Megan Chipperfield

Highly experienced environmental scientist, project manager and emergency services leader with over 25 years’ experience across government, utilities, manufacturing, and emergency management. Strong capability in environmental systems, policy development, risk management, multi-agency project delivery and WHS. Proven record of leading complex programs, developing integrated management systems, coordinating emergency response, and delivering high impact training across large organisations.

NSW Rural Fire Service

Principal Safety Advisor (South) | Oct 2024 – Present

Leading WHS systems, audits, investigations, and risk management across the Southern Region.

Key Achievements

• Developed and implemented WHS systems aligned with legislation and codes of practice.
• Coordinated WHS audits, inspections, and incident investigations to improve organisational safety outcomes.
• Led development and maintenance of WHS risk registers and risk controls.
• Provided critical incident support as State Safety Duty Officer and State Air Desk Dispatcher.
• Preparation and delivery of WHS Representative elections and increased member engagement resulting in representatives being elected for 56 of 57 work groups with a reduction in cost of the election by <$40,000 through adept contract management and review and engagement of a new election provider.
• Preparation and delivery of WHS Representative annual Forum with clear outcomes and engagement from members. Feedback received included “best one yet”.

Senior Project Officer – Policy Writer - Fire Trails | Mar 2023 – Sept 2024

Led statewide fire trail policy, standards development and implementation, and multi-agency coordination.

Key Achievements

• Finalised NSW RFS Fire Trail Standards within six months.
• Developed and delivered FAFT Planning and Hazard Management training.
• Integrated FAFT Planning into the Bush Fire Management Committee Information Portal and Guardian.
• Managed multi agency engagement with land managers, BFMCs, and government stakeholders.

Sydney Water May 2000 – Jul 2017

Senior Operations Contracts Manager | 2011 – 2017

Managed multimillion dollar environmental, recycling, and transport contracts.

Key Achievements

• Achieved $1.7M under budget through improved financial models.
• Prepared Sydney Desalination Plant for first WICA licence in NSW.
• Managed threatened species assessments and cultural heritage programs.

Technical Specialist – IMS Manager | 2008 – 2011

• Achieved certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS4801.
• Delivered IMS training to 1000+ staff.
• Led internal audit program and system improvements.

Business Analyst – Strategic Operations | 2006 – 2008

• Delivered data analysis, reporting, and SLA development.
• Managed strategic business planning workshops.

Operations Production Officer | 2002 – 2006

• Managed Cronulla WWTP operations and environmental compliance.
• Developed endangered species monitoring program (Green & Golden Bell Frog).

EDUCATION

•Bachelor of Environmental Science (First Class Honours), UOW

•Lead Auditor – Environmental, Quality, WHS (SAI Global, ANDSAM)

•Certificate IV in Training & Assessment

•Certificate IV in OHS

•Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing

•ICAM Lead Investigator

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

• Safety Advisor Field (2026)
• Crew Leader Wildfire & Supervision (2024), Village (2026)
• Conduct Briefings & Debriefings (2025)
• RFS Certificate Issuing Officer & Hazard Management Officer (2023)
• Advanced Firefighter (2022)
• MR Licence – Off Road Driving (2021)
• Bush Firefighter (2019–2020)
• Elite Trainer Facilitator (2010)