Meet BSSC Alumnus and Forest Fire Operations Officer (FFOO) trainee, Pah Dah Ler.

After graduating in 2018, Thailand-born Pah is now a first-year trainee (and part of Forest Fire Management Victoria’s second intake of FFOO trainees) based at the Beaufort depot.

While he once held a dream to work as a law enforcement officer, he has welcomed this role as the perfect opportunity to work outdoors and contribute to the local community.

Although Pah confesses to knowing very little about environmental management beforehand, he is keen to absorb as much knowledge as possible, already participating in fire prevention and campsite/track maintenance activities, and learning about fire behaviour.

He travels to Melbourne two days each fortnight to complete his Certificate III in Conservation Land Management.

Having now moved to Ararat, he is hoping to get more involved in community activities. A keen indoor soccer player, he is hoping to connect with local players.

After his traineeship is complete, Pah hopes to continue with the department in a similar role, as job security is important to him.