Julie Koloff au travail à l'extérieur

Julie Koloff

Wetland Specialist

Jacobs

Created On: March 26, 2020
Sector:
Science
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Biology,  Ecology,  Ecosystems,  Chemistry,  Earth Science,  Sustainability,  Geography

Learn About My Career

Julie Koloff is a Wetland Specialist for Jacobs, located in Alberta.

I was born/grew up in: Windsor, Ontario

I now live in:  Calgary, Alberta

I completed my training/education at:  I obtained a BSc. Biological Sciences and a M.Sc. Biological Sciences at the University of Windsor, Ontario

As a Wetland Specialist at Jacobs, I make decisions about possible impacts a project could have on wetlands. My goal is to identify ways any impacts can be reduced. I do field surveys to collect information about wetlands such as type and boundary. I access the wetland on foot, by helicopter, or by ATV’s. The information I collect includes the types of plants present and the soil conditions. I also note the water conditions in the area. I create maps of wetland areas as well. I do this using satellite imagery and identify the boundaries of the wetland.

I use my mapped wetlands and field survey results to identify how a proposed project could affect the area. I also help our clients complete regulatory permits related to doing construction in wetlands. I collect specific data using standardized methods. This is very important because it helps me make decisions using data. My background in STEM helps me with this part of my job. I also mentor a team of wetland specialists. It’s great to work as part of a team because we all bring different strengths and skills to the job.

I had no idea I would end up in this career. I always loved nature and wildlife but in school I preferred social science classes. In university, I started out with an Undeclared Major because I did not know what I wanted to study. Even though I really enjoyed the courses I was doing, I realized I did not want a career in any social science. I shifted gears and started to do a degree in biology.

I got a part-time job in the Dean of Science office. I also worked in an avian sound analysis lab for a professor. I ended up taking a field course in Costa Rica with that professor. When I graduated, I was offered a summer job as a field technician there as well. This led me to enroll in a MSc. in biology. In this program, I did research on a tropical bird in Costa Rica. I got a lot of field skills from these experiences that I apply to my current job.

After I graduated, I took another field job in Northern Alberta studying birds in wetlands. I applied to my current company (Jacobs ) outlining all my skills to see if I would be a good fit. The wetland team called me and I was offered a job. Even though I had a steep learning curve, it has been the best decision I could have made! I still get to watch birds while I work in wetlands and my wildlife knowledge has been an asset.

Working with biologists of all different skillsets, is very exciting. The people I work with have skills and knowledge in such areas as vegetation, reclamation, wildlife, fish, soil, as well as wetlands.  I learn something new everyday and get to share my skillset with others. The work I do at Jacobs changes all the time so I don't get bored! There are always new challenges to meet or questions to answer. Travelling across Canada to do field surveys and working in remote locations with helicopters is a very cool part of my job. I am passionate about the environment. Being able to positively effect change keeps me motivated.

Wetland conservation is a global issue and very important. Wetlands have many benefits and help in preventing floods and filter water. These areas also provide important habitat for wildlife. As a result, it is very important that we protect wetlands and reduce possible impacts to them. Helping companies make responsible environmental decisions is very rewarding. People and wildlife benefit greatly when wetlands are conserved.

I have a passion for birdwatching, wildlife photography and citizen science. I really enjoy travelling. I volunteer with the Calgary Bird Banding Society. I assist in catching, banding and taking measurements of songbirds and owls. I also volunteer with Bird Studies Canada and other nature-based organizations. I assist with various citizen science programs such as contributing to eBird.

Get experience doing fieldwork in the summers to learn skills in biological surveys such as fish sampling, bird or vegetation identification. Your career does not have to follow a direct path. If you are open to learning, say 'yes' to all opportunities, you never know where it will take you!

What I do at work

As a Wetland Specialist at Jacobs, I make decisions about possible impacts a project could have on wetlands. My goal is to identify ways any impacts can be reduced. I do field surveys to collect information about wetlands such as type and boundary. I access the wetland on foot, by helicopter, or by ATV’s. The information I collect includes the types of plants present and the soil conditions. I also note the water conditions in the area. I create maps of wetland areas as well. I do this using satellite imagery and identify the boundaries of the wetland.

I use my mapped wetlands and field survey results to identify how a proposed project could affect the area. I also help our clients complete regulatory permits related to doing construction in wetlands. I collect specific data using standardized methods. This is very important because it helps me make decisions using data. My background in STEM helps me with this part of my job. I also mentor a team of wetland specialists. It’s great to work as part of a team because we all bring different strengths and skills to the job.

My career path is

I had no idea I would end up in this career. I always loved nature and wildlife but in school I preferred social science classes. In university, I started out with an Undeclared Major because I did not know what I wanted to study. Even though I really enjoyed the courses I was doing, I realized I did not want a career in any social science. I shifted gears and started to do a degree in biology.

