Brett Jackson
Senior Inspector, Australian Quarantine Inspection Service,
Brisbane
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
graduate
Working for Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS),
Brett is at the front line protecting Australia from international
invaders such as fire ants, giant African snails and Avian
Influenza.
As senior inspector for sea cargo, Brett examines bulk sea cargo
of quarantine interest to Australia.
"My work is really varied," says Brett. "I do inspections in
international airports and clearances in overseas ports - our work
isn't all inside Australia's borders."
Brett started with AQIS as a graduate, gaining the position from
a field of 300 applicants.
"I've always had an interest in quarantine," says Brett. "Ever
since school when a quarantine officer brought a beagle in to do a
public relations session. My interest increased when I did some
research on Australia's quarantine policy whilst at
university."
Brett says his degree in environmental science provided him with
the skills and opportunities to pursue a variety of careers. "The
degree sets you up for most jobs in the field. You study a good
cross-section of the environmental science field."
"Everything about my degree gave me an advantage with AQIS, from
the courses in agriculture to written and oral skills development.
My confidence of computer applications was also a significant
bonus, as a majority of my work involves fairly complex software
applications."