Meredith Crouch, standing on a project platform at Sir Adam Beck II Generating Station in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with the generating station, penstocks and transmission lines, in the background.
Meredith Crouch
Site Environmental Advisor
Ontario Power Generation
Learn About My Career
I give advice and guidance to OPG operations to make sure we follow environmental rules and best practices to protect the land where we work.
I was born/grew up in: I was born in Toronto, Ontario. I grew up in London, Ontario.
I now live in: I live in St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario.
I completed my training/education at:
I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick. While there I also completed a diploma in Technology management and Entrepreneurship.
I also had the opportunity to complete the Ontario Wetland Evaluator course. This certification helped me to tailor my career path to the Environment field and Environmental Engineering.
I got ready for my current job by earning a STEM degree and by taking every chance I could to learn new things. I kept looking for learning opportunities, whether they were formal courses or learning on the job. For example, in a past job, each person on my team was responsible for a few specific environmental topics. When other people were away (on leave, in another role, or retired) I asked if I could cover their topics. This gave me the chance to learn about all the different areas we worked on. Because I learned about such a wide range of environmental topics, I was well prepared for my current role. Now, I am the advisor for my region on all environmental issues that affect our work, the land we manage, and the way we interact with nature.
In my job, I use many science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills. I use chemistry and math to calculate emissions. I use biology to help protect the biodiversity of plants and animals around the work site. I use logical thinking to review systems and permits and approvals. Every day, I solve problems and find risks. I use math to gather information for reports. I also write reports, send emails, and make presentations. English language skills are important to explain ideas clearly to others.
I use special tools like bat and bird monitors as well as cameras. I use software to understand the information these tools collect. I also work with people who use tools like online water analyzers, drones, and vibration monitors to help with environmental tasks and programs.
I make decisions all the time. Some are about how to follow environmental rules and who to talk to about environmental issues. Other decisions are about which options to recommend based on company policies, costs, and the environmental needs. Often, my decisions are shared as advice to others and as support for staff who run operations. My engineering training taught me skills in problem solving and decision making.
I work as part of many teams. Every day, I work with the Environment team, other Site Environmental Advisors, and the operations team for my area. I do all my work in English.
When I was in high school, I loved art, music, and math. I also loved fine arts, specially making things with textiles. Even now, I make things for my family and friends. I could easily have taken a more arts-based career path. My love of math and science led me to explore ways I could use them in a future career.
I chose to study engineering because it uses math and science in practical ways. I am dyslexic. Understanding the strengths and challenges I experience because of this was a factor in my considerations of what sort of a career I would enjoy. I started university in a general engineering program, then switched to chemical engineering in my second year. My interest in chemical engineering came from enjoying working with chemicals in my high school art darkroom. I also loved my Grade 12 chemistry class.
One summer, I worked for the Georgian Bay Foundation with wetland researchers from McMaster University. I also took the Ontario Wetland Evaluators course and became a certified evaluator. That experience made me realize I wanted a career in the environmental field instead of other jobs that were available to me as a chemical engineer.
Many people have influenced my career. My parents and brother always encouraged me, mentors at work guided me, and my husband supported me in exploring new opportunities. Passion has been the biggest influence on my career. To me, having a job where the work I do makes a difference, matters! My passion for protecting the environment has shaped my career.
I’ve faced challenges in my career. I didn’t always get the jobs I applied for, but I often ended up with ones that were an even better fit. Sometimes I’ve worked with managers who didn’t understand my approach to solving problems, which can be hard. But having a job in a field I’m passionate about helps me get through the tougher parts of work.
I get excited at work because I help protect wildlife and their habitats. I care about the environment, and my job lets me work directly with nature to keep it safe and healthy. I feel proud when Ontario Power Generation (OPG) makes choices that protect the environment, especially through the “Beyond Compliance” biodiversity program. In this program, I get to do hands-on work that protects and improves habitats for animals. I find this very fulfilling!
OPG’s programs meet Tandem Global’s Wildlife Habitat Certification. This means they follow high standards for protecting nature. The biodiversity program is very interesting. I get to work with communities and partners to take action and protect wildlife. I love learning about the amazing things animals do.
Another part of my job is preventing and preparing for spills. I like solving problems and finding creative ways to reduce risks.
My work is a mix of regular tasks and unexpected challenges. As a result, there is always something new to do. This career is perfect for me because it uses my problem-solving and critical thinking skills while letting me follow my passion for nature
My career matters because the environment is a precious and finite resource. Because we use and interact with this resource, we have to protect it for our use and for the future. I help Ontario Power Generation (OPG) use the land, water, and wildlife in a safe and responsible way.
OPG produces electricity that everyone uses every day. Sometimes we use electricity directly, like when we charge our phones. At other times we use it indirectly, like keeping traffic lights working or powering hospitals. My job makes a difference because I help protect the environment, so it stays clean, healthy, and available for future generations.
I enjoy swimming, skiing, sailing, and canoeing. I also enjoy paddleboarding, windsurfing and rambling in nature. I knit, crochet, quilt and weave to express myself and unwind. I love to bake and read to relax. I enjoy time with family and friends.
