Meet Manager Susan
Issued: 5 Mar

Susan calls herself a relative ‘newbie’ to parks (compared to some other ‘parkies’) and as Manager of Planning, Policy and Training for Fire Services she hasn’t followed the ‘traditional’ pathway into her fire management role.

Having an environmental science background, completing undergraduate studies in Environmental Conservation, Honours in Zoology and a Master’s in Environmental Management, Susan worked as an Environmental Officer for Transport and Main Roads, managing projects in corporate and road delivery before starting with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) as a Senior Project Officer in 2019.

‘I came over from Main Roads with project management skills and experience. I remember saying in the interview for my fire role, if you want a project management person, pick me, but if you want a fire management person, don’t pick me.’

Over the last few years, Susan has learnt a lot in the fire space. She feels that not only has she grown both personally and professionally, but QPWS has grown as an organisation as well.

‘To have been successful in the role I’m in, speaks volumes of our organisation. I am on the shoulder of those who have taken a chance on people like me, people that are less like themselves.

‘We are at a point now that our staff can see that while fire is a unique area, people can lean in with their unique and varied skillsets to value add to the business as a whole. We are diversifying and including people from a wide range of skillsets, which is great to see.

‘I tip my hat to and acknowledge the people before me, who may be part of the less diverse groups and have allowed me to take steps along this path.’

Susan role models inclusive behaviour in everything that she does. From fire management conversations to HR performance discussions, she strives to create culture changes from the ground up.

‘I am also involved in a number of QPWS diversity initiatives, including being a key facilitator of a program looking to improve integration of staff from diverse backgrounds within the fire management space.

‘The issues we’re covering will benefit everyone, from those on the ground to those supporting fire management activities. I’m pleased to be part of these amazing grass root initiatives, inspiring change and being a voice for those that may have not had one in this space.’

Susan takes pride in being an engaged person, listening to people and understanding their backgrounds—where they’ve come from and the strengths they bring to the team.

‘Everyone brings their own unique experience to a role. When you recognise and include the person, as well as the work, it’s amazing what you and a team can achieve.’

Not usually one to self-promote, Susan has stepped out of the shadows to share her story so that others can see themselves in her journey.

‘Even though I may have been a bit of a left-field candidate, I want people to see that you can come from a variety of backgrounds and value add to your position and the team. It’s about finding the pieces of the puzzles that work for you and your story.’

Susan strongly believes recognising individuals for what they bring, and helping them open up their own path, as this is better for them as well as the organisation.

‘I always say to my team members—you never know what opportunities or experiences you have will come together and create opportunities for you in the future. I encourage people to take opportunities that present themselves, because you never know what the future holds.’

We’re fortunate to have staff like Susan, working together with many other amazing parkies, to protect and conserve our incredible parks and forests both now and into the future.