Career spotlight | Megan Wyllie

Megan Wyllie is the Manager of Invasive Plants and Plant Pests for the Australian Capital Territory Government. Megan works to manage and mitigate the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems. Her work focuses on protecting native biodiversity by preventing the spread of invasive plants and pests, ensuring the health and sustainability of the region’s natural environment.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My team and I manage government work that is related to invasive plants and plant pests. This includes on-ground works such as surveillance and monitoring, invasive plant control, risk assessments, and collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to address both day to day and broader issues. Daily meetings, addressing correspondence from ministerial officials and members of the public, and problem-solving multiple issues involving invasive plants.

How long have you worked in this area?

I have been working in this field for nearly 10 years now

How did you find yourself in this career?

My background is more in animal biosecurity and health. However, due to a vague job description regarding ‘invasives’ and a successful interview focused on biosecurity, I found myself in the world of invasive plants. I learned quickly that this is much more of a space that I have an interest in!

What roles have you held previously?

I have worked for the Australian National University as an Animal Technician, Australian Government Department of Health, in the section on human prosthetics and industrial chemicals. I then moved into Animal Health Australia as a Project Manager for animal pathology standards. After a few years, I moved to NSW Local Land Services as the Regional Invasive Species coordinator, which is where I fell into the invasive plant and plant biosecurity roles. Currently, I work as the Manager of Invasive Plants for the ACT Government, Parks and Conservation.

What is your most memorable career achievement?

Winning the Great Debate at the NSW Weeds Conference. I also initiated a campaign with the CEO of Crime Stoppers to prevent online sales of invasive plants.

What advice would you give to others starting/changing their career

Find a mentor who you can trust to support you through learning new things. When you first go into a new career role, every acronym and every process is SO new, and it can be quite overwhelming. I was so lucky to find my mentor early on, someone I could lean on and trust to answer my dumb questions without judgement.

Learn more about the invasive plants and plant pests on the ACT Government website.

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn