Julien
2003 Graduate
Having finished my stint in the Graduate Program I joined the Migratory and Marine Species Section where I am now acting Assistant Director.
My interest in marine species conservation found a great avenue in the Section - I have day-to-day carriage of developing and implementing domestic and international conservation policy for exciting species such as the great white shark, whale shark, and Australian sea lion.
This has involved producing a recovery plan for the whale shark, managing conservation projects, negotiating with international partners on a range of shark and marine turtle conservation issues, and representing the Department and the Australian Government in international fora such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - CITES, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
I think one of the most rewarding aspects of the job has been the successful nomination of the great white shark to CITES in 2004. I worked behind the scenes building support for the nomination, and am now helping to implement the listing by managing the development of identification sheets for all three CITES-listed sharks that will help customs officers from around the world identify these species in trade.
I like working in the Department – the people are great, the atmosphere is supportive and relaxed, and the work is rewarding.
'the best thing about working for us ... is the environment'