LYNETTE ESAK
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Versatile Project Manager/Environmental/Impact Assessment Specialist with results-driven and focused approach to completing work. Analytical professional with technical knowledge and critical thinking skills to thrive in data-driven environments. Tackles challenges with positivity and drive to overcome. Works great alone or with others and consistently meets expectations Skilled leader, planner, and problem-solver with 5 years recent experience in regulatory assessment with the Government of Canada and 20+ year career in consulting. Known for excellent attention to detail and great work ethic. Conscientious, hardworking and excels at multitasking in fast-paced environments. Highly motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Impact Assessment Specialist
Health Canada
Edmonton
09.2022 - Current
- Delivered regional impact/environmental program expert advice/recommendations to Responsible Authorities, in accordance with Health Canada's (HC) policies and within legislated timelines. Since 2022, completed over 33 deliverables on AB/YK/NWT projects and committees, participated in internal task teams (IA Interactive Guide WG, Northern SOP, HIA), and attended over 50 working group meetings, and over 28 technical sessions (CIWG, MVEIRB) on behalf HC.
- Built effective relationships with Indigenous peoples and nations. Actively listened and participated in Crown Indigenous Working Group (CIWG) meetings regarding co-development of oil sands mines effluent regulations including environmental and human health impact assessment. Timely and quality environmental, human health, and impact assessment information is shared with internal and external stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples, Federal Departments, and senior management.
- Provided timely and quality advice/recommendations in accordance with IAA 2019, Northern (YESAA, MVRMA, NLCA, NuPPAA), and Departmental policies and guidelines. Achieved 100% written assessment reviews completed within internal required timelines.
- Supported HC EA/IA Program through collaborative (ROEB-HECSB) work on internal or external guidance, policy and training development, science and engagement activities and information management/reporting. Contributed to the development and update of guidance and standard operating procedures by reviewing and providing comments by specified due dates (e.g., Northern SOP, HIA research, IAA FAAR forms).
- Kept abreast of impact/environmental law or regulation changes impacting HC/GC organizations (IAAC and amendments, YESAB, MVEIRB) within HC mandates of air quality, noise, drinking water and recreational water use, country foods, HHRA and HIA.
- Kept abreast of impact/environmental law or regulation changes impacting HC/GC organizations (IAAC and amendments, YESAB, MVEIRB).
- Ensured that assessment reviews are conducted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations (IAA 2019 and Northern)
Funding Coordinator (Assignment With CWS Prairies)
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Edmonton
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Engage in healthy resource management practices by completing all mandatory training, job specific training (Power BI), and consider and support mental health of colleagues.
- Improve the dissemination of information and communication flow between employees, supervisors and colleagues.
- Provide expert advice and assistance to ECCC colleagues and managers internally, working groups and other federal departments.
- Engaged in consultation and engagement with other CWS units and colleagues.
- Support CWS Prairie region Grants and Contribution Delivery
- Synthesize existing material to develop resources for colleagues at various levels regarding Grants and Contribution process including: incorporated feedback from staff interviews and various resources and references; training resources process steps flowchart; draft G&C steps with references/resources/notes; recommended new CPU folder structure; gap analysis slide deck
Project Manager
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Edmonton
08.2019 - 09.2022
- Deliver high-quality environmental/impact assessments of major projects (IAA). Managed IAAC (Agency) lead projects within established deadlines by applying project management principles, tools and practices, and support the development of the Agency's approach to impact assessment.
- Collaborate on assessing and developing environmental impact statements with terms/conditions, designation requests, impact assessment statements under CEAA 2012 and IAA 2019.
- Develop and implement work plans at the start of the EA/IA for each project and maintain project files, and up-to-date information in EAMS.
- Review technical submissions, analyze and synthesis comments including input from federal authorities and Indigenous nations, to formulate Agency positions.
- Synthesize and interpret complex information from diverse sources to drive high-quality analysis and advice to senior management
- Produce timely, high quality written products that are clear and contain strategic content and technical analysis (EA/IA reports, letters to proponents, communication products, relies to dockets and email enquires, PRBs).
- Meet deadline's established in conjunction with the Team Lead for high quality, clearly written products such as technical analysis, EA/IA report sections, PRB updates, analysis of effects on Indigenous peoples.
- Identify, in a proactive and timely manner, on operational issues/pitfalls and propose solutions to contribute to the management of the Agency and how they related to the development of new IAA legislation.
- Build effective relations with Indigenous People and nations by delivering Indigenous consultation that is integrated into the EA/IA process
- Play a lead role in shaping the future of federal assessment by supporting the improvement of EA/IA project management and Indigenous consultation/engagement by contributing to a continuous learning environment within the Agency.
- Provides efficient and effective information management according to the Agency and GC IMP policies and requirements.
- Supports workplace wellbeing and mental health through awareness promotion and implementation of the Agency's and GC strategies.
- Supports the development of workplace social and cultural diversity through the implementation of Agency specific initiatives including EEDI.
Environmental Consultant
Esak Consulting Ltd.
Edmonton, AB
03.1992 - 07.2019
- Provided technical advice to clients on a range of environmental issues such as soil quality, water quality, vegetation/forestry quality for assessment, remediation and reclamation/site closure.
- Conducted work in industry (oil/gas, mining (oilsands, coal), insitu oilsands, transportation, sand/gravel, rail), forestry, agriculture, and government (municipal, provincial).
- Developed and implemented planning applications (environmental/impact assessment reports, pre-development assessment, etc) to assess their potential impact to the environment.
- Assess, identical potential risks and proposed mitigation measures for effects of the projects on the environment.
