New Graduates Start Regional Careers In Conservation

• Fourteen new graduates join the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
• Two-thirds have grown up in regional areas
• 13 of the 14 graduates are under 25 years-of-age

The next generation of conservation managers have started exciting new careers with DBCA's Parks and Wildlife Service, following a week-long orientation at Exmouth and nearby Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.

This marks the first regionally focused program since 2013 aimed at attracting talented young graduates to the Parks and Wildlife Service.

The 14 graduates hold degrees in wildlife conservation science, environmental science, marine biology and freshwater science, zoology, physics, and environment and heritage.

Many have grown up in Western Australian regional communities, further strengthening the program's local focus.

They were selected from a strong pool of applicants through an innovative selection process that included initial video submissions, interviews, and a residential selection school in Dwellingup.

The graduates will be based in regional and district offices from Albany to Kununurra, where they will experience various roles to enhance their capabilities and experience during their two-year graduate contract.

Over the course of their two-year graduate contracts, the graduates will rotate through various operational areas, including fire management, joint management with Traditional Owners, marine and land conservation, and visitor services, gaining hands-on experience in each.

As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:

"I offer my sincere and heartfeltcongratulationsto the 14 graduates who are starting their public service journey.

"With a regionally based workforce, it makes sense to recruit the brightest talent from right across the State to build careers managing some of WA's most important natural assets, including national parks.

"I have no doubt these recruits will not just be great additions to the department, but also to the regional communities they will be living in."