You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Meet Randall Milne
Job:
Senior Biosecurity Officer Pest Plants.
Job description:
Develop and manage work programmes for pest plants in Southland.
Work background:
I have worked as a Biosecurity Officer for 18 years now – which sounds like a really, really long time. It has gone very quickly which says to me I must enjoy it.
Favourite part of job:
I love the variety of work I do. I like dealing with all sorts of people of all different ages - students, retired people, community groups, researchers. I help people with their pest plant problems, and work with them to protect and improve our environment.
Least favourite part of job:
Sitting at the computer when the sun is shining outside. Also not being able to find an answer to a problem someone needs help with.
What I am working on now:
Helping the Mid Dome Trust manage wilding pines.
A quick story about a job well done:
We had an aquatic weed in one pond in Southland. It has taken 10 years of searching and controlling it, but this year there was finally nothing found.
Qualifications:
A couple of university degrees in science and conservation.
Interests outside work:
I like mountain biking, walking and playing squash when I can. My dog likes it when I take her for walks along the beach. I’m trying to learn to surf, but can’t twist my knee at the moment. I help the Otatara Landcare Group with a native plant restoration project, and controlling pest animals in the Otatara area.
Randall Milne is a Senior Biosecurity Officer at Environment Southland. Image: Environment Southland.