I got a part-time job in the Dean of Science office. I also worked in an avian sound analysis lab for a professor. I ended up taking a field course in Costa Rica with that professor. When I graduated, I was offered a summer job as a field technician there as well. This led me to enroll in a MSc. in biology. In this program, I did research on a tropical bird in Costa Rica. I got a lot of field skills from these experiences that I apply to my current job.

After I graduated, I took another field job in Northern Alberta studying birds in wetlands. I applied to my current company (Jacobs ) outlining all my skills to see if I would be a good fit. The wetland team called me and I was offered a job. Even though I had a steep learning curve, it has been the best decision I could have made! I still get to watch birds while I work in wetlands and my wildlife knowledge has been an asset.

I am motivated by

Working with biologists of all different skillsets, is very exciting. The people I work with have skills and knowledge in such areas as vegetation, reclamation, wildlife, fish, soil, as well as wetlands.  I learn something new everyday and get to share my skillset with others. The work I do at Jacobs changes all the time so I don't get bored! There are always new challenges to meet or questions to answer. Travelling across Canada to do field surveys and working in remote locations with helicopters is a very cool part of my job. I am passionate about the environment. Being able to positively effect change keeps me motivated.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Wetland conservation is a global issue and very important. Wetlands have many benefits and help in preventing floods and filter water. These areas also provide important habitat for wildlife. As a result, it is very important that we protect wetlands and reduce possible impacts to them. Helping companies make responsible environmental decisions is very rewarding. People and wildlife benefit greatly when wetlands are conserved.

Outside of work I

I have a passion for birdwatching, wildlife photography and citizen science. I really enjoy travelling. I volunteer with the Calgary Bird Banding Society. I assist in catching, banding and taking measurements of songbirds and owls. I also volunteer with Bird Studies Canada and other nature-based organizations. I assist with various citizen science programs such as contributing to eBird.

My advice to others

Get experience doing fieldwork in the summers to learn skills in biological surveys such as fish sampling, bird or vegetation identification. Your career does not have to follow a direct path. If you are open to learning, say 'yes' to all opportunities, you never know where it will take you!

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Drama
  • History
  • Literature & Language Arts
  • Science
  • Music

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

  • Brought People Together
  • Organized activities for my friends
  • Liked being given specific instructions
  • Engaged in volunteer activities
  • Liked reading
  • Was really creative
  • Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Was fascinated with wildlife

Related Topics

Careers Careers 9 Ecology Ecosystems Environment Environmental Monitoring Field Work Freshwater Ecosystems Habitats & Communities Regulatory Agencies Research Methods Sustainability Wetlands

Explore More Career Profiles

  • Brianna Lummerding à genoux près d’un cerceau en plastique collectant des échantillons dans un champ herbeux.

    Brianna Lummerding

    Career Profiles

    Agronomic Innovation Manager

    I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers.
    Learn More Brianna Lummerding
  • Li Tan, vêtu d'une blouse de laboratoire de couleur blanche, souriant dans son laboratoire.

    Li Tan (he/him)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (he/him)
  • Tyler Mohard wearing lab coat and hair net as he works in the SyLMAND lab

    Tyler Morhart (video)

    Career Profiles

    Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND

    I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
    Learn More Tyler Morhart (video)
  • Five people, each wearing a white lab coat, standing around a lab bench that has scientific equipment on it.

    Li Tan (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (Video)
  • portrait par Rashell Featherstone

    Rashell Featherstone (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Senior Program Associate

    I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL.
    Learn More Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
  • Kira Hoffman portant un casque rouge avec de la fumée en arrière-plan

    Kira Hoffman (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist

    I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher.
    Learn More Kira Hoffman (she/her)
  • Zoe Ehlert closely examining a plan that has yellow flowers

    Zoë Ehlert (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert (Video)
  • Daniel Meister headshot

    Daniel Meister

    Career Profiles

    Master's Student, Kinesiology

    Learn More Daniel Meister
  • Zoë Ehlert, vêtue d'une blouse de laboratoire blanche, pose une boîte en carton sur une étagère.

    Zoë Ehlert

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert
  • Jennifer Baltzer portant une casquette et un tee-shirt violet avec des arbres en arrière-plan.

    Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

    I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world.
    Learn More Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
  • Caitlyn Lyons, prête pour la forêt avec son sac à dos et ses outils de collecte de données. La photo insérée montre Caitlyn examinant une section de gazon.

    Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Ph.D. Candidate

    I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories.
    Learn More Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
  • Joann Whalen headshot

    Joann Whalen

    Career Profiles

    Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,

    I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.
    Learn More Joann Whalen