As a UTAS graduate of accountancy, it never occurred to Billie Jones to work in the forest industry. This is hardly surprising, considering only 23 per cent of employees in the Tasmanian forest sector are women.
“After completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology and Political Science, I soon realised these were interests, rather than something I wanted to pursue a career in,” Billie said.
“I was quite good at maths, and there are a few accountants in my family, so it made sense. It’s been a fortunate decision,” she said.
But after working as an accountant for a company which registered environmental plantings project, Billie’s carbon curiosity was piqued, and she applied for a role as Carbon Project Coordinator at SFM.
The forestry sector has seen some profound changes over the last two decades; particularly in innovation, technology— and subsequently the diversity of roles and skillsets required by businesses.
A leading natural asset manager, specialising in carbon project development, SFM is defying convention in more ways than one. The company proudly celebrates the diversity of its team, who are based across Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, and comprises almost 50% women.
Billie, who commenced with SFM two years ago, said her introduction to the industry was a positive one.
“I think the perception I had of forestry isn’t at all what it actually is,” she said.
“I was surprised at how professional and progressive the forestry industry is,” Billie added.
“It’s a really dynamic, forward-thinking and interesting industry to be a part of.”
Billie manages the team that assesses and models proposed carbon projects, brings together applications for the Carbon Economic Regulator, and applies for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).
“There’s no such thing as an ‘average day’ in my job,” she said.
“I love the variety of activities my role encompasses – everything from financial analysis to workflow management.”
Seamlessly integrating forest management with biodiversity and carbon markets, SFM provides future-focused solutions for forestry and land management across Australia –something Billie feels passionately about.
“Forestry plays a monumental role in the future of sustainability and climate change,” she said.
“When we grow a tree, about half that tree is carbon. Pricing carbon into the market is a great way for business to understand the full costs of doing business, so forestry should be able to recognise the role that they play in offsetting that.
“There is also significant interest in knowing how the trees delivering the ACCUs were grown. At SFM we can quite literally point to the trees that generated that credit.”
Naturally inquisive, Billie enjoys discovering new interests, among these have been learning to speak Russian, learning to fly and trying her hand at fencing – ‘the sword kind, not the exclusion barrier’, she clarified.
Billie’s curiosity and sense of adventure have led her to travel through areas of North Africa and the Middle East (pictured), where the opportunities and freedoms afforded to women are sometimes in contrast her own experiences.
“Reflecting this International Women’s Day, I really do understand my privilege,” she said.
“I can undertake the education I want, do the job I want, travel where I like, and own my own assets. 
“But I also understand there isn’t one measure of success. These people have their own values and cultural beliefs, and I’m just fortunate I can experience that.”
The theme for International Women’s Day this year is ‘March Forward’ – a broad comment by UN Women Australia designed to remind us that progress is not just about reflection but about taking decisive, bold steps.
“Taking bold steps in your career is easier with a supportive work environment,” Billie said.
“SFM has given me the opportunity to step into a role I didn’t know, in an industry I wasn’t familiar with, and gain the knowledge I need.
“It’s easy to be comfortable, but I think you learn a lot more when you make yourself uncomfortable. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but pursuing an interest you aren’t yet good at, attending the functions you’d usually avoid, or meeting the people that you normally wouldn’t is a great way of learning something about the world, and yourself.
“I need to remind myself of this more often.”
Next month, Billie will present on plantation methodology at Forestry Australia’s Carbon Summit; an event aimed at providing attendees with an improved understanding of the demand for forest carbon, ethics in the carbon market, and the technical and administrative requirements of forest carbon projects.
“I’m looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone and to meeting new people at the summit. I enjoy talking to people who are passionate about their work, no matter the industry; it can be inspiring.”
Central America is next on Billie’s travel itinerary, but she’s reticent to entertain career projections.
“The world changes so quickly now, that you can be many things over the course of your life. And to be honest, I’ve never really had a plan for the next stage.”