Lake Johnston
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
| Degrees: | Graduated with BA Hons in Environmental Studies in Winter 2018 |
I have recently completed a practicum placement as a requirement of my degree at Carleton University through the department of Geography and Environmental Studies. I decided to complete my placement with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). The reason I chose to do my placement with RVCA is because I had previously worked there and wanted to continue working on the sampling I was doing during the summer. During my placement I was responsible for collecting water samples and field data for the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program. The nature of the job allowed for many days spent out in the field gathering the samples and data. Additionally, I was able to gain experience in other aspects of Rideau Valley’s work. I was given opportunities to help with fish sampling and in other areas of water science, figure 1 shows a Northern Pike caught in one of the sampling nets along the Tay River. My experience with RVCA during this time has been extremely pleasant and rewarding. I enjoyed working outdoors even though the weather can be challenging at times. The work is fun and being in the field can bring some unique challenges and I would not hesitate to do my placement with RVCA again or work in this field.