James Smyth
Environmental Scientist
Melbourne
Summary
Experienced in flood risk management and climate change advising, I specialise in working with communities and stakeholders to develop resilient, sustainable solutions. I have worked within local government on climate hazard and flood risk projects, using trauma-informed and collaborative engagement approaches to support communities facing environmental challenges. I bring strong project management, GIS (ArcGIS and QGIS), and strategic planning skills, along with a passion for increasing climate resilience through inclusive public engagement. I hold a full New Zealand driver’s licence and am currently in the process of transferring this to a Victorian licence.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Climate Change Advisor
Hurunui District Council
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Managed the Coastal Conversations project, facilitating discussions with coastal communities on climate change risks and exploring tailored adaptation measures for each community.
- Developed the Hurunui District Council Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, preparing it for submission to the Councillors for ratification.
- Supported the Civil Defense team, gaining practical knowledge and experience of emergency management frameworks, response coordination, and civil defense strategies to enhance community preparedness and resilience.
- Contributed to the development of a Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan, facilitating collaboration between district councils to address climate change risks and implement adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Flood Risk Technician
East Sussex County Council
04.2022 - 03.2023
- Conducted flood investigations, combining desktop analysis, site visits, and community engagement to assess and address flood risks, and flood events.
- Contributed to a government-led innovation flood resilience scheme (FCRIP), implementing practical solutions to enhance resilience against flooding.
- Supported responses to planning applications, reviewed local flood resilience plans and strategies, and evaluated surface water management proposals to ensure effective risk mitigation.
Ecologist
Chaffin Works
06.2021 - 03.2022
- Supervised ground crews and provided advice regarding site developments to ensure species were not disturbed during works.
- Undertook vegetation and habitat surveys before commencement of works.
- Worked on a wide range of sites, some of national significance, and gained excellent knowledge of health and safety protocol and how activities affected the local ecology.
Education
BSc - Zoology and Ecology
University of Otago
02.2012 - 11.2015
GDip - Environmental Science
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington 05.2016 - 11.2016
Skills
Presentations and public speaking
Problem-solving
Strategic planning
Data interpretation
Community engagement
Climate change adaptation & resilience planning
Coastal and flood risk mitigation strategies
Climate risk communication
ArcGis & QGIS experience
Timeline
Climate Change Advisor
Hurunui District Council
06.2023 - 08.2024
Flood Risk Technician
East Sussex County Council
04.2022 - 03.2023
Ecologist
Chaffin Works
06.2021 - 03.2022
GDip - Environmental Science
Victoria University of Wellington
05.2016 - 11.2016
BSc - Zoology and Ecology
University of Otago
02.2012 - 11.2015
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