When Renee joined UGL in October 2022 as a contractor for fauna spotter catching (FSC), she was fresh out of her master’s degree and ready to launch her career. Her goal was simple: gain valuable experience, build connections in her field, and secure a full-time role doing work she was passionate about.
“I spent many hours catching geckos and walking miles in the Aussie bush,” Renee recalls. “I made the most of every moment learning about environmental matters in construction so I could assist our UGL environmental team whenever I wasn’t needed for FSC work.”
Her dedication and enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed. In February 2023, Renee was offered a position as an environmental coordinator for UGL on the same project she started with, @Powerlink Queensland’s Genex Kidston Connection Project. Her resilience, curiosity, and commitment to growth stood out, and by June 2024, she was promoted to environmental advisor.
“Taking on this role pushed me to trust my knowledge, lead by example, and have confidence in myself. It challenged and expanded my understanding of environmental controls and how to navigate the complexities of civil construction.”
Renee credits much of her success to her mentor, Mahlea Ryan, UGL Environmental Manager for utilities. “Mahlea saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” she reflects. “She gave me opportunities to grow and become the best version of myself. I feel so fortunate to have her as a mentor and friend.”
When asked for advice she’d offer to someone starting at UGL, Renee doesn’t hesitate: “Have confidence in yourself! If you trust your work and judgement, you’ll be unstoppable.”
For Renee, the people are what makes UGL a great place to work. “To be able to interact with people from all walks of life is a privilege, and I’m proud to wear the UGL uniform every day.”
Renee fosters a strong environmental culture within the project, consistently promoting environmental awareness. Her technical expertise, combined with her proactive support for colleagues, is highly valued by the project team.
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