George Wilson is the principal of Australian Wildlife Services. His qualifications are Master Veterinary Science (University of Sydney) and PhD in Zoology (University of Aberdeen).

Dr Wilson is Adjunct Professor at the Australian National University, Fenner School of Environment and Society and Senior Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales, Institute of Environmental Studies.

His research experience covers a wide range of scientific and industry development topics in wildlife management, animal quarantine and disease management, animal production, resource management and conservation. He has had extensive experience in the practical application of research work and has published more than 130 papers, articles, wildlife plans of management and chapters and written three books. He has had contracts to manage research programs for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. Prior to establishing his own consultancy company he worked for three years with economic policy company – ACIL Consulting Pty Ltd and before that he held Branch Head responsibilities for seven years in the Bureau of Resource Sciences including as Chief Veterinary Officer for Australia. He has also worked for Australian Government Department of Environment as Director of the National Conservation Strategy and with Australian, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

George is a Scout Leader with Air Scouts Canberra and a member of Canberra Burley Griffin Rotary Club

Contact: george.wilson@awt.com.au

Employed and Contracted Staff

Jennifer Smits, Bachelor of Science First Class Honours (Resource and Environmental Management) 2008, Australian National University.

Jenny provides research support and investigations for biological aspects of projects, mapping surveys and software development. She has well developed computer mapping and GIS skills using ArcGIS, Manifold and MapInfo. She has refined, developed and trained Cybertracker, the icon-based, portable GPS software, for Aboriginal rangers to track native and invasive flora and fauna. Activities also include bird, reptile, plant, mammal, aerial, landscape function, erosion, water and soil carbon surveys. She is advising on procedures and requirements to minimise the impact of windfarms on wildlife and habitats. Jenny is a soil scientist with a particular interest in carbon management.

Her thesis on mine rehabilitation at Cowal Gold Mine, NSW led to reduced off-site environmental impacts to the adjacent ecologically significant Lake Cowal, which is culturally significant to the Wiradjuri traditional owners. Contact: jennifer.smits@awt.com.au

Geoff Kay Bachelor of Science (Forestry) / Bachelor of Science (Biology) 2001 – Dec 2005 from Australian National University.

Geoff provides part-time support and research services for AWS.  He has modelled kangaroo populations and sustainable harvests and led the 2010 and 2011   reptile survey of Angas Downs conducted with the support of the Anangu Rangers. Here he is shown with the Angas Downs emblem – the Thorny Devil

Margaret Woodrow, Bachelor of Arts, Sydney University, with majors in Economics and Geography, and Diploma of Education, (CCAE). Margaret Woodrow provides administrative and research support for the wide range of AWS activities and projects. She has 15 years public service experience and 11 years as a subject coordinator in a large school.

Melanie Edwards, Bachelor of Science First-class Honours, 2006, ANU. Melanie Edwards (nee Garner) provides research support and investigations for biological aspects of projects. She has worked as an Intern at Smithsonian Institution and is also currently teaching practical classes part time at ANU. Melanie’s honours thesis was on detoxification in brushtail possums. In 2013 she completed her PhD student at ANU.

Beth Mitchell Bachelor of Science has worked on the Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises Program Development. Beth Mitchell has extensive experience in field investigations and in organising meetings and workshops. She has run the office of a medium-size consultancy company. She is experienced in dealing with landholders and rural communities and in writing reports and presenting work in an understandable format.

Edward Wilson, Bachelor of Design provides computing and design expertise especially for project reports and brochures. He manages AWS servers and IT needs.

Lyn Wilson is a specialist laboratory scientist who works on AWS projects.

AWS also partners with Universities, other consultants and services to provide a wide range of specialist input on projects.