Jessica Rideout

Jessica Rideout

Quarry Materials Compliance Officer

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Industry, Energy and Technology

Created On: May 17, 2022
Sector:
Government and Public Administration,  Natural Resources
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Earth Science,  Earth Materials/Processes,  Minerals,  Environmental Science,  Geography
Readability:
8.1

Learn About My Career

I inspect quarries to ensure that they are operated in compliance with provincial regulations.

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.

 

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Geography
  • History
  • Literature & Language Arts
  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Liked helping people
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Was motivated by success
  • Wanted to be in charge
  • Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
  • Liked reading
  • Was really creative
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
  • Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do
  • Learned best “by doing”

Related Topics

Careers Construction Geography Mines & Mining Mining Regulatory Agencies Rocks & Minerals

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