I enjoy volunteering. I was a founding board member of the Friends of Massasauga Provincial Park. I have volunteered for various other organizations, in high school, through university and into my working career.
Follow what you enjoy doing and care about. Do not worry if this is an area where you get the best grades. Interest and work ethics are more important to a career. Work hard, be passionate and stand by your principles.
What I do at work
In my job, I use many science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills. I use chemistry and math to calculate emissions. I use biology to help protect the biodiversity of plants and animals around the work site. I use logical thinking to review systems and permits and approvals. Every day, I solve problems and find risks. I use math to gather information for reports. I also write reports, send emails, and make presentations. English language skills are important to explain ideas clearly to others.
I use special tools like bat and bird monitors as well as cameras. I use software to understand the information these tools collect. I also work with people who use tools like online water analyzers, drones, and vibration monitors to help with environmental tasks and programs.
I make decisions all the time. Some are about how to follow environmental rules and who to talk to about environmental issues. Other decisions are about which options to recommend based on company policies, costs, and the environmental needs. Often, my decisions are shared as advice to others and as support for staff who run operations. My engineering training taught me skills in problem solving and decision making.
I work as part of many teams. Every day, I work with the Environment team, other Site Environmental Advisors, and the operations team for my area. I do all my work in English.
My career path is
When I was in high school, I loved art, music, and math. I also loved fine arts, specially making things with textiles. Even now, I make things for my family and friends. I could easily have taken a more arts-based career path. My love of math and science led me to explore ways I could use them in a future career.
I chose to study engineering because it uses math and science in practical ways. I am dyslexic. Understanding the strengths and challenges I experience because of this was a factor in my considerations of what sort of a career I would enjoy. I started university in a general engineering program, then switched to chemical engineering in my second year. My interest in chemical engineering came from enjoying working with chemicals in my high school art darkroom. I also loved my Grade 12 chemistry class.
One summer, I worked for the Georgian Bay Foundation with wetland researchers from McMaster University. I also took the Ontario Wetland Evaluators course and became a certified evaluator. That experience made me realize I wanted a career in the environmental field instead of other jobs that were available to me as a chemical engineer.
Many people have influenced my career. My parents and brother always encouraged me, mentors at work guided me, and my husband supported me in exploring new opportunities. Passion has been the biggest influence on my career. To me, having a job where the work I do makes a difference, matters! My passion for protecting the environment has shaped my career.
I’ve faced challenges in my career. I didn’t always get the jobs I applied for, but I often ended up with ones that were an even better fit. Sometimes I’ve worked with managers who didn’t understand my approach to solving problems, which can be hard. But having a job in a field I’m passionate about helps me get through the tougher parts of work.
I am motivated by
I get excited at work because I help protect wildlife and their habitats. I care about the environment, and my job lets me work directly with nature to keep it safe and healthy. I feel proud when Ontario Power Generation (OPG) makes choices that protect the environment, especially through the “Beyond Compliance” biodiversity program. In this program, I get to do hands-on work that protects and improves habitats for animals. I find this very fulfilling!
OPG’s programs meet Tandem Global’s Wildlife Habitat Certification. This means they follow high standards for protecting nature. The biodiversity program is very interesting. I get to work with communities and partners to take action and protect wildlife. I love learning about the amazing things animals do.
Another part of my job is preventing and preparing for spills. I like solving problems and finding creative ways to reduce risks.
My work is a mix of regular tasks and unexpected challenges. As a result, there is always something new to do. This career is perfect for me because it uses my problem-solving and critical thinking skills while letting me follow my passion for nature
How I affect peoples’ lives
My career matters because the environment is a precious and finite resource. Because we use and interact with this resource, we have to protect it for our use and for the future. I help Ontario Power Generation (OPG) use the land, water, and wildlife in a safe and responsible way.
OPG produces electricity that everyone uses every day. Sometimes we use electricity directly, like when we charge our phones. At other times we use it indirectly, like keeping traffic lights working or powering hospitals. My job makes a difference because I help protect the environment, so it stays clean, healthy, and available for future generations.
Outside of work I
I enjoy swimming, skiing, sailing, and canoeing. I also enjoy paddleboarding, windsurfing and rambling in nature. I knit, crochet, quilt and weave to express myself and unwind. I love to bake and read to relax. I enjoy time with family and friends.
I enjoy volunteering. I was a founding board member of the Friends of Massasauga Provincial Park. I have volunteered for various other organizations, in high school, through university and into my working career.
My advice to others
Follow what you enjoy doing and care about. Do not worry if this is an area where you get the best grades. Interest and work ethics are more important to a career. Work hard, be passionate and stand by your principles.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- Art
- Foreign Languages
- Math
- Music
- Science
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Enjoyed doing things on my own
- Liked helping people
- Played on a sports team
- Enjoyed working with my hands
- Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
- Engaged in volunteer activities
- Liked reading
- Was really creative
- Learned Best by Doing
- Liked to design or build things
- Engaged in activities such as fishing, berry picking & hunting
- Liked to take canoe or boat trips, and overnight camping
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