Jessica Rideout

About me

I was born/grew up in: Conception Bay South, NL

I now live in: Conception Bay South, NL

I completed my training/education at: 

I have a B.Sc in Earth Sciences from Memorial University. I also have a certificate in Digital Geography and GIS from Ryerson University.

What I do at work

In my role as a Quarry Materials Compliance Officer, I inspect quarries. There are many regulations that operators must follow when operating a quarry. I complete inspections to ensure that operators follow these rules. I write an inspection report that will identify any issues or concerns. I send this report to the quarry operator so they know what needs to be changed.

A degree in Earth Sciences has given me the skills required in my job to identify potential quarry resources. I also need to be familiar with different rock formations and rock units. I use my degree to understand how the mineral content of rocks will affect the quality of aggregate materials. I do the same for different geological events such as glaciers.

I make decisions every day when it comes to compliance and the development of new quarries. As a Quarry Materials Compliance Officer, I add comments and conditions to new quarry permits. To do this, I have to be aware of other land uses in the area. I also need to be familiar with using GIS programs such as ArcGIS.

My career path is

After I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I liked math and science and decided to study engineering. It didn’t take me long to realize that engineering was not what I wanted to do. While I was trying to decide what I wanted to do I took a semester of general courses. One of those courses was an intro to geology. I always had an interest in geology. I grew up in a mining community but hadn't considered geology as a career choice until I completed the intro course.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences with a minor in oceanography. I was fortunate to get a summer job with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology during my undergraduate degree. This exposed me to another side the field of Earth Sciences. I saw a different career pathway that I did not know about.  Before, I thought geologists only worked in the mining industry. I never considered where an Earth Science degree could take me. My experience as a student broadened my view of how many opportunities exist with an Earth Sciences degree.

I am motivated by

I enjoy learning new things and that every day is different. I knew that I didn’t want to work at a desk every day. I like that my role gives me a good field-office balance. I like that I have the ability to implement new process and change existing processes.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Quarries are vital to society. Without the materials that come from quarries, we wouldn’t have paved highways or driveways. Concrete is a foundation material for schools, homes and other buildings. The materials required to make concrete comes from quarries. My job is to ensure that quarry development operates in a safe and efficient way. These materials are a non-renewable resource. By operating quarries properly, we make sure these resources will last as long as possible.  

Outside of work I

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outside. I enjoy hiking, snowshoeing and hanging out in my hammock with a good book and a cup of tea.

My advice to others

Be open to change and new opportunities as you never know where an opportunity will take you! Don’t be afraid to explore a different or new opportunity. Earth Sciences is a broad field of study. It can take you many different places that you may not have considered for a career. Don’t be afraid to explore opportunities that will take you outside your comfort zone. You learn the most when you are tested and challenged.