Industry Spotlight

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Donna Rumenos, Management Systems Officer at WAPRES

Interview: Donna Rumenos

Job Title: Management Systems Officer
Company: WAPRES
Region: South West

​How long have you worked in the timber industry?

I have worked in the industry for nearly 14 years.  Prior to this, I studied Botany, Zoology and Information Services at university.

​Tell us about your job – what is your role?

My role, along with my team of colleagues, involves environmental compliance and coordinating management systems within WAPRES. An important part of this has been identifying high conservation Values across the plantation estate. These may be threatened plants, animals, ecosystems or cultural sites that may be affected by operations. This is done through a combination of database searches, field surveys and stakeholder engagement. Once identified, these special values need to be protected.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

​Having variety in the role and working with people across the company. Some days I will be out in the field looking for orchids, and others I will be helping re-design internal systems to tackle problems and improve the way the company operates.

What other timber jobs have you worked at, if any?

My previous role with WAPRES involved seed orchard management and the establishment of research trials for tree improvement. I have also worked with the Forest Products Commission in the certification field.

What is one thing about the timber industry that people don’t know or realise?

I don’t think people realise the extent of environmental checks and balances that are routine for the timber industry, particularly when a company is certified.
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What would you like to see change or improve for the future of the industry?

​I would like to see the industry continue to be promoted as a renewable resource that has benefits for the environment and people.

A day in the office for Donna