• national and international skills in developing, implementing and evaluating communication and engagement frameworks and strategies that work to change behaviours and policies, influence attitudes, raise awareness and exchange information
• specialised skills and experience in writing, editing, design and publishing, including interpreting complex language and concepts into plain English, and writing and communicating visually for print and online
• skills and experience in liaising with project managers, project leaders, researchers, industry, decision makers, government agencies, communities and policymakers
• an understanding of the challenges involved in multi-disciplinary, participatory and collaborative environmental research programs
• experience in sourcing information from researchers and other experts, and refining it to suit specific individuals, groups and communities.

They research, interview, write and promote stories about science and the people involved in science. Their skill is in taking complex, lengthy and often sensitive information and distilling this into concise and simple plain English. They tailor each story’s messages to the needs of specific audiences.

They tell stories through newspaper, magazines, TV, radio, video, website, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, newsletters.

They also tell stories about our natural, historical and cultural environments through interpretative experiences in visitor centres and museums, and on walks.

Their skills in photography and videography complement their writing skills. They love nothing better than to be out in the field with a bunch of researchers, farmers or fishers hearing and recording their stories and taking their pictures.