Sophie Barton

Experience

• 

  Indooroopilly State High School

  Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

  Spanish Tutor
• 

  Monash University

  Nov 2018 - Nov 2020

  Academic Residential Advisor

  I provided support for university residents while focusing on Diversity and Inclusion (2019) & Academic and Hall Society (2020) initiatives at Monash University.Examples of responsibilities included:- Overseeing pastoral care of 50 residents, including mental health first aid and security concerns- Facilitating monthly workshops on support services and management of Sexual Assault and Responsible Alcohol consumption- Coordinating with Monash City Council to update street lighting and safety as part of a sexual violence prevention campaign- Building effective working relationships with students to create a supportive residential environment Show less

• 

  ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes

  Nov 2020 - Apr 2021

  ARC CLEX Undergraduate Research Project

  I investigated faster warming in the Australian alps using Python and NARCLiM simulations to assess the relationship between warming rate with changes in albedo and surface energy budget. Examples of responsibilities included:- Independently analysing relationship between warming rates, albedo changes and surface energy budget in the Australian Alpine Region- Assessing 4 different elevations, analysing 12 simulations, and conducting land use & climate change assessments- Developing Python and Excel models to conduct data analysis and report technical findings- Collaborating with Senior Climate Scientists from UNSW and DPiE to contribute to wider interdisciplinary research Show less

• 

  Ipsos Australia

  Mar 2021 - Feb 2023

  I conducted key components of the Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel & Activity on behalf of the Victorian Department of Transport.Examples of responsibilities included:- Interviewing respondents about their daily travel and activity patterns together with collecting data - Supporting minority groups by overcoming language barriers and accessibility constraints- Training new Social Research Interviewers on field methods and respondent engagement- Conducting pre-contact field surveying and re-sampling Show less

  • Field Social Research Supervisor

    Aug 2022 - Feb 2023

  • Field Social Research Interviewer

    Mar 2021 - Feb 2023
• 

  GHD

  Nov 2021 - now

  I work with clients across water, energy, mining, government and international development sectors to identify and manage risks to their projects and operations. My experience spans a variety of risk assessment methodologies and sectors.Examples of projects supported include:- Risk assessment co-facilitation (CHAIR/SiD/HAZOP/HAZID/SOCI) for infrastructure across water, mining, and energy sectors- Technical risk investigations for specialised projects including BESS concept design, hydrogen refueling facilities, and mine rehabilitation- Strategic risk advisory for humanitarian aid organisations and international development initiatives- Development of Bow-tie analyses to identify critical controls for high-consequence risks- Compliance auditing activities, identifying improvement opportunities for organisational processes Show less I deliver technical water solutions focusing on climate resilience, alternative water supplies, and integrated water management for urban, environmental, and industrial clients. Since joining as a Graduate, I have coordinated multi-disciplinary teams and engaged with stakeholders to support project outcomes.Examples of projects supported include:- Adaptive planning for stormwater harvesting and infiltration strategies for new developments, using MUSIC modeling to assess management options- Alternative water network planning including adaptive pathways for large-scale water grid business case development with cost-benefit analysis- Drinking water quality studies, treatment investigations and network assessments- Concept development for beneficial reuse of manufactured water for mine void filling- Climate change impact modelling using SOURCE platform to inform long-term planning- Fishway concept development to improve ecological connectivity for waterway health- Spatial analysis and data visualisation to communicate technical findings- Workshop facilitation for water strategy and planning processes Show less I supported technical water projects while completing my tertiary studies, working across Water Resources and International Development teams at GHD.Examples of projects supported include:- Hydrodynamic modelling for flood assessments and waterway projects- Climate change risk assessment for water infrastructure- Geospatial analysis and mapping for water resource planning- Water market business development initiatives- Public-facing science communication projects translating technical concepts for community engagement Show less

  • Advisor - Risk

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Engineer - Water Resources

    Feb 2023 - now

  • Intern Civil Engineer - Water Resources

    Nov 2021 - Feb 2023
• 

  Australian Water Association

  Oct 2022 - Dec 2022

  Victorian Member Engagement Manager

  I supported both the Victorian Branch and Young Water Professionals committee in connecting the water industry in this interim role.Examples of responsibilities included:- Delivering Victorian events including State Awards, conferences, volunteer days, and professional development seminars- Managing stakeholders across the Victorian Committee & Specialist Networks, corporate partners and other AWA branches- Facilitating digital content across all platforms- Supporting mentoring programs and industry connections Show less

• 

  Australian Water Association

  Jul 2024 - now

  Co-Chair, Victoria

  I co-lead the Australian Water Association Young Water Professionals subcommittee in Victoria. This team of 22 emerging water professionals volunteer to develop and deliver events and opportunities for other early-career water professionals across Victoria. Our focus is to create a space of learning and professional development for committee members and the broader water industry, alike.Examples of responsibilities include:- Helping committee members coordinate technical events, community days, and conferences each year for the broader water sector- Bridging communication between the YWP subcommittee and the main AWA Victorian Branch Committee- Organising social networking events to build connections within the water industry- Developing professional development masterclasses for committee members- Representing young professionals' perspectives in industry discussions and AWA governance Show less