- Conducted research on local regulations and standards for environmental protection.
- Provided technical guidance to clients in the development of environmentally sustainable solutions.
- Prepared project proposals outlining scope of work, timeline, budget requirements, and resources needed.
- Conducted terrestrial (vegetation, water, soil) sampling activities to collect data for analysis.
- Performed statistical analyses of collected data to assess environmental impacts from projects.
- Analyzed terrestrial quality test results and prepared detailed reports for clients.
- Drafted and finalized technical documents such as monitoring protocols, site investigation reports, risk assessment studies and closure plans.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of existing environmental management systems and made recommendations for improvement.
- Reviewed plans submitted by clients (industry, government) for potential environmental impacts associated with new projects.
- Presented findings at conferences and workshops related to environmental sustainability practices.
- Monitored construction activities at sites under review for compliance with approved plans.
- Participated in interdisciplinary teams focused on developing strategies for mitigating environmental and health impacts by projects.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders and Indigenous groups involved in environmental issues.
- Attended industry conferences to stay abreast of current trends in the field of environmental consulting.
University Instructor (Sessional)
Yellowhead Tribal College
Edmonton
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Sessional Instructor for the Indigenous Environmental Stewardship and Reclamation Program: Contaminated Site Evaluating and Management (IESR 280)
- Developed and implemented course materials, including syllabi, lectures, assignments, tests and quizzes.
- Provided guidance to students in understanding course material and offering feedback on their work.
- Organized class activities and discussions to encourage active learning by students.
Environmental Services Manager
Klohn Crippen Berger
Edmonton
10.2014 - 02.2016
- Developed and implemented environmental programs to ensure compliance with provincial and federal regulations.
- Prepared management and client reports on projects progress.
- Supervised and mentored staff on environmental assessments reporting, field work, reporting, safety, and project management.
- Conducted business development to seek out and retain clients and contracts for project work.
- Established relationships with vendors and subcontracts to provide specialized support to environmental assessments.
- Identified potential risks and developed strategies for mitigating those risks.
- Provided training to staff on proper handling of hazardous materials as well as safety procedures.
- Analyzed laboratory results from samples taken from various locations around the project sites.
- Coordinated response efforts when non-compliance issues were identified.
- Ensured that all personnel involved in environmental services activities received appropriate safety training.
- Participated in conferences, workshops, seminars., related to advances in the field of environmental protection.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
- Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
Education
Master of Science - Soil Science
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB11-1994
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB06-1989
Skills
- Demonstrating integrity and respect (GC)
- Thinking things through (GC)
- Work effectively with others (GC)
- Showing Initiative and Being Action-Oriented (GC)
- Technical and Quality Assurance
- Root Cause Analysis
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Documentation Management
- Organizational Skills
- Reliability
- Decision-Making
- Time Management
- Task Prioritization
- Active Listening
- Idea Development and Brainstorming
- Analytical Thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Project Planning
- Relationship Building
- Data Analysis
- Effective Communication
Affiliations
- gardening, travelling, cooking and preserving, reading, learning, quilting
Accomplishments
- Government of Canada - IAAC President's awards presented in recognition of exceptional performance and outstanding contributions in support of the Agency’s mandate: Prairie and Northern Region Designation Request Team (2020); Leadership - Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EEDI) & Co-Campions (2022)
- Government of Canada - IAAC Recognition Award Nominations: Creativity & Innovation - Woman and Girls in Science Media Campaign (2022); Designation Requests (2022), Impact Award - Agency Mentoring Committee (2022).
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.), Alberta Institute of Agrologists, Reg #1510 (Active)
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, Reg# 1664832 (Active)
- Government Mandatory and Recommended training completed (IAAC, ECCC, HC) (2019- Present)
- Indigenous Canada Certificate (University of Alberta, 2023)
- Technical Communication courses: University of British Columbia, Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences: Technical Communication Lecture Series: Readability Strategies for Technical Writing; Persuasive Writing, Concise Writing Strategies, Professional E-mail Practice, Critical Peer Review, Concise Verbal Communication, Writing Under Tight Timelines, (2020-2021)
- Conflict Resolution (University of Alberta EXCPE 5351, 2020)
- Leadership Program (WinSETT 2018): Becoming Leaders: An Introduction to Leadership Skills and Strategies; Effective Communication for Women in SETT; Navigating Politics in the Workplace; Networks, Mentors and Sponsors; Emotional Intelligence, Negotiating for Success
- Indigenous Awareness Courses (101 Indigenous Awareness Certification (2017); 201 Indigenous Awareness Certification (2018); 301 Indigenous Peoples and Culture (in progress 2018); 311 Indigenous Communication and Consultation (in progress 2017); 321 Outreach, recruit, retain Indigenous Employment (in progress 2018)
- Wetland Delineation, Classification and Assessment (University of Alberta EXERM 4280, 2017)
- ABWRET-A Online (University of Alberta EXERM 4284) (2016)
- PMCE, Project Management, Fundamentals and Communication (2013)
- The Executive Program, University of Alberta (2011)
- Dale Carnegie Course (2008)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Regional Impact Assessment Specialist
Health Canada
09.2022 - Current
Funding Coordinator (Assignment With CWS Prairies)
Environment and Climate Change Canada
05.2022 - 09.2022
Project Manager
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
08.2019 - 09.2022
University Instructor (Sessional)
Yellowhead Tribal College
03.2019 - 06.2019
Environmental Services Manager
Klohn Crippen Berger
10.2014 - 02.2016
Environmental Consultant
Esak Consulting Ltd.
03.1992 - 07.2019
Master of Science - Soil Science
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
University of Alberta
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