Tanara Hinschen – Bachelor of Animal Ecology

While completing her Bachelor of Animal Ecology, Tanara undertook an industry placement, she worked with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships (QPWS&P) on its Value Based Management Framework. This conservation management project saw Tanara undertaking values assessments, participating in planning workshops, field-based activities, and compiling and analysing data.

Tanara assisted at planning workshops, drafted planning documents and worked through health check data which is critical to future values reporting and park management decision-making.

Tanara’s feedback on her placement experience:

Was the placement relevant to your studies?

The Values Based Management Framework (VBMF) is an exciting strategy for preserving natural habitats and maintaining biodiversity in Queensland’s parks. It fundamentally aligns with the principles of conservation science to which the Bachelor of Animal Ecology also adheres to, for the purpose of understanding and protecting biodiversity systems in nature.

What did you learn?

While with QPWS&P, I spent time conducting surveys in parks and discovering the magnificent ecosystems we are striving to protect. I also attended workshops where field officers and technical support staff work together to build comprehensive management directives. I learned how the input from many different staff, both in and out of the field, work together to help conserve parks.

What did you enjoy the most?

I really enjoyed meeting so many friendly, intelligent, and passionate people. They kindly shared their precious time, knowledge and love of Queensland’s parks.

Which three (3) words would best describe your placement experience?

Diverse, enjoyable, encouraging.

“Tanara was always enthusiastic and engaged while learning as much as she could in the office or out in the field. Her placement made a fantastic contribution to the team.”

— Jo Zadkovich, industry placement supervisor