Our Team
Our Founder & Managing Director
Shakira Todd
Ecologist and Environmental Scientist
Shakira completed her Bachelor of Science (Zoology) degree at James Cook University in 2010 and holds a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management.
She has over 15 years experience in environmental management, conservation and land management, and project management. Shakira has worked as an Environmental Scientist, Zoologist, Park Ranger and Project Officer/Manager in a variety of environmental roles in north Queensland and Victoria.
These roles allowed her to develop expertise in weed and pest control, revegetation, flora and fauna surveys, ecological burning, and wildlife relocation. Shakira’s core area of expertise is Zoology, and her extensive experience coordinating conservation projects has provided her with a strong understanding of the principles of conservation and natural resource management, and relevant local, state and federal environment legislation.
During Shakira's time at Aus Eco Solutions she acted as Branch Manager whilst coordinating up to 30 staff to complete large scale offset conservation, weed control, pest control and revegetation projects in Victoria.
Shakira has been involved in pest plant and animal surveys and water quality monitoring projects in the Townsville area and production of associated reports. Most recently during her time at NQ Dry Tropics, Shakira has been managing large-scale Australian Government funded projects assisting landholders in the Burdekin Dry Tropics to improve environmental conditions on their property. As a result, these projects have improved water quality entering waterways that flow into coastal waterways, wetlands and the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
Conservation Officers
Our conservation officers assist with our events, educational programs and as field assistants.
Conservation officers are fellow environment industry professionals and graduates from our volunteer and university placement programs.
Conservation Officer Taysha Hall, Managing Director Shakira Todd and Conservation Officer Adelle Jardine delivering programs on Magnetic Island.
Volunteers & University Placement Students
JCU placement student Jodi Dixon with volunteer JCU vet student Mady Hughes
Since 2020, Wildlife Surrounds has been participating in James Cook Universities work integrated learning placement program. Student Placement is a formal component of JCU degree programs that integrates theoretical and academic learning with application in a workplace. It aims to enrich the university experience and increase student employability with hands-on experience in a workplace relevant to the student’s field of study.
We also offer school work experience programs and volunteer opportunities.