For Dubbo local Michaeli Gordon, her career journey has come full circle. And the 35-year-old couldn’t be more thrilled.
An interest in science and health set her on a path into nursing. But the demands of juggling shift work with the responsibilities of being a single mother to three kids was taking its toll, so Michaeli left the industry.
It wasn’t until she went back to her roots, did she remember what else inspired her.
“Growing up my Dad was a highly regarded asbestos removalist who worked all over Australia. I’ve always been particularly interested in the industry and how substances like asbestos can affect human health and the environment,” she said.
As fate would have it, an advertisement for an administration job with leading regional hazard materials and environmental management consultancy, EnviroScience Solutions became available. And the rest is history.
“I’ve been working with EnviroScience in its head office in Dubbo for about a year now and I absolutely love it,” Michaeli said.
“There are obvious synergies in the work at EnviroScience with my background as a nurse. It’s a great fit and I can see long-term personal career satisfaction and growth with this company.”
That’s because, she says, EnviroScience is the best in the business – a ‘one stop shop’ on any substance which could impact human health in the workplace or public areas.
Specifically, EnviroScience specialises in the identification, monitoring and management of contaminants and hazardous substances in the water, air, and materials. And it provides strategic, tailored advice to address issues including asbestos, silica, chemicals, mould and fungi, bacteria, meth labs, air, water and soil quality, contaminated sites, and noise and vibration.
EnviroScience even boasts its own in-house laboratory which is accredited by the National Australian Testing Authority (NATA) for asbestos which recognises world-leading testing and inspection capabilities.
“My mind was blown when I realised the scope of work on offer at EnviroScience and its speciality areas. And it’s not just here in Dubbo – the company also has offices in Newcastle, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Tamworth,” she said.
“Regional communities don’t need to source services from metropolitan based companies – we have people on the ground in these areas with the expertise and know-how to provide effective solutions for local jobs with their own unique challenges and complexities.
“The different facets of EnviroScience mean plenty of opportunities for employees which is exciting. I’m getting amazing support from the various teams as I learn more about their trades which is great because I want to be an ‘all-rounder’ in the team.”
Michaeli is about to embark on further study to become a qualified Occupational Hygienist and continue her career progression with EnviroScience.
She says she’s inspired everyday by Juliet Duffy, who started the company 15 years ago, in what was a very male dominated industry.
“Juliet is an outstanding role model for women in this industry and inspires me every day. How she started EnviroScience, built the company, and continues to drive its expansion across NSW, is a credit to her,” she said.
“I am enjoying the process of learning something new every day with the EnviroScience team and as far as I’m concerned, the sky’s the limit.
“I want to be a role model for my kids, for women and the local Aboriginal community of which I am proud to be part of. I want them to see through my work with EnviroScience that anything is possible.”