Meet Samantha: Environmental Scientist

Samantha joined TMK’s Environmental Team in 2024 after graduating from UniSA with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Her journey into the field wasn’t a typical one. Having spent many years as a Client Services Officer at an accounting firm, she decided she wanted to make a broader impact. That desire to do more led her to environmental science.

Samantha’s Path to Environmental Science

After spending two decades in the finance industry in various business management roles, Samantha felt it was time for a change. With guidance from a career counsellor at UniSA, she chose to pursue environmental science, an area where she could contribute to something larger than herself. Since earning her degree, Samantha has become a valued member of our growing team of environmental scientists. For her, the shift into environmental science was about making a real difference, working to protect and utilise existing land rather than expanding into new areas that could suffer environmental harm.

Samantha’s Role at TMK

At TMK, Samantha is the Principal Contact for Environmental Site History Reporting. She’s the go-to person for our clients when it comes to conducting Preliminary Site Investigations (PSIs), also known as Site History Reports. These investigations are essential whenever there’s a change in land use. They help identify whether hazardous materials may be present. This information is vital before any development occurs, to prevent potential risks to infrastructure and communities.

No two weeks are the same for Samantha. One week, she might be out on-site conducting soil tests, and the next, she could be deep into writing an Investigation Report, which provides a high level of detail required to meet regulatory standards.

One of her most fascinating projects involved the impact of layered soils over time. On one site, Samantha identified clear soil divisions which included sedimentary layers, old rubbish, and even coke bottles dating back to the 1920s, highlighting how land use has changed across generations.

Why TMK?

Samantha first connected with TMK during her studies at UniSA. After graduating, she applied for a position with our Environmental Team. Although it was her first role in the construction industry, she’s quickly made her mark, learning from experienced professionals and contributing from day one.

Why Environmental Science Matters

As scientific understanding evolves, compounds once considered safe may be reclassified as hazardous due to advances in technology and research. As a result, regulations must adapt to reflect this new knowledge. This shift has implications for infrastructure and land use, as many properties that were compliant with past standards now require some level of rehabilitation before they can be safely used.

Environmental science plays a critical role in identifying and managing risks to human health and the environment stemming from historical land use. From assessing the presence and concentration of concerning compounds in soil or groundwater, to validating the rehabilitation efforts and supporting every step in between, Samantha and the team are at the forefront of protecting both people and the planet.