Isabella Kirk
Queenstown,New Zealand
Summary
I began my career working on boats around the world but have always been driven by sustainability. I’ve worked across the waste minimisation, conservation, and behaviour change sectors and moved to Queenstown a few years ago for the mountain biking and outdoor lifestyle. I will complete my Bachelor of Ecology in June 2026 and plan to work as an ecologist, with the dream of one day combining my two passions, skippering and ecology.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Impact and Sustainability Co-ordinator
Te Tapu O Tāne Ltd
11.2023 - 02.2025
- Developed and submitted funding grants, supporting large-scale restoration and conservation projects.
- Compiled cultural and ecological values assessments, integrating mātauranga Māori and scientific perspectives.
- Measured, analysed, and reported on environmental and community impacts.
- Organised events, hui, and workshops to engage iwi, partners, and local communities.
- Managed website design, content, and digital communications to showcase project outcomes.
Environmental Project Manager
Sustainable Taranaki
05.2020 - 03.2022
- Co-ordinated waste minimisation related educational tours, workshops and events at The Junction Zero Waste Hub
- Collaborated with businesses from the rural, construction and hospitality sectors
- Managed and trained educators and facilitators within the Junction Hub
- Undertook comprehensive planning and reporting and budgeting of the Junction Zero Waste Hub project - Funded by the New Plymouth District Council
Environmental Educator
Zero Waste Education
06.2018 - 03.2020
- Teaching Zero Waste Education programme in Primary Schools around Bay of Plenty and Ruapehu Districts.
- Teaching the Tauranga City Council fresh water education programme in Intermediate, Primary, and Pre Schools.
- Community education around water and the environment at public engagement expos.
- Running community workshops.
First Officer
Super Yacht, Motor Yacht Kokomo II
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Yacht mainly based in Sydney, cruising up and down the east coast of Australia.
- Captain of 30ft chase boat.
- Passage planning.
- Navigational watches.
- Maintenance of vessels.
- Updating safety management and medical systems onboard.
- Caring for guests and their young families.
Deckhand
Super Yacht, Motor Yacht Kamalaya
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Cruising Mediterranean, Bahamas, Caribbean, Florida, Two Atlantic crossings.
- Covered over 12,000 sea miles.
- Navigational watches.
- Passages as captain on 38ft chase boat.
- Driving and maintaining tenders.
- General deck maintenance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ecology
University of Otago
06-2026
Maritime New Zealand
Skippers Restricted Limits 24m
Skipper Training NZ04.2023
Yacht Master Offshore 200tonne
Royal Yachting Association
04.2017
Skills
- Great communicator
- Good with people
- Passionate
- Self-motivated
- Adaptable
- Organised
Timeline
Impact and Sustainability Co-ordinator
Te Tapu O Tāne Ltd
11.2023 - 02.2025
Environmental Project Manager
Sustainable Taranaki
05.2020 - 03.2022
Environmental Educator
Zero Waste Education
06.2018 - 03.2020
First Officer
Super Yacht, Motor Yacht Kokomo II
08.2017 - 05.2018
Deckhand
Super Yacht, Motor Yacht Kamalaya
10.2016 - 05.2017
Yacht Master Offshore 200tonne
Royal Yachting Association
Bachelor of Science - Ecology
University of Otago
Maritime New Zealand
Skippers Restricted Limits 24m
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