Meet Brad Dermody, Aurora Environmental’s Contaminated Sites Technical Director. With a career spanning over two decades in the environmental consulting industry, Brad tackles complex technical challenges, mentors his team, and drives innovative solutions to help clients manage contaminated sites effectively.
Brad’s journey into environmental science started with a geology degree that incorporated land and water management. Unlike many of his peers drawn to the mining sector, Brad saw an opportunity to apply his knowledge of chemical, physical, and biological processes to address environmental challenges.
“I realised that my understanding of how minerals and rocks form deep within the Earth could be used to solve environmental problems,” Brad explains. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of a fulfilling career.
Brad joined Aurora Environmental after seven years in the industry, attracted by the independence of working in a privately owned business and the opportunity to collaborate with highly experienced local consultants. He values the firm’s growth mindset culture and the camaraderie of his colleagues.
“Coming to work with my team is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role,” he says.
Over the years, Brad has honed a crucial skill, distilling complex environmental data into actionable solutions. “The ability to identify key issues from vast amounts of information and develop a tailored solution for our clients has been invaluable,” he shares.
It’s a skill he’s keen to pass on to Aurora’s junior team members, continuing the mentorship that shaped his career.
Among the many projects Brad has worked on, the Northampton Lead Tailings Project (NLTP) stands out as a career highlight. For over a decade, Brad has directed Aurora’s involvement in multiple phases of this project, working closely with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
“I’m proud of the outcomes we have achieved across the assessment, remediation and management phases with the client and the contaminated sites auditor. I have been personally satisfied with developing and applying technical elements in the project, including a human health assessment criterion for lead and leveraging high-quality XRF data for decision-making across more than 700 properties,” said Brad. The project’s outcomes underscore the transformative impact of effective environmental management.
Brad’s passion for solving complex problems extends beyond individual projects. He is motivated by helping clients see the broader benefits of environmental management.
“There’s been a shift in thinking. Clients now realise that high-quality environmental assessment not only meets regulatory requirements but also makes their projects more resilient and cultivates social licence. Seeing this shift has been very rewarding.”
Outside of work, Brad prioritises spending time with his family. Whether it’s supporting his teenage children at cricket, football, or hockey fields, he relishes the opportunity to be actively involved.
For Brad, a career in environmental consulting is more than solving technical challenges. It’s about making a tangible difference. His advice for those considering a career in environmental science is simple. “This industry offers fantastic opportunities for those who enjoy diversity and problem-solving. You can invest in your career and make a meaningful impact on the environment.”
