Providing a warm feeling
Q Why did you choose this job?
A people It’s a great opportunity to talk to
and help them to understand how to improve their home and the health benefits of doing so.
Q How did you get into it and when?
A couple I have been in this role for a of months, but worked in housing research for BRANZ before this.
Q did What qualifications and training you need?
A building I have a master’s degree in
science, but other occupations such as builders and designers have some of the skill set and knowledge required.
Qneed? What personal skills do you
Athings Communication is important and
are always evolving in this space, so you have to learn continuously and share the findings.
Q What do you do on a daily basis?
Amost No two days are the same, but
days I make one or two house visits to meet homeowners, tenants or landlords to look at their house and discuss ways they could make improvements. This could cover a range of topics, such as insulation, energy efficiency or water use.
Qaspect? What is the most challenging
Ahas Trying to convince someone who
been doing something a certain way forever that actually doing it another way is better!
Qand Are there any particular health
safety issues?
Amaterials I need to be aware of building
such as asbestos and any potentially hazardous materials. Part of my role is helping to educate the occupant on these as well.
Qassignment What is the most interesting
you’ve had?
Ahouses We have some very impressive
in Dunedin, so it’s great to have a closer look at those.
Qyou How has the job changed since
started? Abeen This is a new service, and I’ve
getting busier and busier as awareness has increased.
Qgenerally What’s something people
don’t know about the job? Aanything I can offer advice on pretty much
to do with a house.
Q What are the highs of the job?
Ahealthier Helping people to live in
homes.
Q What are the lows of the job? Alot Sometimes problems require a
of money to be spent and it’s not fun telling people that there is no magic fix.
Q What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to do?
Aacross Let’s just say you can come
weird things when looking under people’s houses.
Q What is the salary?
Ato The salary range is about $58,000
$68,000.
Qnow? Where will you be 10 years from
A Still working in the housing area, either as an ecodesign adviser or in research.