The environmental science field has long been dominated by men, but a new generation of women are leading the way and driving innovation at Ventia. From analysing water samples to implementing advanced modeling techniques, these women are breaking down barriers and demonstrating their invaluable contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. Lucy Edwards, Stacey Moutafis and Tierra Martin who work on Ventia's Water Monitoring contracts in Victoria were interviewed by the Australasian Land & Ground water Association (ALGA) to share their insights and experience on the industry. 

How long have you been in the industry (and how long with Ventia)?

I’ve been a member of volunteer groups for as long as I can remember and have taken part in a variety of programs around conservation and land management. The first job I had in the environmental industry was working in the laboratory at my university and since then I’ve had several roles that were more ecology centric. Roughly seven years ago, I moved into the world of contaminated land management and have been working with Ventia in the Geelong region for nearly five years now.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I feel lucky – I get to come to work every day and learn something new because our understanding of the environment and systems are constantly evolving. The beauty of contaminated land management is that there are so many different paths to explore, it just depends on your interests and wants. There’s no shortage of intelligent, interesting people who want to share their experiences and hear about yours and it’s wonderful being able to teach people at the same time they’re teaching me!

As a female in an industry that is often male dominated, what changes have you seen over the last 5-10 years? What changes would you like to see happen in the next 5-10 years?

There’s definitely been a shift to a more inclusive environment at all levels. 

Continued training, education, support, and opportunities should be made available because we should ALL have equal opportunity to work in ANY industry. Sex, age, race, or disability shouldn’t have an impact on employment – if you’re the best person for the job, you’re the best person for the job!

What emerging trends or technological advancements do you foresee having the greatest impact on the field of environmental science in the next decade, and how do you believe they will shape the industry's approach to Environmental Monitoring? 

Love it or loathe it, you had better get used to it - technology is here to stay and is going to continue to have a massive impact on our field and how we approach environmental monitoring.

How long have you been in the industry (and how long with Ventia)?

I finished my Environmental Science degree in 2019 and fell into a laboratory-based microbiology role soon after. I enjoyed being in the microbiology role, however I wanted to find something that was more relevant to my studies. I secured employment with Ventia in April 2023. I’m based in Tatura in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria, working as an Environmental Scientist, and I have loved every minute since.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My role within Ventia is incredibly versatile and I feel as though everyday I’m learning something new. I love that it’s not a typical 9-5 office job and I get to go out in the field every day and see some beautiful places and wildlife.

As a female in an industry that is often male dominated, what changes have you seen over the last 5-10 years? What changes would you like to see happen in the next 5-10 years?

I still sometimes get some funny looks and comments when I go out in public when I’m driving a ute and wearing high-vis. In the next 5-10 years, I would love to see more women donning the high-vis and getting into the field to break the stereotypes.

What emerging trends or technological advancements do you foresee having the greatest impact on the field of environmental science in the next decade, and how do you believe they will shape the industry's approach to Environmental Monitoring?

I believe that, in the not too distant future, we will have greater access to remote monitoring technologies. Specifically in the water monitoring industry it would be great to see the implementation of drones and ROV's to increase the safety of employees. Implementing these devices would mitigate the risks involved with working near flowing water and steep banks. I think that the increase in remote monitoring will also result in less fieldwork and shift towards more data analysis and office based work.

How long have you been in the industry (and how long with Ventia)?

I started working for Ventia in 2020 as a groundwater technician. This year will be my 4th year with the company. I’m currently based in the Mildura office in northwest Victoria.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

As a female in an industry that is often male dominated, what changes have you seen over the last 5-10 years? What changes would you like to see happen in the next 5-10 years?

Within the short amount of time I have been in the industry, I have noticed organisations being more supportive and encouraging towards female applicants within these roles. In the next 5-10 years I would like to see more awareness and knowledge about all the different types of jobs within the environmental monitoring industry. The industry has so many avenues and career paths however I believe the lack of knowledge about these roles is preventing both females and males from getting into the industry.

What emerging trends or technological advancements do you foresee having the greatest impact on the field of environmental science in the next decade, and how do you believe they will shape the industry's approach to Environmental Monitoring? 

In the next decade, I foresee artificial intelligence and advancements in remote sensing technologies, like satellite imaging, monitoring imaging and drones being the pathway environmental monitoring will follow

Read the original interviews with ALGA here: Women in Contaminated Land and Groundwater Management | ALGA