Lower Trent Conservation’s operations this summer were bolstered with the arrival of six summer students thanks to federal and provincial employment programs. Acquiring summer students is a tradition lasting decades for the organization, as it is a genuine opportunity for both parties to grow. Students have the ability to work under professionals in there aspiring fields, as well as enhance their skills while contributing to many programs and projects of the organization.
All with contrasting, yet promising career goals, the students of Summer 2016 reflect on their time with Lower Trent Conservation.
Khrysta Lyn
Title: Assistant Water Resources Technician
Age: 23
Responsibilities: Monitored water conditions through biological sampling, water chemistry data collection and base flow measurements.
Field of Education: Conservation Biology and Environmental Science
School: University of Toronto
What drew you to working at Lower Trent Conservation?
“Coming from Toronto, I wanted to work outside of the city in a more rural setting.”
How has this helped your career development?
“I definitely gained more experience and skills in water quality monitoring.”
What do you like to do on your free time?
“Reading, exploring, netflix.”
Favorite moment on the job so far?
“Canoeing in the Trent River on water soldier watch day.”
Ike Noyes
Title: Assistant Environmental Technician
Age: 22
Responsibilities: Assist in implementing cost sharing incentive programs geared towards home and land owners completing environmentally friendly projects.
Field of Education: Life Physics (Co-op)
School: University of Waterloo
Why did you want to work at Lower Trent Conservation?
“I had a positive experience working for Lower Trent Conservation last summer. It was a chance to interact with the public in a constructive manner as well.”
How has this helped your career development?
“This position trained me to deal with various social scenarios, and how to present myself when representing an organization.”
What do you like to do on your free time?
“I like road trips, as well as playing, making, and listening to music.”
Any funny moments on the job?
“Being attacked by a fawn in a farmer’s hay field.”
What is your proudest moment working at Lower Trent Conservation?
“Being invited to the Hastings County Cattle Farmers dinner to present our work for the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan.”
Riley Allen
Title: Education and Outreach Assistant
Age: 22
Responsibilities: Assist in education and special events, as well as help with communications on a number of other projects.
Field of Education: Concurrent Education
School: Nipissing University
Why did you want to work at Lower Trent Conservation?
“Working for a conservation authority was a great opportunity to impact a watershed close to home in a positive manner.”
How has this helped your career development?
“Since I am going into teaching, being able to educate people about responsible water management has enhanced my consciousness about the importance of water in our environment, as well as how it affects our social and economic ways of life. This knowledge and awareness will last throughout my career.”
What do you like to do on your free time?
“Play/watch sports, read, fish.”
What is your proudest moment working at Lower Trent Conservation?
“Educating hundreds of students at the Quinte Children’s Water Festival about water conservation.”
Brody Brown
Title: Conservation Area Lands Staff
Age: 21
Responsibilities: Maintaining our Conservation Area Parks
Field of Education: Civil Engineer Technologist
School: St. Lawrence College
Why did you want to work at Lower Trent Conservation?
“To be a part of preserving our natural environment.”
How has this helped your career development?
“Water sampling, surveying, basic tool use.”
What do you like to do on your free time?
“Race motocross, fish, camping.”
Any fun moments on the job?
“Everyday is fun when working with Lee, Frank, Mike, and Jenn. We all get along great.”
What is your proudest moment working at Lower Trent Conservation?
“Seeing how appreciative the public is for all the work done at these parks.”
Jenn McLean
Title: Conservation Area Lands Staff
Age: 21
Responsibilities: Maintaining our Conservation Area Parks
Field of Education: Environmental Technology
School: Loyalist College
Why did you want to work at Lower Trent Conservation?
“It is in my field and I would like to work for a conservation authority in the future.”
How has this helped your career development?
“Was able to go and do benthic collection, which is something I will be doing in school this year.”
What do you like to do on your free time?
“Ski, camp.”
What is your proudest moment working at Lower Trent Conservation?
“The moments when we would see people enjoying the conservation areas because of the work we had done.”
Evan Lucas
Title: Assistant Water Resources Technician (Intern)
Age: 25
Responsibilities: To conduct various water monitoring and to collect data for monitoring reports.
Education Field: Fish and Wildlife Technician
Why did you want to work for Lower Trent Conservation?
“I wanted a job that would get me more field experience and use the skills I gained through college. I grew up in the Lower Trent watershed and have personal interest in the area.”
What do you like to do on your free time?
“Hike, canoe, camp.”
Lower Trent Conservation Watershed Blog 