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Kelly Dalton
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Professional Background
Kelly Dalton is an accomplished senior zoologist and project manager based in Melbourne, who leads the fauna team at GHD's Natural Resource Management Group. For over 14 years, Kelly has dedicated her career to the field of zoology, with the last 12 of those years specializing in ecological consulting. Her expertise encompasses a broad array of survey methodologies applied to various faunal groups, making her a sought-after professional in the field.
Throughout her career, Kelly has effectively utilized her skills in regions across Victoria, southern New South Wales, central South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania. Her extensive experience includes conducting detailed desktop flora and fauna assessments, targeted threatened fauna surveys, ecological impact assessments, and habitat mapping. Kelly's work often involves preparing management plans and offering recommendations aimed at minimizing and mitigating environmental impacts, showcasing her commitment to environmental stewardship.
As a lead ecologist on significant infrastructure projects such as the Western Outer Ring Main and the Level Crossing Removal Project, Kelly has demonstrated her ability to handle complex ecological challenges. Her involvement in these projects required the preparation of both Environmental Effects Statements (EES) and referrals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, highlighting her comprehensive understanding of environmental legislation and assessment processes at both the Commonwealth and state levels, especially in Victoria and Western Australia.
Kelly's extensive experience allows her to work in a variety of environments, including grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, mallee systems, semi-arid and arid landscapes, chenopod shrublands, heathlands, and riparian forests. Her proficiency in conducting fauna surveys across all these diverse habitats speaks to her adaptability and expertise in ecological consulting. Moreover, in 2011, she expanded her experience through an eight-month secondment at the GHD office in Bunbury, Western Australia, where she engaged in ecological work alongside broader environmental assessments including groundwater monitoring and air and noise assessments.
Education and Achievements
Kelly Dalton's educational background lays a strong foundation for her professional pursuits. She completed her secondary education at Glen Waverley Secondary College, after which she earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours in Conservation Biology and Ecology from La Trobe University. This rigorous academic training has equipped her with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel as a senior zoologist and project manager.
Throughout her career, Kelly has not only contributed to the field of zoology but has also played a vital role as an environmental supervisor at Great Southern Forestry and as a Field Team Leader at La Trobe University. These previous roles have allowed her to develop leadership skills and deepen her understanding of ecological management principles in both fieldwork and larger project scopes.
Kelly’s extensive background demonstrates her dedication to understanding and preserving biodiversity, particularly in relation to threatened species. Her keen interest in arid and semi-arid environments and in working with reptiles and small mammals reflects her passion for her work, which she approaches with a deep respect for ecological integrity.
Achievements
Some of Kelly Dalton's notable achievements can be summarized as follows:
- Over 14 years of experience in zoology and ecological consulting.
- Expertise in a wide variety of ecological survey methods across multiple faunal groups.
- Successfully led ecological assessments for significant infrastructure projects, ensuring environmental compliance.
- Conducted numerous desktop assessments and targeted surveys, significantly contributing to the protection of threatened species and natural resources.
- Worked across diverse environments, enlarging her scope of knowledge and operational proficiency in varied ecological landscapes.
- Engaged in cross-disciplinary environmental work, merging flora and fauna assessments with groundwater and air quality evaluations.
With a firm belief in the importance of protecting natural ecosystems, Kelly Dalton continues to impart her extensive knowledge and experience to her team and clients while setting a high standard for ecological consulting practices. Kelly's dynamic approach to environmental management, her leadership capabilities, and her commitment to sustainability make her a remarkable figure in the field of zoology and environmental conservation.
