After 49 years with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and its various government iterations Jeff has decided it is time for retirement.
Executive Director regional delivery Simon Taylor said he is quite possibly the longest public serving hydrographer.
Hydrographers measure and analyse the flow and quality of water in rivers, lakes, stormwater and survey and map estuaries and rivers.
Jeff's retirement plans are a combination of long walks with his staffy dog Chrissy, travelling with his wife and being more involved with his other passion, square dance calling.
Jeff left school in the early 1970s taking his first job with the Public Works Department setting him on a dedicated career path as a hydrographer. Affectionately known as Yoda for his wisdom and mentoring skills. Jeff has always been keen to share his knowledge to help others, or graduating new Jedis, learn.
“Jeff’s passion for his craft, and dedication to mentorship, means a lifetime of valuable knowledge has been passed on to the next generation of hydrographers,” Simon said.
He has seen many changes during his work life from instruments recording river levels on paper charts which were physically collected during frequent field visits to now data being sent, in real time by satellite, directly to the internet.
“The beauty about paper tape recorders is that you have a trace in front of you and you can almost imagine yourself being part of the river.
“You can almost feel the water flowing over the rocks and its rises and falls and it’s just got a fascination that modern technology doesn’t have any more,” Jeff said.
Jeff said his most important advice for new staff members is to: ”feel the force and be as one with the river. It is a spiritual connection.”
He started work in the Albany office in 1974 and moved to Harvey, Perth, Manjimup, Roelands and finally Bunbury where he put down his roots in 1995.
Simon said Jeff’s knowledge of South West rivers has also been critical in times of flood to assist DFES.
He has also been involved in planning and implementation of monitoring programs to understand impacts and encroachment of dry land salinity in the wheatbelts areas of Toolibin and Dumbleyung.
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