Passion for the environment
For ecologist Amber Sabourin, a bad day in the field is better than a good day in the office
Q: What is your position and what are your responsibilities?
A: I’m a terrestrial ecologist with Golder Associates, and my main responsibilities are developing and organizing field programs, collecting and analyzing field data, reporting and project management. One of the core focuses of my work is species at risk, so I’m constantly checking for updates to regulations, permitting and approvals processes and surveying requirements. To help keep on top of this forever-changing landscape, I lead our internal Species at Risk Working Group, whose main objectives are to share knowledge and lessons learned among our provincial network of ecologists.
Q: What is it about your job that other people wish they got to do?
A: I think one of the best parts of my job is getting to work outside and explore different areas of the province and sometimes the country. Every site is different and presents the opportunity to learn something new. We always say a bad day in the field is still better than a good day in the office.
Q: What do you find most challenging in your work?
A: I’d say it’s finding meaningful and efficient ways to use the vast amount of new technology and digital methods of data collection that are rapidly expanding in our field of work, while still maintaining the integrity of our data collection. Projects rely on the collection and analysis of accurate high-quality data, and it can be a challenge to merge the two.
Q: Describe your typical day on the job and how the work you do contributes to your company.
A: A typical field day starts with mobilizing the crew and equipment to the site, and conducting a health and safety tailgate meeting. Then we get into the fun stuff and dive into whatever survey is on deck that day, whether it be a plant community survey, botanical inventory, or one of several wildlife surveys. One of my favourite surveys to do is for turtles – it’s hard to complain about spending a day in the warm sun searching for turtles. Understanding the existing ecological conditions of a site is where every project starts, and it can have important implications for development design, timelines and rehabilitation requirements. Office days are a little less exciting and generally consist of client correspondence, project meetings, data analysis and technical report writing.
Q: How did you get interested in this field?
A: I grew up in the countryside of a very small town and was heavily involved in Girl Guides and outdoor adventure groups. I loved being outside and spent many summers camping, canoeing and exploring. I developed a respect and passion for the environment at an early age and was eager to learn more about ways to live and work in a sustainable fashion.
Q: Detail your past or ongoing education and how it is relevant to your job. What sort of education do you have that is relevant to your job?
A: I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in environmental science at the University of Guelph. As is common in most general science programs, many of my courses were based in the physical sciences and math. Although the theoretical knowledge gained from these courses is necessary to understand ecological concepts, the most relevant education I gained was through on-the-job experience with the co-op program. I completed four work terms in various placements (federal government, municipal government and industry) through which I was able to gain valuable hands-on technical experience in putting those theoretical concepts into action. I continue to take certification and training courses (most recently the Butternut Health Assessment course) to keep building on those technical skills.
Q: Where do you see the industry going in the next few years?
A: I see there being more emphasis on the need for comprehensive regional rehabilitation plans as municipalities and the global community continue to realize the importance of reconnecting with the local landscape and maintaining regional natural heritage systems. I also see the role of technology in field data collection continuing to expand, and the associated struggles of keeping up with the rate of advancement.
Q: What advice would you give to others looking for a career in the aggregate industry?
A: Learn more about the different career paths and associated services that are encompassed by the aggregate industry – it can be so much larger than you originally thought. Then it’s a matter of obtaining the necessary education or training and, if possible, hands-on experience. In my opinion, co-op programs at colleges and universities are an invaluable resource for those looking to learn more about the industry and get a foot in the door.