Saying yes to curiosity: Sarah Hampson’s journey in environmental consulting
At a glance
When Sarah Hampson joined GHD as a graduate in 2024, water was where she felt most at home. An aquatic ecologist by profession and passion, she began her career in GHD’s aquatic ecology team in South Queensland and now works as part of the integrated Queensland Environment team, where she has embraced opportunities across a diverse range of environmental disciplines.
Every day is different
While aquatic ecology remains her first love, Sarah’s willingness to say yes to new experiences has taken her from collecting PFAS samples on contaminated land projects to conducting fieldwork in remote parts of Cape York.
“Water is where I feel most comfortable. But I also like to think of myself as a generalist. I’ve learned so much by saying yes to new opportunities.”
For Sarah, one of the most rewarding aspects of environmental consulting is the variety. A typical week might involve environmental assessments for infrastructure projects, collecting groundwater samples in remote locations or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges.
“I enjoy waking up and not always knowing exactly what the day will bring. The environment is unpredictable and that makes the work exciting.”
The Environment team brings together specialists across a wide range of disciplines, including ecology, botany, planning and environmental approvals. Together, they support projects ranging from local council upgrades to major infrastructure developments, helping clients understand environmental risks, opportunities and obligations.
“The technical knowledge across the team is incredibly broad. There’s always someone you can learn from and every project gives you exposure to different perspectives and knowledge.”
Solving problems through science
Sarah sees environmental consulting as helping clients make informed decisions. Whether it’s assessing ecosystem health, understanding the movement of threatened species or investigating potential contamination risks, her role involves turning scientific evidence into practical solutions.
“Every project starts with a question. Our job is to figure out what information a client needs and use science to help them make the best decision possible.”
That work can involve investigating the impacts of contaminants in waterways, assessing environmental risks before construction begins or monitoring ecosystems after projects are operational. Regardless of the challenge, the goal is to balance development with environmental responsibility.
Protecting species found nowhere else in the world
Among the projects Sarah is most passionate about is a long-term turtle monitoring program on Queensland’s Fitzroy River.
The project supports the world’s first turtle passage system, designed to help threatened turtle species move safely upstream and downstream alongside critical water infrastructure.
As part of the monitoring program, Sarah and her colleagues Natalie Clark, Lauren Pratt and Haydn Turner collect data on turtle populations, tagging and tracking animals to better understand movement patterns, health and population trends. An exciting milestone was recording four juvenile Fitzroy River turtles during a single survey.
“Only a handful of juveniles had been recorded since monitoring began in 2017. Finding four in one survey suggests the population is continuing to recruit, which is really encouraging.”
For Sarah, projects like this demonstrate how science can support both environmental conservation and community outcomes. While environmental consultants are sometimes seen as identifying constraints, she believes the profession plays an important role in helping projects achieve better outcomes.
“There’s always a balance between what’s best for a project and what’s best for a species. Our role is to help find solutions that consider both.”
Learning from people and place
Some of Sarah’s most memorable experiences have come from working alongside Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers on country during field projects. While scientific data provides one perspective on an environment, she believes cultural knowledge offers another equally valuable lens.
It’s one thing to understand the environment from a scientific perspective. It’s another thing entirely to understand it through cultural knowledge and lived experience."
What began as a casual interaction with a Traditional Owner in Cape York turned into an opportunity to learn about local heritage, try “sugarbag” native bee honey and develop an appreciation for the deep connections between people and place.
“Being curious has taken me to so many places. The more questions you ask, the more opportunities you create to learn.”
Shaping your own career
One of the biggest surprises for Sarah since joining GHD has been the level of ownership she has had over her career, even in the early stages. Coming from a highly structured corporate environment, she expected a more defined path. Instead, she discovered a workplace where initiative and curiosity are actively encouraged to drive your own career path.
“I thought people would tell me exactly what projects I’d work on. What I’ve learned is that you have a lot more influence than you think. If you’re proactive and put your hand up for opportunities, you can shape your own career.”
Sarah’s spirit of curiosity continues to open doors, create connections and drive her passion for protecting the environments she loves.