Since joining Bradken in 2023, Jess has expanded her role from a state focus to a global one, drawing on her natural curiosity, practical mindset, and deep connection to the world around her. She brings those strengths to projects across our global operations, keeping sustainability at the heart of how we work.
Read on to hear more from Jess.
What does your role at Bradken involve and what do you like most about it? While I was initially hired as Sustainability Business Partner doing environmental advisory, compliance inspections and site reporting. As Senior Specialist - Sustainability, my role is more of a strategic one. I still get to work closely with our site teams but it’s more about improving systems, aligning with evolving legislation and standards and supporting the business deliver on its carbon neutral by 2030 goal.
I love the constant change that this role, and the sustainability sector in general, offers. It really keeps you on your toes! Requirements are constantly evolving to meet the needs of a climate constrained world. I’m a firm believer that through good sustainability management, you can drive significant improvements to a company’s financial, social and environmental performance.
And… I absolutely adore the people I work with. The culture here is genuine, people support each other, share knowledge freely, and work together to solve problems. It makes me feel valued and energised coming into work each day.
What inspired you to pursue a career in sustainability, and how did your journey into the field begin? Growing up, I always pictured myself as a Scientist or Park Ranger. I’ve just always been drawn to nature and wanted to find ways to help take care of it. This was probably influenced somewhat by my upbringing - a house full of pets, weekends spent at my grandparents' places in Kukerin, Brunswick and Mandurah, or at the beach house in Green Head, and my Mum who works in a similar field as an Environmental Health Officer.
After school I studied Bachelor of Science (Environmental Management) at Edith Cowan University, and later in life, a Graduate Diploma of Energy and Carbon Studies at Murdoch University. After returning from a working holiday in Ireland (where I met my partner) I landed my first HSE role with the City of Wanneroo as an Environmental Health Technical Officer, where I also volunteered as a firefighter. I’ve also completed a range of short courses to increase my knowledge in specific areas including Government Compliance, Fauna Handling, Noise, Air Quality, Hydrogeology and Fire Management.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work? I’m always up for trying something new. I’ve given Roller Derby, Zen Do Kai (a modern form of martial arts) and yacht racing a go over the years. But what I enjoy most is catching up with friends, spending time with my family, and getting out into the country - whether that’s camping or sleeping under the stars on a boat. My family has a sheep farm and orange orchard about 40 minutes out of Perth, so weekends often include a bit of farm work too. It’s a great reset.
I also stay connected with others in the industry through a small professional group called the Corporate Environmental Reporting Network. We meet monthly to share ideas and keep up with the ever-evolving world of sustainability reporting.