BINGO Trailblazer - Fezeh Lotfi

As the landfill manager at Eastern Creek, I have a wide range of responsibilities that are critical to the smooth operation of the site. My primary duties include overseeing the daily operations of the landfill, managing truck deliveries, managing contractors, managing operators, and ensuring that waste is disposed of properly in accordance with licensed guidelines and regulations.

Safety is always my top priority and I make sure that all operators and customers are protected from any potential hazards. This involves conducting regular safety audits and training sessions, as well as implementing measures to mitigate any potential risks.

In addition to ensuring safety, I also focus on maintaining the landfill gas production and reducing infiltration of surface water. This is done by adjusting landfill operations and filling procedures, and by implementing the best practices and innovative scientific methods in waste management.

Overall, as the landfill manager at Eastern Creek, I am responsible for ensuring that the site operates efficiently, safely, and in an environmentally responsible manner. By working closely with my team and contractors, I am confident that we will continue to provide the highest level of service to our customers and the community.

My experience at BINGO has been truly fulfilling and exciting. The opportunities for learning and growth, the supportive team atmosphere, and the ability to make a positive impact on the environment are all reasons why I believe BINGO is the best place to work. BINGO is not just a job to me, but a place where I can make a real impact and contribute to a waste-free future. I am proud to be part of the BINGO family and will continue to strive towards achieving the company's mission.

I started my academic journey by studying Physics for my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. The desire to understand how the world works was the driving force behind this decision. However, as I progressed through my studies, I realised that I was passionate about the environment and the impact of our actions on future generations. This realisation led me to pursue a Master's and PhD in Environmental Engineering.

During my PhD, I was awarded the Excellence Australian Post Graduate Award and I have published more than 20 peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, and book chapters on various topics related to environmental engineering. After completing my PhD, I held a postdoctoral position at Western Sydney University where I taught advanced waste management and worked on a research project focused on bio-remediation and nano-remediation technologies for contaminated soil.

One year into my postdoctoral position, I realised that not all academic research has a direct impact on the environment and I wanted to find ways to make a more direct impact. This led me to search for consulting jobs, but I struggled to find a position due to my lack of site-work experience and being perceived as overqualified. Nevertheless, I did not give up and eventually landed a job as a consultant. I worked at BINGO’s Eastern Creek landfill and it was during this time that I got an opportunity to join BINGO fulltime.

I am also a mentor at Women in Engineering Australia, where I have the opportunity to share my experience with young engineers and encourage them to pursue careers in environmental engineering since 2020.

At BINGO, my goal is to continue making a positive impact on the environment through practical solutions and innovative technologies.

Balancing work and home life can be a challenge, but it is essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. To achieve this balance, I have been following the following steps:

1.    Prioritising: I make a list of the most important tasks for both work and home, and prioritise them based on their urgency and importance.

2.    Setting boundaries: I have decided on specific work hours and I make sure to stick to them, and unplug from work when at home.

3.    Communicating: I clearly communicate my work schedule to my family and vice versa, to make sure everyone is on the same page.

4.    Getting organised: I keep track of my schedule, appointments, and tasks to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

5.    Making time for self-care: I engage in activities that help me relax and recharge, such as exercise, reading, or meditation.

6.    Flexibility: I try to be flexible and be prepared to adjust my schedule as needed.

7.    Quality time: I make the most of my time with family and loved ones, and focus on creating meaningful experiences and memories together.

I make it a point to take some time for myself to recharge and relax, even if it's just for a short while. My husband, son, and I have a list of activities that we all enjoy, and we make sure to spend time doing things together as a family. Whether it's exploring new places, trying new recipes, or simply having a movie night at home, we're having a great time bonding and creating memories.

In addition to our family activities, we also like to hang out with friends and exercise together. This has been a great way for us to stay active and continue building our relationships with each other.

I believe that responsibility and accountability in the workplace are the most essential attributes that every employee should bring to their role. When employees take ownership of their work and are accountable for their results, it sets the tone for collaboration, teamwork, and mutual trust. As a result, the team can work together effectively and efficiently to achieve their goals.

Additionally, taking responsibility and being accountable in the workplace shows integrity and reliability, which can build a positive reputation for the employee and help to advance their career. This can be especially important in a competitive job market where a strong reputation is critical to success.

Ultimately, responsibility and accountability are key factors in creating a positive and productive work environment that benefits everyone involved.

Regardless of what our job may be, what truly matters is putting our best effort into it and striving to be the best in that area. This may not be easy, but it is achievable if we know what our goals and aspirations are in life.

I believe in the power of hard work, intelligence, taking on challenges, and never stopping the pursuit of learning. The results may not come immediately, but I have faith that they will be positive in the end. This is why it's important to be patient, persistent, and not give up.

My background in research has taught me the importance of making informed decisions, based on gathered information and analysis, rather than relying on trial and error. This approach has helped me in many aspects of my life.

Even in the face of difficulties and challenges, I believe that finding meaning and purpose in what we do can bring us joy and fulfillment. I recall a challenging decision I had to make in the past, but I trusted my instincts and the knowledge I had gathered, and it led to a positive outcome, though it took some time.

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