Ashton-lee Coles

Dear Employer

I am an enthusiastic and energetic young female who is not afraid of challenges as they make me take a step forward. I am a quick thinker, learner and responsible individual. I have the knowledge to work effectively and with initiative. I am a diligent worker and have proved to be a responsible representative and liaison for my (previous) employers as I am able to maintain accuracy under extreme pressure. I have a positive attitude and able to communicate effectively on any level, with regards to telephonic communication and personal appearance. I dedicate my mind, my energy and myself in everything I do. I am transparent and easy to approach as a person.

I have completed my internship with the Department of Environmental Affairs at Midmar Dam, I was an intern in the biodiversity field under biocontrol, I am very passionate about the work I've been doing as I love working with nature. I currently hold an NQF level 5 certificate in environmental management.My tertiary education in N6 business management is now complete and I have since acquired a qualification in HIV and Aids counseling and testing, I have recently also acquired a short course mentoring and coaching certificate. I aquired a Skills development facilitating qualification and I am equipped with computer skills.

I have found my passion in working with nature and conserving the environment. I enjoy seeing progress in eradicating alien invasive species in water catchment areas. I have worked with many different rivers and dams, such as Wewe river where I have done many Biocontrol releases of Neohydronomus affinis on water lettuce and Neochetina eichhorniae on water hyacinth. I have also done releases at Mahlongwana river and Mdloti river as well as many others.

In the last six months I was fortunate enough to do birdwatching with the department of Environmental affairs, I also did some monitoring on house crows and rose ringneck parakeets as well as Indian minor birds, this was to monitor the behavior as they are invasive and formulate a report as to how many birds are in the area.

I have experience in compiling biocontrol reports, collecting data from monitoring sites, and doing biocontrol releases and consolidating it for monthly reports. I have also consolidated biocontrol releases and monitoring from other organizations and stakeholders to compile one report to submit to the Department of Environmental Affairs.

I have worked with many different types of organizations and the community of the South Coast to manually remove water hyacinth from the Manzimtoti river.

I have assisted with managing the two teams which work in the Tongaat and Verulum area with regards to eradicating water weeds in the vicinity. I have also assisted with doing quotations for the area where the teams would have to work and invoices for the area where the team have completed worked.I have also established good working relationships with the teams and have since been able to achieve effective communication and a safe working environment as well as productivity progress.

I have been privileged to work with many organizations such as the Department of Environmental Affairs, Sanbi, Sasri, eThekwini municipality, uMsunduzi municipality and conservancies where I have been exposed to various enviroments as well as projects and I have been mentored and aquired practical and theory experience. 

My family and I also own a farm in the Impendle area where we keep cows, chickens, horses, sheep, pigs and dogs and I visit often to help take care of the animals. This is where my passion grew for nature and animals as well.

My career objectives include job satisfaction and to build an existing experience.I am available as soon as possible Therefore I would appreciate the opportunity to prove myself and discuss in person how my skills and abilities may be of value to your organization-at your convenience.

I look forward to your positive response. Thanking you.

Yours sincerely Ashton-lee Coles