Graduate Profiles
- Lucinda Ryan (Bachelor of Environmental Engineering)
- Luke Dykes (BA - Professional Communication)
- Claire Dixon (Bachelor Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce)
- George Charakos (Bachelor of Environmental Engineering)
- Lizzy Skinner (Environmental Engineering/Science - Botany)
Lucinda Ryan (Bachelor of Environmental Engineering)
Developer Services Planner
Joined Melbourne Water in 2005.
After completing my degree, I took a year of to travel before I commenced working at Melbourne Water. Since joining Melbourne Water I have begun working towards a Masters of Water Resource Management.
I work within the Developer Works team. I am responsible for implementing Melbourne Water's drainage schemes, which provide infrastructure for the developing Greenfield areas of Melbourne. This role includes investigations, analysis and project management activities related to the planning, construction and management of drainage systems to ensure urban development achieves appropriate standards of flood protection and environmental performance. It also includes the analysis of urban development proposals and providing direction to the developer and Council.
As a graduate you are provided with a high level of responsibility and respected across the organisation. I am provided with such a great variety of work, and everyday provides a new challenge. The people within Melbourne Water provide extensive experience and knowledge base as well as enthusiasm for change. It is great to know that the vision of Melbourne Water is always being implemented, and I believe that it is possible to "ensure a sustainable water future". Melbourne Water provides a foundation for any graduate and exposes you to many great opportunities.
Luke Dykes (BA - Professional Communication)
Communications Support Officer
Joined Melbourne Water - September 2005
After working briefly in the commercial radio field, I commenced at Melbourne Water in September 2005 in the role of Communications Support Officer.
My main areas of responsibility are internal communications, web and intranet support, community relations administration support, media monitoring and advertising.
I enjoy the variety of this role and the different challenges and opportunities it brings. I feel very lucky to be working for an organisation that is aware of the importance of sustainability not only for our business but also for the environment and community in general.
Claire Dixon (Bachelor Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce)
Project Manager, Infrastructure
Joined Melbourne Water in 2003
Claire’s current role requires her to manage a diverse range of capital projects in the transfer network all over Melbourne. She is responsible for the design, tender assessment, construction and project management to create new assets or modify old assets through the water supply, drainage and sewerage systems.
Some of the projects Claire has been involved in have included the replacement of a major transfer water main, construction of bridges across aqueducts, demolition of a service reservoir, upgrade of a water pump station, relining of a sewer and construction of a drain.
"I enjoy working for an organisation that actively values the environment and the community. In a short time I’ve gained a valuable overview of the many components of the water cycle that Melbourne Water manages."
"My current role provides me with significant independence and responsibility. I enjoy these challenges associated with the role. Support and guidance is readily available from my immediate team members and across the organisation. I enjoy the balance between the work site and the office and the satisfaction of pulling together people with various skills to deliver quality projects."
George Charakos (Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (majoring in Water & Land Management))
Environmental Land Management Officer
Joined Melbourne Water in February 2006.
In my first graduate position I have been working in the Infrastructure Group, within the Land Management Team. In this position I am responsible for:
- Managing Melbourne Water's exclusion and half share fencing works
- Managing land management issues, including customer complaints, in the north and north-western regions
- Project managing the Liverpool Road Retarding Basin Future Directions Plan
"Since joining Melbourne Water as a graduate I have become a member of the Social Club Committee and a member of the Graduate Focus Group - being involved in these groups has helped me to get more involved, to meet new people and to learn more about this organisation."
"Since joining Melbourne Water, I have found the work interesting, the people great. I have even had the chance to go back to university for the career fairs and talk about why Melbourne Water is a great place to work!"
Lizzy Skinner (Environmental Engineering/Science - Botany)
Catchment Planner, System Planning
Joined Melbourne Water in 2002
Lizzy’s current role is in South East Catchment Planning, System Planning Group. In this role Lizzy is involved in stormwater quality planning. She is responsible for looking at projects and investigating the performance of wetland and other stormwater quality treatment infrastructure. The information gained from these investigations is then used to prioritise and plan stormwater quality works for the capital plan.
Lizzy has also worked in the Wetlands and Waterways Capital Delivery Team, Infrastructure Group, which was involved in the design, project management and contract management of waterway works. This work involved taking a project such as waterway rehabilitation, litter trap and sediment ponds from project brief to completion.
"I enjoy the level of responsibility I am given as a graduate. I appreciate that people are willing to take time to share their knowledge, ideas and provide help when required. Most of all though, I enjoy seeing the direct benefits my work has on our environment."