Bjorn Leigh
Ruakākā
Summary
Results-driven leader experienced with animal husbandry, freshwater ecology, and vastly experienced and practically skilled in the construction industry. Well developed and strong practical skills in fish handling and keeping, water quality management, but also design, installation and maintenance of fish keeping systems. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Dream Streams Ltd
01.2023 - Current
- I have led and managed freshwater restoration projects across Northland.
- I was responsible for the delivery of two native migratory fish passage infrastructure solutions, at Waiwarawara Stream and Wilsons Dam, Ruakaka including project planning and logistics, health and safety, construction and installation .
- Carried out in-field fish handling, monitoring or surveillance for native and pest fish species.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Freshwater Pests and Migratory Fishes Ranger
Department of Conservation
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed surveillance and control of freshwater pest species including fish, plants, and herptiles.
- Worked extensively with kaitiaki, NGOs, councils, and the public on freshwater migratory fish research and pest control efforts across Northland.
- Coordinated fieldwork involving fish handling, habitat assessments, and water quality observation.
- Supported safe operational practices and provided on-ground leadership.
Freshwater Pest Fish and Biodiversity Teams Assistant
NRC
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Assisted in pest fish surveillance and biodiversity surveys.
- Supported monitoring operations and aquatic data collection across Northland.
Environmental Technical Officer
Southland Regional Council
01.2013 - 01.2013
- Installed new hydrology and continuous water quality monitoring stations including innovative design solutions for remote station set up and maintenance.
- Performed maintenance, calibration, improvements and problem solving for existing off and on-grid monitoring stations.
- Conducted regular water quality testing and aquatic species assessments.
Director
H4Builders Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Responsible for designs, logistics, staff and sub-contractor management for various building and construction projects in the Auckland area.
Building and construction Industry
01.2000 - 01.2007
- Principally building including the use of heavy machinery but also stints plumbing, roofing and cabinet making.
Aquarist Support
Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
01.2000 - 01.2000
- Supported daily husbandry tasks including fish feeding, tank maintenance, and system monitoring. Developed foundational skills in animal care and aquatic systems operation in a high-standard facility environment.
Education
Bachelor - Environmental Management
Southern Institute of Technology
Invercargill, Southland01.2013
Skills
- Expertise in fish handling and species identification
- Good working knowledge of water quality sampling, hydrology, and the design, installation and maintenance of fish keeping systems
- Strong health and safety management skills
- Practical problem solver with much technical and construction experience
- Sound computer literacy (Word, Excel, Outlook) and data/reporting proficiency
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Strategic planning
Timeline
Director
Dream Streams Ltd
01.2023 - Current
Freshwater Pests and Migratory Fishes Ranger
Department of Conservation
01.2021 - 01.2023
Freshwater Pest Fish and Biodiversity Teams Assistant
NRC
01.2020 - 01.2021
Environmental Technical Officer
Southland Regional Council
01.2013 - 01.2013
Director
H4Builders Ltd
01.2007 - 01.2010
Building and construction Industry
01.2000 - 01.2007
Aquarist Support
Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
01.2000 - 01.2000
Bachelor - Environmental Management
Southern Institute of Technology
OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- Keen SCUBA and free diver trained to the level of SSI Advanced Dive Instructor.
- Successfully and single handedly, installed an in-ground saltwater chlorinated swimming pool on a challenging site at my property.
- Have hobby kept both freshwater and marine aquariums.
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