People stories

A career that matters. A contribution that counts.

Our people are working towards a better Queensland for everyone.

From our rangers looking after millions of hectares of national and marine parks, state forests, and conservation areas, to our wildlife and conservation officers leveraging the latest research and technology to protect our environment, ecosystems, cultural heritage, and native fauna and flora – we all have an important role to play.

In our department, your contribution counts and so will you.

Meet some of our incredible people and find out why they love working with us.

• Alex Lacey, Ranger, Northern Region
• Francine O'Rourke, Senior Community Engagement Officer, Mark Simmons, Senior Environmental Officer (Community Engagement) and Michele Spooner, Senior Human Resources Officer
• Jade Caldwell, Jasmine Corica, and Luke Taylor, Environmental Officers
• Giles Bezzina, Senior Environmental Officer
• Lachlan Bassani, Ranger, Northern Great Barrier Reef
• Paul Sexton, Indigenous Project Officer
• Erin Witten, Ranger in Charge
• Damon Shearer, Senior Technical Officer
• Josh Radloff, Senior Environmental Compliance Officer
• Dr Alan Horsup, Senior Conservation Officer
• Alexander Peters, Wildlife Officer
• Shannon Henderson, Senior Environmental Officer
• Collette Bagnato, Marine Park Ranger
• Justin Wilson, Environmental Compliance Officer
• Samantha Ryan, Principal Conservation Officer
• Maree Rich, Conservation Officer
• Alex Lacey and Evelyn Ivey, Queensland Indigenous Rangers
• Find out more about what it’s like to be ranger

Alex Lacey, Ranger, Northern Region

For Alex, every day is a great day as a ranger. Find out how working on Country allows Alex to connect with her ancestors and elders and inspire the next generation of Ewamian people.

Working in non-frontline roles

Searching for a supportive environment, compassionate leaders, and real opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference? No matter your experience or expertise, you don't need to be on the front line to have an impact. Francine O'Rourke, Senior Community Engagement Officer, Mark Simmons, Senior Environmental Officer (Community Engagement) and Michele Spooner, Senior Human Resources Officer.

Emerald

Searching for career progression and an incredible lifestyle? Achieve and experience more than you ever thought possible with our vibrant Emerald team. Environmental Officers Jade Caldwell, Jasmine Corica and Luke Taylor.

Giles Bezzina, Senior Environmental Officer

Giles grew up exploring the beautiful Cairns environment. Now, as Senior Environmental Officer, he’s protecting those special places of his childhood. Be inspired by Giles’s remarkable journey with us.

Lachlan Bassani, Ranger, Northern Great Barrier Reef

For Lachlan, being a Ranger means so much more than sitting on a tropical island. As a proud Lama Lama man, it’s about connection to Country and preserving the environment for generations to come.

Paul Sexton, Indigenous Project Officer

From Marine Park Ranger to Indigenous Project Officer, Paul has experienced an incredible career journey with us. Find out why this proud Gunggandji and Kuku Yalanji man is so passionate about living and working on Country.

Erin Witten, Ranger in Charge

Erin and her team look after an enormous amount of protected area estate across Rockhampton, in Central Queensland. Hear from Erin about some of the diverse experiences she’s had during her more than 20 years with the department, and what she hopes to achieve in the future.

Damon Shearer, Senior Technical Officer

No two days are the same for Damon – from fighting fires to carrying out underwater reef assessments, his job as a Ranger involves a lot of variety. Find out why Damon is still working with us after 12 years.

Josh Radloff, Senior Environmental Compliance Officer

As one of our Environmental Compliance Officers, responsible for regulating a wide range of activities, Josh enjoys the complexity, diversity, and sense of pride that his role affords. He shares what it’s like to work in one of our busy regional offices.

Dr Alan Horsup, Senior Conservation Officer

Dr Horsup has been an integral part of learnings and improvements to conservation efforts such as increasing knowledge of the species, building a dog-proof fence in 2002, providing water points in 2004 to reduce impact from drought, and improving monitoring and translocation techniques.

Meet Alan, who has dedicated 30 years of his life to protect the Hairy-nosed wombat!

Alexander Peters, Wildlife Officer

Meet one of our Wildlife Officers, Alex. Growing up with a surfboard in one hand and a fishing rod in the other, Alex dreamed of a life at sea as a skipper. But when he found out he was colour blind, he found another way to pursue his passion for the outdoors – as a Wildlife Officer. Alex shares with us why he truly loves his job.

Shannon Henderson, Senior Environmental Officer

Mesmerised by her Science teacher’s passion for the environment, Shannon followed in his footsteps. In 2019, as part of her Bachelor of Science degree, she started work experience with the department’s Pollution Hotline. Since then, Shannon has achieved incredible career progression. Here, she tells us how.

Collette Bagnato, Marine Park Ranger

Collette’s passion for the natural world was sparked when she was a child. Now she gets to help preserve some of Australia’s most historic and breathtaking environments. Find out more about Collette’s journey to becoming a Marine Park Ranger in the Great Barrier Reef.

Justin Wilson, Environmental Compliance Officer

After switching careers in his 40s, Justin has found a workplace where his values and love for the environment align. Read about how Justin’s role with us allows him to combine his love for both technology and the environment, and the advice he has for other university graduates.

Samantha Ryan, Principal Conservation Officer

Ever since Sam was young, she dreamed of doing paid work in a field she loved. She’s now living that dream. Find out what a typical day in the life of a Principal Conservation Officer looks like and read more about Sam’s inspiring career.

Maree Rich, Conservation Officer

Growing up, Maree was destined to become a ranger—having had a very active and outdoor lifestyle with lots of camping and time spent in nature. Read all about Maree’s amazing career and how she now helps deliver high priority projects, including the conservation of threatened species on parks where pests are the main threat to their survival.

Alex Lacey and Evelyn Ivey, Queensland Indigenous Rangers

Two Queensland Indigenous Rangers; Ewamian woman Alex Lacey and Girramay woman Evelyn Ivey, have been on the trip of a lifetime—the first ever Indigenous Women in Fire Training Exchange (WTREX) where they spent an intensive 12 days sharing knowledge of cultural burning practices with women from the Karuk tribe in California. Read more about Alex and Evelyn's trip of a lifetime.

Want to join our team in making a difference? Discover the next step in your career now.