NAME
Chris A. Reid

CITY
Vancouver, BC

POSITION
Project Coordinator, Brinkman & Associates Reforestation Ltd.

YEARS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERIENCE
3 years full time and an additional 7 years of seasonal work

HOW ECO CANADA HAS HELPED HIS ENVIRONMENTAL CAREER

• Internships
• Networking events and chapter associations
• Professional Certification

How did you get involved in the environmental sector? 
With the market growing for payment of ecosystem services, I thought it would be to my advantage to use my interest of the natural environment to apply to my studies.  I graduated with an environmental studies degree and a diploma in environmental assessment from the University of Waterloo. I also worked with a number of NGO’s in Toronto which steered me towards LEED accreditation and building a carbon finance background. I started by working for a forestry company in the field and have stayed in the forestry industry for over 10 years.
 

Tell us a little bit about what you currently do.
As a Project Coordinator at Brinkman & Associates, I develop and implement forest resource projects financed through ecosystem services.  In the past couple of years I have been working with the Brinkman Earth Systems Team developing forest carbon projects within BC and closely following the development of the worldwide carbon forestry standards, registries and methodologies. 
 

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
Developing new projects is a challenge, but working in an emerging market like the carbon market is even harder.  The market is still new and doesn’t have the same footing as many existing markets.  Here in British Columbia, the proper framework has been recently assembled for the continued growth and development of GHG accounting and mitigation which will encourage green jobs in the province.

What accomplishment are you most proud of to date?
Last October, I was part of Brinkman & Associates’ celebration event where they planted their one billionth tree at Prospect Point in Stanley Park.
 

How has ECO Canada helped you in your career?
INTERNSHIPS: I applied to become an ECO Canada intern which provided my company with a wage-subsidy to pay for part of my salary. I started working in the field with the company which then evolved into a position in the office during the off-season. The internship allowed for an easy transition from the field to the office and an opportunity to be involved with other aspects of the business.
 

NETWORKING EVENTS and CHAPTER ASSOCIATIONS: ECO has helped me connect with other like-minded environmental professionals through their networking events. I also became a member of the BC Chapter association to help develop the direction and focus of the BC branch. I hope to help make the BC Chapter the largest group of environmental professionals in the country.
 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: Being part of the networking events convinced me to become an Environmental Professional-in-Training (EPt). It helped me to get on the same platform as the other professionals I was meeting.  Certification then also helped me gain the internship that I am currently taking part in. It’s all come full circle.

What advice do you have for job-seekers?
Field jobs are a great way to start off and a stepping stone for where you want to take your career. It shows employers that you’re willing to start from the ground up and you gain valuable, relevant work experience.