New Zealand
Born and bred in Belgium and now living in New Zealand since 2008, I have accumulated a wide range of skills and experiences from the Petrochemical industry and nuclear energy sector to the ecotourism industry. I like to combine my knowledge of chemistry and physics with technical challenges and enjoy learning about new technologies. As we live on a lifestyle block that is a QEII covenant, we are very actively involved as guardians of a few acres of native bush. In my personal time, I enjoy going out on the yacht with the family, play bass guitar, head out for a bike ride or go rabbit hunting.
During this career break I'm managing the renovation of our lifestyle property. During this renovation there is also an emphasis on outdoor work around the property in collaboration with the QE II trust, City Sanctuary and Aukaha. The main focus is possum control/eradication, weed control and regeneration of native bush.
In 2017 I completed and obtained SRL certificate at NMIT, with endorsement up to 24m and passenger endorsement. Apart from driving the boat in and outside the Otago Harbour, our responsibilities are: -Supervision of the crew. -Well being and safety of the crew and passengers (up to 60 passengers). - providing commentary during the cruises. - technical service and maintenance (daily, monthly and 6-monthly checklists). - Assist Senior skipper with MTOP updates. - Organisation of random crew training. - Keep up to date with the seasonal wildlife situation and updates via DOC.
Initially I started as senior crew on the MV Monarch, where my main tasks are: - looking after the boat; setup and shutdown, cleaning. - welcoming, assisting and looking after our customers during the cruises. - food preparation and serving. - wildlife guiding and scoping. In 2016 : Addition of passenger endorsement to the full driver licence.
•Production planning and manufacturing of probiotics, mineral concentrates, drenches and veterinary medicines. •Formulation of new products and the continuing improvement of the existing products. •Timely output of Vat Room production according to production schedule. •Health and Safety representative for the Dairy and Applied Technology department. Achievements: •Reviewed the production manual for the Dairy and Applied Technology department. •Doubled the output of the Donaghys Vat Rooms production unit. •Advisor in implementing new safety standards. •Developed and reviewed the Emergency Response Plan for the Dairy and Applied Technology dept. •Assistance in achieving a Secondary level of ACC accreditation.