recreation) Charles Sturt University, Albury.

Secondary: 
In secondary school Matt did some Science, which helped a lot at Uni and he says that even the English and History he did in school helped him a fair bit at Uni.

Work experience: 
Matt did two weeks with DNRE Nathalia in Year 10. He did 'Pest, Plant and Animal' work experience at the Pastoral Protection Board of Deniliquin (while at school and Uni). Matt spent three years working on the summer fire crew at Yarrawonga.

OPPORTUNITIES: 
Further study: 
Matt would consider doing more short courses.

Learning on job, new skills, etc. 
Matt says that he has learnt a lot, mostly on the job. He has also benefited from attending some short courses.

Travel, etc.
Matt travels around the Shepparton Irrigation Region with his day-to-day work. He has attended courses  in Puckapunyal and Lorne.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW: 
Matt's advice is to work with the summer fire crew, and gain any other work experience you can. This will help you get a foot in the door. Matt started off working part-time with the Goulburn Murray Landcare Network on the Rabbit Busters Program, which gave him valuable experience and led to full-time work at DNRE.

OTHER: 
What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Matt's peers have become rangers and Landcare Facilitators. He says a lot are working in recreation and one is a wildlife park attendant.