Employee Spotlight: Jacquie Star, Senior Scheduling Engineer at George Fisher Mine

Get to know Jacquie Star, a Senior Scheduling Engineer at George Fisher Mine.

1. What is your current role and what are your main responsibilities?

I am a Senior Scheduling Engineer at George Fisher Mine (GFM). I have worked here for three years in a range of roles across short-term planning and scheduling.

In my current role, I lead the site scheduling team and we create our weekly, monthly, and quarterly schedules, including budget forecasts and compliance tracking.

2. What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

I have always loved maths and science. When I was in high school, I attended a few summer programs at universities centered on careers in STEM. Through these programs I was introduced to engineering and from the age of 16 I have wanted to be an engineer. The mining part happened more naturally through my university studies, where I did my first summer placement at a mine in the Hunter Valley and fell in love with the industry. I haven’t looked back since.

3. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

I sure do. I am the Chair of the AusIMM North West QLD branch based here in Mount Isa. Through this committee, we foster a space to share technical learnings and networking within the resources industry in our region. A big part of this are our monthly tech talks and annual Regional Mining Symposium and Gala Dinner.

I am also involved in local sports, playing AFL and touch football.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job? Can you share a memorable moment or project during your time here?

Simply put, I like solving problems. I enjoy strategising and love the challenge of breaking down large problems to create effective solutions. As a scheduler here at GFM, I get to solve problems every day, which fills me with excitement and a sense of purpose in my work.

5. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The ever-changing nature of a mine means as soon as a schedule is published something will change in a way that was not forecasted, and the schedule will be ‘incorrect’. The job of a scheduler is never done!

6. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

Always stay curious. Get involved. Don’t underestimate the value of good relationships.

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Italy. I absolutely love the culture, food, wine, and history.