Connect locally with a Network of Passionate Individuals.
Career opportunities within the contaminated land and groundwater sector are often overlooked, with many professionals discovering the industry by chance rather than through a clearly defined career pathway. Yet the profession offers a unique blend of science, engineering, fieldwork, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and environmental impact assessment, creating rewarding careers across consulting, industry, government, and research.
This webinar will bring together Australian, New Zealand and Canadian professionals from across the sector to share their experiences working in contaminated land and groundwater, including moving to a new country and environment. Through personal reflections and practical insights, the discussion will explore how panellists entered the industry, the projects and challenges that have shaped their careers, and the skills, experiences, and opportunities that have supported their professional development.
In this webinar, our speakers will discuss:
The discussion will provide an honest look at the realities of working in the contaminated land and groundwater sector, highlighting the diverse pathways available and the many ways careers can evolve. Practical examples and personal stories will demonstrate how professionals contribute to protecting human health, restoring environments, and supporting sustainable development, while also showcasing the breadth of opportunities available both within and beyond traditional consulting roles.
This webinar will be particularly valuable for students, recent graduates, emerging professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about careers within the contaminated land and groundwater sector. A live Q&A will follow, and the session will be recorded.
ALGA's Emerging Professionals Specialist Interest Group Co-Chair will be moderating this webinar.
Oliver Tate works at GHD as an Environmental Scientist within the Contamination Assessment & Remediation and Water Sciences service lines. Based in Christchurch, he has experience delivering contaminated land, groundwater, and environmental management projects for infrastructure, defence, mining, industrial, and aviation clients. His work focuses on contaminated site investigations, technical reporting, and water balance and quality modelling. Oliver is actively involved in ALGA's Emerging Professionals Special Interest Group and is passionate about supporting the development of the next generation of environmental professionals.
Ashlee Sudholz works at ERM and has built a diverse career spanning research and environmental consulting. She brings valuable experience in technical problem-solving and professional development and has been part of the Emerging Professionals Special Interest Group for over two years. Ashlee now works in contaminated land, focusing mainly on soil, soil vapour and groundwater investigations for oil and gas and mining companies. Ashlee is passionate about training others in field techniques and technical reporting.
Ashlee brings an Australian perspective to early careers.
Ella Amos works at GHD and has developed experience across contaminated land consulting and environmental data management, while also playing an active role in initiatives that are shaping the future of our profession, including the ALGA AI Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Emerging Professionals SIG.
Ella helps councils and private clients figure out if their sites are contaminated, whether that contamination poses a risk to environmental receptors and what that means for future development or land use. Recent projects include a closed landfill that may be redeveloped into a flood protection and recreational area, and an industrial site affected by PFAS contamination from historical firefighting foam use.
Ella brings a New Zealand perspective to early careers.
Ava Bebbington works at SAGE Environmental Services and has made the transition from academic research into consulting, offering a fresh perspective on establishing a career in the environmental sector. Ava previously studied permafrost and contamination in Arctic soils in Canada before moving to Australia to begin her career in a slightly warmer environment.
Ava brings a Canadian perspective on relocating to Australia as an emerging professional.
ALGA Member: FREE
Non-Member: $25.00
Students: FREE
All fees include GST
All fees are AUD
1 CPD Point
