What is it like to be a Graduate Chemist?

Amanda - Graduate Chemist

Amanda - third year Graduate Chemist

"I'm a Graduate Chemist working in Water Production Branch at the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant.

I entered the Water Corporation as a contractor to work in Drinking Water Quality Branch with plans to return to university after a year to complete my PhD. I had such a good working experience for the first six months there that when a permanent graduate Chemist position in the branch was offered I applied, and started in the Water Corporation Graduate Development Program in July 2007. During my time in Drinking Water Quality Branch I was part of a team that provided support to regional water quality officers who ensure that everyone serviced by the Water Corporation has safe water to drink 100% of the time. This was done through the organisation of water quality discussion workshops, preparation of reports, and evaluation of analytical data taken from both raw water sources such as dams and bores and distribution sampling points. I was also project manager for some key water quality research projects looking at improving the quality of both Perth and the wider WA water supplies.

In November 2008 I moved into the ProAlliance, which is the alliance between Water Corporation and French company Degremont, operating the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant in Kwinana. I am currently working on a seawater characterisation project looking at how the changing seawater quality in Cockburn Sound affects pre-treatment and reverse osmosis processes. In addition to this I also provide day-to-day support to the shift and maintenance technicians and act as a link between the plant and the Water Corporation.

The Water Corporation is a great place to work as a chemistry graduate as you often get to combine both practical laboratory work and real life chemistry applications. There are also opportunities to work almost anywhere in Western Australia and I did get to spend some time in the South West region during my time in Drinking Water Quality Branch. I would recommend the Water Corporation as a place to work for a chemistry graduate as there are fantastic career opportunities and lots of support from more experienced scientists in the organisation."


Liza - Graduate Chemist

Liza - first year Graduate Chemist

"I joined the Graduate Development Program as a Chemist after completing a PhD in Biological Sciences at UWA in 2008. I was attracted to the Water Corporation as I was interested in working in the water industry, and wanted to contribute to the sustainability of WA resources.

My first rotation has been within the Wastewater Treatment Branch. Here I have been able to increase my skills and knowledge of the process of wastewater treatment in Perth and regional areas of WA. As this process covers a wide range of subjects including chemistry, engineering, and microbiology these projects have been challenging and diverse. My experiences within the branch have included a Technical Officer role at the Kwinana Water Reclamation Plant, and working on commissioning activities at the Bunbury Wastewater Treatment Plant. I have also been given a number of projects to support the operation and optimisation of wastewater treatment plants within Perth.

So far I have thoroughly enjoyed the learning opportunities I have been offered. I have found that the Water Corporation provides a professional, friendly and supportive environment, and I look forward to continuing to develop my career through the Corporation's Graduate Development Program."