Profile: Venitia Joseph

A passion for the environment lands scientist in dream job

Protecting the environment has been Venitia Joseph’s lifelong passion. That’s why her job as an environmental assessment technician at the Gulf Fisheries Centre is such a perfect fit.

Determined to enter the environmental field

When Venitia moved to Moncton, New Brunswick, she was determined to work in the environmental field. She discovered that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) needed someone not only with her degree in environmental sciences, but also with her passion for the environment. She was so motivated that she volunteered as a researcher for the department.

One thing led to another, and after doing some contract work for DFO, Venitia began a master’s degree in biology at Mount Allison University. She was thrilled to be able to complete the field work component of her master’s at DFO through the Federal Student Work Experience Program.

From scientific advice to conservation action

Now working for DFO, Venitia gives scientific advice on integrated coastal area management projects, such as the creation and monitoring of marine protected areas (MPAs). One of her pet projects was the Basin Head MPA, which is a rich coastal lagoon ecosystem in Prince Edward Island, inhabited by a unique and commercially valuable type of Irish moss.

Another memorable project was a scientific review of the impact on the marine environment of seismic tests carried out by oil and gas companies. Her work led to recommendations that balanced the need for economic development in oil and gas with Canada’s important commitment to preserve fisheries and their habitat.

Making a difference

Venitia has absolutely no doubts about her career choice. She works in her field of interest, she collaborates with communities to preserve the environment and she feels strongly that she is making a difference in people’s lives.

Venitia has other reasons for loving her job. “The staff is skilled and friendly, the work offers lots of variety, the pay and benefits are by no means insignificant, and we can contribute to the organization in numerous ways.” And if those aren’t enough reasons, “I have some flexibility to balance my professional and personal life, and that’s super important to me,” Venitia says.

“In the field of environmental sciences, you don’t just have a job. You have a passion. I’d like to be remembered as a scientist who was devoted to the cause.”

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