Rob Arsenault

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born in southern  Ontario.

I now live in: I lived in the Territory of Nunavut for the last 13 years and recently moved back to Ontario.

I completed my training/education at:  I attended Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario. Here, I graduated from the Fish and Wildlife Technician program.

What I do at work

From one day to another, my work can be very different. One day I could be analyzing water run-off as I look for potentially harmful substances. I might be reading reports from mines, or meeting with industry to explain regulations. I could be issuing tickets or preparing to take a person to court. Or I might be flying in helicopters for a view of sites or flying drones for an overhead view of an area. Our main goal is to have people follow the rules. If we can achieve this without enforcement actions such as tickets, court, or environmental compliance orders, we will do that.

If we conclude that people are not following the rules, we may open an investigation. During field inspections, we use different tools. We use a device called a multi-meter to get scientific readings during a water sample analysis. We also use P.I.D. meters (photo-ionization detectors) which help officers keep safe by detecting gases and fumes that may be harmful to us. We also use sampling equipment such as pH paper, bottles, and buckets. We add chemicals to preserve samples in the field while they are transported to the lab for analysis.

Sometimes we use our math skills to convert water conductivity (the ability of the water to conduct electricity) of our water sample, to salinity (how much salt is in the water). We also calculate the percentage of other substances present in water samples. Some amounts are ok as long as they are kept under a certain percentage.

We also use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in our work. We use GPS to find our way, and prevent getting lost in remote areas. GPS is also used so we can record our sampling points and keep track of our routes. We also use SPOT devices which are units that are capable of contacting emergency services in the event of a safety or life-threatening matter. We also use databases to review information submitted by industry. We compare the data they submit with the standards in the regulations.

My career path is

This job is not what I expected I would be doing in high school.  I did know that I wanted to serve the public.

I was at a point in my life where I had worked too many jobs that I did not enjoy. I was not feeling fulfilled and that my job was meaningful to me. So, I thought to myself, what do I enjoy? That answer was easy, I love the outdoors and the untouched wilderness areas throughout Ontario. I especially like things like camping, hiking, and fishing. I love seeing wildlife or a waterfall discovered in the woods. Then I thought, what can I do that would involve my love for the outdoors and serve the public at the same time? That’s when I made the decision to become a Conservation Officer. A Conservation Officer, sometimes called a Wildlife Officer, enforces hunting and fishing laws. These laws help conserve or save enough wildlife and fish so that the people in future generations will have them too.

After completing the Fish and Wildlife Technician program at Sir Sandford Fleming College, I was hired as a Provincial Park Warden for Ontario Parks. This job involved working with the public and sometimes enforcing the laws that protect the things inside the park. This included things like people’s safety, enjoyment of the park, trees, and plants. It also included protecting the park against fires and even enforcing highway traffic laws.

After 3 years as a Provincial Park Warden in Ontario, I was hired as a Conservation Officer for the Government of Nunavut. In this job I gained experience keeping animals with rabies away from communities, as well as enforcing fish and wildlife laws. I also had experience with the fur trade because I was involved in the shipping of different animal furs to auctions for Inuit hunters. I also learned to scare polar bears away from the communities and outlying cabins. We did this by chasing them with a snowmobile, ATV or shooting bear bangers (loud noise makers) out of a shotgun. I have seen wolverine, polar bear, Arctic wolves, muskox, caribou and a moose on the barren tundra. During patrols on the tundra, I couldn’t believe I was paid to be there; it was such a vast wilderness with no trees!

I am motivated by

The fact that I can get out of bed and make the world a better place by the work that I do is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy going to work every day! Thankfully, I get to work with others who feel the same and we often work together as a team to get things done.

How I affect peoples’ lives

The Environmental Enforcement Officer role is an important one as it reduces pollution, keeps the environment, animals, people and the planet safe. As an Environmental Enforcement Officer can work with individuals and industry to ensure pollution levels are kept to a minimum. We all benefit from a cleaner environment. This includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, the fish we eat, the lands we depend on, and a reduction of Greenhouse Gasses.

Outside of work I

Outside of work, I enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking. I also participate in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and exercise at home to keep fit in body and mind. I also enjoy the sport of curling.

My advice to others

My advice to you is this: Don’t give up. Some people that I went to school with didn’t get into the field of work they wanted because they didn’t stick it out. You must put in the work. I truly believe if you get the schooling required, get some experience (I had to do seasonal work for 3 years) that you too can get into this career. Just don’t give up.