Next Gen Leader Profile – Megan (Meg) Ensor

1. What attracted you to the environmental science industry and how did you start your career in the industry?

I’ve always had an interest in geology. Growing up inland, the most geology I saw was whatever happened to be poking out of the ground, so when we’d visit family on the coast and I discovered the huge, exposed formations along the coastline, I was beyond saving. I studied Earth Sciences in high school, but it wasn’t until I started University that I realised the potential for a career in the broader field of environmental science and contaminated land.

2. I note you have completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Geology/Earth Science, General and a Bachelor Communication and Media Studies, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia at Wollongong. How have your skills in communications and media supported the work you do in environmental science?

Honestly, I think this speaks more to the fact I have way too many interests than a well thought out career path! It was later in my studies and research I came to fully understand the importance of effective science communication. The skills I’ve gained from my communications degree have given me context and perspective of the bigger picture when communicating technical content. As a consultant, these skills enabled me to build strong client relationships and find creative solutions to present complex data in an easy to digest format.

3. You are currently working at Qantas. Can you tell us a bit about what your role involves?

Of course! I joined the Qantas team mid-last year as an Environment Specialist in the Operational Environment Team. In this role I help assess and manage environmental risks across the Qantas Group as well as provide technical support to internal business units.

4. What has been your biggest career achievement or the most interesting project that you have worked on and why?

One of the more rewarding projects I’ve worked on while consulting at Reditus was the NSW Groundwater sampling program for NSW Department of infrastructure. The project involved mobilising field teams across rural NSW for weeks at a time with specially decked out vehicles to assess groundwater quality. Weeks of preparation and planning before we set out enabled us to smash through our sampling targets and efficiently transport the samples back to the lab within holding times. However, no matter how well prepared we were, I will never forget the first day, 100 km from the nearest town, no reception, 38-degree heat using esky lids to un-bog our ute.

5. Where do you see the sector moving in the immediate future and what are the big challenges for the sector?

I think one of the major challenges for the sector currently is engaging and retaining young professionals in the industry. With workplace dynamics changing dramatically since covid lockdowns, I’ve noticed a shift in priorities for many young professionals who are looking for a proactive work culture that offers diverse opportunities. I hope to see the sector move towards investing in the development of young professionals and to calibrate values, culture, and ways of working to facilitate this.

I’ll take this opportunity to shamelessly plug the new ALGA special interest group for emerging professionals which has recently been established. The SIG aims to engage and capture input from emerging professionals within the industry. Watch out for our session at ecoforum/SustRem 2023 in Melbourne later this year.

6. Do you have any advice for professionals looking to enter the industry?

Best advice I can give from experience is to find a mentor who you are comfortable talking openly with about your career and where you’d like to be.

7. How does the ALGA community/membership support you in your career?

Since joining, I’ve found great value in connecting with fellow members and having the opportunity to work collaboratively to drive the industry forward.

Megan Ensor
Qantas Airways Limited

Megan is an environmental specialist with experience in contaminated site investigation, remediation, environmental management, waste, legacy landfills, groundwater investigations and coastal geomorphology. Megan has conducted complex environmental investigations for a diverse range of clients from the aviation sector, local and state government departments, commercial entities and industrial clients.

Article Published on 21/04/2023

The statements, analyses, opinions, information and conclusions that may be found in the articles of this publication are those of the author and not of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Ltd (ALGA), which only acts in the capacity as publisher. No part of this publication can be regarded as legal advice. Although care has been taken in preparing this publication, neither ALGA nor the author represent or warrant that the information supplied is current, complete or accurate. To the full extent permitted by law, the author and ALGA do not accept any liability, or owe a duty of care, to any person in respect of any such information. No person should rely in any way on the content of this publication and are encouraged to seek independent legal or other professional advice, if required.