Shonel Dwyer
Hydrogeologist
Kingston
Summary
Strategic and people-oriented leader with extensive experience in planning, policy development, and project management across the water and sanitation sector. Proven ability to drive team performance and operational excellence through inclusive leadership, innovative problem-solving, and effective communication. Demonstrates a consistent track record of delivering high-impact, sustainable results in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Committed to advancing resilient and equitable water and sanitation solutions aligned with institutional priorities and global and regional development goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director, Water Monitoring
Ministry Of Economic Growth And Job Creation
07.2024 - Current
- Dynamic and strategic leader with cross-disciplinary expertise in geology, hydrology, environmental management, engineering, and climate resilience.
- Provide high-level direction to the policy directorate for water and sanitation, including the development of Cabinet-level submissions, national policies, and legislative reforms.
- Demonstrated success in leading water resource management initiatives for Integrated Water Resources Management, Social Water, and Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks.
- Adept at mobilizing institutional partnerships and coordinating multi-stakeholder programmes to achieve sector-wide impact.
- Align policy and project/programme interventions with national development goals and global priorities, including poverty reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainability.
Senior Technology Officer
National Commission on Science and Technology
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Oversee the planning, development, and promotion of Jamaica’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) landscape, including the management of associated planning and development funds.
Geologist/Environmental Specialist
Consultant
01.2005 - 01.2023
- Assessment of geology, environment, and economic potential of quarries and mines -Limestone Quarry at Dove Hall Estate, Limestone Quarry at Rockfort (Cement Jamaica), Old Harbour Hill (Arc Manufacturing Limited), and Tarrentum Clay Mine
- Environmental Impact Assessments - Burnt Ground Cemetery, Belmont Cemetery, and expansion of Meadowrest Memorial Gardens at Whittaker Mountain.
- Water Resources Specialist: Upgrade of the Water Sector Policy and Rural Water Supply Development Strategy - extensive data collection and analysis of the potable water sector in Jamaica, using a purpose built Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, to significantly contribute to improvements in the Water Sector Policy.
- Hydrological Assessment of the Cockpit Country in partnership with The Nature Conservancy through their Parks in Peril Programme.
- Well Construction, Design and Supervision - Palm Brook Estate (Moorland Development Company 300 serviced lots)
Senior Geologist
Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Negotiated key petroleum upstream contracts relating to Jamaica's third phase of prospecting for oil and gas and regularly guided field trips intent on elucidating potential through geological and geophysical surveys.
- Acquisition of several postgraduate certificates on exploration and interpretation of surveys, project management and aspects of petroleum upstream fiscal management.
- Drafted subsidiary legislation/regulations to act as statutory instruments on Exploration and Production as well as for Health, Safety and Environment.
- Co-opted by the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Department for technical advice on hydropower feasibility and geotechnical solutions for new construction of facilities.
- Comprehensive field guide to petroleum exploration
Senior Hydrogeologist
Water Resources Authority
01.2003 - 01.2014
- Site evaluation for the construction of wells, landfills, cemeteries and sewage disposal systems based on geotechnical surveys, geology, and hydrology.
- Provide hydrological assessment for various sources, evaluating their suitability for development into water supply systems.
- Provide project supervision in well development projects. This includes the selection of well sites, well design, planning, and implementation of pump testing.
- Assist in the coordination of agency response to requests for technical assistance in relation to localized areas/events.
- Assist in the coordination and implementation of field programmes for hydrologic basin studies that evaluate, allocate and protect ground and surface water resources. Also collate, evaluate, and analyze data from basin studies and prepare final reports based on the findings of these studies.
- Provide technical support to internal departments, advising on hydrogeology and the environment.
- Assist in the compilation of data for dissemination in office and externally. Provide technical and resource support for public education through lectures and other presentations.
- Assist in coordinating activities in the absence of the Deputy Managing Director.
- Provide GIS, Auto Cad and other computer support on various projects.
Education
M.Sc - Natural Resources Management
University of the West Indies
01.2003 - 01.2004
B.Sc - Geology
University of the West Indies
01.2000 - 01.2003
Skills
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Client Communication
Affiliations
- Faculty of Science and Technology, UWI Alumni, Executive Member (Communications)
- Melbourne Cricket Club, Member of Well (water) and Redevelopment Committee
Honor Awards
Fellowship, National Water Commission, 08/01/03, 07/01/04, Awarded full tuition for MSc in Natural Resources Management
Publications
- Groundwater and Perchlorate: Chemical Behaviour and Treatment, Peer-reviewed, Publisher, 09/01/03
- Decoding hurricanes in the Caribbean, Newspaper Editorial, 09/01/23, https://jamaicagleaner.com/article/focus/20230903/shonel-dwyerdecoding-hurricanes-caribbean
- Revitalising Jamaica's legacy and entitlement - water, Newspaper Editorial, 10/01/23, https://jamaicagleaner.com/article/focus/20231105/shonel-dwyerrevitalising-jamaicas-legacy-and-entitlement-water
- Jamaica's seismic dilemma, Newspaper Editorial, 10/01/23, https://jamaicagleaner.com/article/focus/20231203/shonel-dwyerjamaicas-seismic-dilemma
- Earthquakes … the threat is in the fault, Newspaper Editorial, 11/01/23, https://jamaicagleaner.com/article/focus/20231015/shonel-dwyerearthquakes-threat-fault
Timeline
Director, Water Monitoring
Ministry Of Economic Growth And Job Creation
07.2024 - Current
Senior Technology Officer
National Commission on Science and Technology
01.2023 - 06.2024
Senior Geologist
Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica
01.2013 - 01.2017
Geologist/Environmental Specialist
Consultant
01.2005 - 01.2023
Senior Hydrogeologist
Water Resources Authority
01.2003 - 01.2014
M.Sc - Natural Resources Management
University of the West Indies
01.2003 - 01.2004
B.Sc - Geology
University of the West Indies
01.2000 - 01.2003
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