PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

James Machin PG. Dip Env. Mgt. B.Sc.
 Senior Environmental Scientist/ Manager,
Aid and Development

Summary
James is Senior Environmental Scientist/ Manager, Aid and Development with Earth Systems. James has spent a significant amount of his working career in South East Asia, including long term assignments in Thailand (6 years), and elsewhere across South East Asia and is fluent in the Thai language. His areas of expertise include Environmental impact assessment and management, project management of large, complex multidisciplinary environmental programs for the private sector (including mining companies), international donors and government (including the Royal Forest Department).


Education

  • PhD, (Mangrove restoration in Southern Thailand) – James Cook University, 2000 – current.
  • Postgraduate Diploma (Tropical Environmental Management) – James Cook University, 1996..
  • Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Botany) – The University of Melbourne, 1993.


Countries of Work Experience
Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Indonesia, Senegal.


Professional History

  • July 2007 – Present: Senior Environmental Scientist/ Manager, Aid and Development, Earth Systems.
  • February 2006 – December 2006: Deputy Team Leader, AusAID Agriculture Quality Improvement Project (AQIP), Cambodia
  • November 2003 – January 2006: Senior Consultant, Cardno ACIL, Melbourne Australia.
  • September 2000 – July 2003: Consultant, Seatec International, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • March 2000 – September 2000: Consultant, Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • October 1999 – March 2000: Program officer, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Bangkok, Thailand.
  • January 1998 – October 1999: Forest Research Officer, Royal Forest Department, Thailand.
  • May 1995 – October 1997: Trainer/Coordinator, Far North Queensland Institute TAFE.

Fields of Special Competence
Environmental impact assessment of infrastructure development. Project management of environmental projects in SE Asia.


Representative Experience
James has recently worked on the following projects:

  • Social Impact Assessment and Land Use Study, Sepon Operations, LXML, Lao PDR. James was team leader on this study designed to assess the social impacts associated with an expansion of the Sepon Project. James designed the questionnaire for the project, managed a field team in surveys of 21 villagers, analysed field data and prepared a comprehensive social impact assessment report detailing the predicted social impacted associated with the project and recommended mitigation measures. James also reviewed existing social mitigation measures being implemented at Sepon and made recommendations for improvements
  • Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the Nam Tha Hydro Electric Scheme in Lao PDR, and the resettlement action plan and social development plan for the same project.
  • Transportation assessment for the SLACO Bauxite project, Lao PDR. James assessed the environmental and social impacts associated with road upgrade for a planned Bauxite mine and refinery. James conducted interviews with roadside villages, analysed field data and wrote chapters of the EIA and SIA, and Environmental and Social Management Plan.
  • Revegetation and Rehabilitation Management Plan for the SLACO bauxite project, Lao PDR. James prepared a revegetation and rehabilitation plan for the project.
  • Natural Resources Specialist/Project Manager, WB, Department of Highways, Environmental Capacity and Preparation of Guidelines project, Thailand. James wrote technical chapters focussing on Thailand’s Laws Regulations and Standards Environmental Assessment Procedures for the Department of Highways and Biodiversity. James also liaised with the client regarding fulfilment of the contract and managed the inputs of national and international consultants.
  • Environment Specialist, JICA. James wrote the 2000 Thailand Environmental Profile for JICA.
  • Consultant, Seatec International, Bangkok, Thailand. James provided technical and project management input into environmental projects.