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.

• 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
• Find out more about what it’s like to be ranger

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.

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