b'CAREER PROFILEPassion forthe environmentFor ecologist Amber Sabourin, a bad day in the field is better than a good day in the officeQ:Whatisyourpositionandwhatare your responsibilities?ImaterrestrialecologistwithGolder Associates, and my main responsibilities are developing and organizing field programs, collectingandanalyzingfielddata, reportingandprojectmanagement.One of the core focuses of my work is species at risk, so Im constantly checking for updates toregulations,permittingandapprovals processesandsurveyingrequirements.To help keep on top of this forever-changing landscape, I lead our internal Species at Risk Working Group, whose main objectives are toshareknowledgeandlessonslearnedhigh-quality data, and it can be a challengeexcitingandgenerallyconsistofclient among our provincial network of ecologists. to merge the two. correspondence,projectmeetings,data Q:What is it about your job that otheranalysis and technical report writing.Q:Describe your typical day on the job people wish they got to do? and how the work you do contributes toQ:How did you get interested in this field?I think one of the best parts of my job isyour company. Igrewupinthecountrysideofavery getting to work outside and explore differentAtypicalfielddaystartswithmobilizingsmalltownandwasheavilyinvolvedin areasoftheprovinceandsometimesthethecrewandequipmenttothesite,andGirl Guides and outdoor adventure groups. country. Every site is different and presentsconductingahealthandsafetytailgateIlovedbeingoutsideandspentmany theopportunitytolearnsomethingnew.meeting.Thenwegetintothefunstuffsummers camping, canoeing and exploring. We always say a bad day in the field is stillanddiveintowhateversurveyisondeckIdevelopedarespectandpassionforthe better than a good day in the office.that day, whether it be a plant communityenvironment at an early age and was eager Q:What do you find most challenging insurvey,botanicalinventory,oroneofto learn more about ways to live and work several wildlife surveys. One of my favouritein a sustainable fashion.your work? surveystodoisforturtlesitshardto Id say its finding meaningful and efficientcomplain about spending a day in the warmQ:Detail your past or ongoing education waystousethevastamountofnewsun searching for turtles. Understanding theand how it is relevant to your job. What technologyanddigitalmethodsofdataexistingecologicalconditionsofasiteissortofeducationdoyouhavethatis collection that are rapidly expanding in ourwhere every project starts, and it can haverelevant to your job?fieldofwork,whilestillmaintainingtheimportantimplicationsfordevelopmentI completed an Honours Bachelor of Science integrity of our data collection. Projects relydesign,timelinesandrehabilitationin environmental science at the University on the collection and analysis of accurate,requirements.OfficedaysarealittlelessCONTINUED ON PAGE 25FALL 2019AVENUES 23'