Karen Marler is currently Director Technical Services (Chemicals, Land & Radiation) for NSW EPA.

Karen has lived in the Hunter for most of her life and is amongst the EPA’s most experienced staff members. Karen trained as a biologist and moved into the field of environmental health, starting her career with local government as an Environmental Health and Building Surveyor. With years of local experience in the field, Karen brings to the role a wealth of knowledge on key environmental issues such as the Williamtown PFAS contamination.

Prior to be being appointed to her current position Karen held various regulatory and special projects roles with the EPA, including roles as a Senior Operations Officer and Unit Head.  She led the EPA’s formation of the Newcastle Community Consultative Committee on the Environment and has extensive experience as an environmental regulator.

Karen has a BSc in Biology/Biological Sciences, a BSc in Environmental Health and Environmental Engineering and an Executive Masters in Public Administration and Organisational Leadership.

Karen is the Chair of the SPW CRC Operations and Performance Advisory Committee (OPAC).