From a young age, Jessie Berzins has always been an animal lover. She began riding horses at the age of 12 and it was her passion for animals that lead Jessie to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences with a focus primarily on zoology and genetics.
Following graduation from the University of Calgary, she took a role with a gold mining facility in Manitoba, which was in need of an environmental program. It wasn’t the animal-focused job she was hoping for, but the role ended up helping Jessie grow her career in an entirely different direction.
“I was brought on as an Environmental Coordinator and I did a lot of water monitoring for the tailings ponds, as well as some air quality monitoring,” Jessie says. “It was a brand new department, so there was quite a bit of ground to cover,” she adds.
After about a year of working in the Northern Manitoba facility, Jessie moved on to a job in Calgary where she took a position as an Environmental Advisor for a power generation company. It was there she found her calling and enthusiasm for regulatory reporting.
Data Analysis
“I know it sounds weird, but I really like data,” she laughs. “I’m interested in historical trending and finding anomalies.”
“If there is an increase in the emissions tracked, I look to find out why and I’m particularity interested in the National Pollutant Release Inventory. I love working with it!”
The NPRI is an annual public report available to all Canadians that tracks more than 8,000 businesses and the quantity and type of emissions their facilities release.
Jessie’s interest in historical data and staying up-to-date with the latest regulatory requirements was exactly what North Shore was looking for when she joined the Air, Emissions & Regulatory Team in January 2018 as an Emissions Specialist.
“Jessie is a key member of our team and does a great job providing air and emission services to our clients,” says Cody Halleran, Senior Manager, Air Quality & Regulatory Compliance. “She brings significant experience to North Shore and also brightens up the office with her fun, positive attitude.”
Regulatory Changes
With the ever-changing realm of environmental reporting, many of our clients rely on the expertise of the Air, Emissions & Regulatory Team to help them navigate through the reporting process.
New reporting requirements were introduced in January 2019 under the Air Monitoring Directive; specifically new form requirements and the new Annual Emissions Inventory Report.
“Some of our clients have been asking about the impacts these new changes will have on their organizations,” Jessie explains. “Our team has reviewed the changes and new processes, and we are ready to work with our clients and guide them through the new reporting requirements.”
The data Jessie complies and organizes is reported to the government both monthly and annually to ensure our clients are compliant and following regulatory processes.
“I really like the fact that we get to work with a variety of industries since North Shore’s client base is so diverse. There is so much to learn and I am always up for the challenge,” she says.
Jessie’s personal life has allowed her to incorporate her love for animals in her day-to-day activities. A few years ago she took her love for horses one step further and acquired an Equine Science Diploma.
In her spare time she enjoys hiking with her dog Brandy in the mountains and riding her horse, Cadence, a Dutch Warmblood.
More Information
North Shore’s Air, Emissions & Regulatory Team is ready to provide support and guidance on all aspects of regulatory reporting.
- Contact – Cody Halleran, Senior Manager, Air Quality & Regulatory Compliance: challeran@northshoreenv.com
- Visit – Air Quality Services
