Tara O'Brien - Environmental Scientist

Tara O’Brien is an environmental scientist with more than 20 years’ professional experience in chemical laboratories and environmental consultancies.  After obtaining a Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle, Tara worked as a coal chemist and Quality Assurance Officer for Oakbridge Marketing Pty Ltd, later completing post graduate studies in Environmental Science.  The change in career direction led to her working for HLA Envirosciences Pty Ltd in both laboratory and consultancy roles until the acquisition of the operation by Australian Laboratory Services Pty Ltd, where her role as the laboratory supervisor continued.  

Tara has extensive experience in compliance auditing and reporting, mine operation plans, soil and water management plans, erosion and sediment control plans, mine lease applications, mine closure plans, mine lease relinquishment reports, and rehabilitation management plans. She is also experienced in project managing Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental Assessments and Development Applications.  

Tara is a certified professional in erosion and sediment control and has specialised experience in creating practical erosion and sediment management plans that meet the latest requirements outlined in Managing Urban Stormwater (the ‘Blue book’).

Education and Professional Affiliations:

• Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle
• Graduate Certificate in Environmental Studies
• Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC no 8255) (https://www.austieca.com.au/)