Careers in Sustainability: Trends and How to Break In

Want to break into the environment or sustainability fields and don't know where to start? Are you looking for talent or specialists in the field and want insight on how others recruit? Come join three experts from a variety of organizations who hire often, to learn their insights on trends and tips for career seekers. The event will be a short panel discussion followed by small breakout groups to get one-on-one time with our experts! This event is in partnership with Pathways Alliance, TalentEdYYC, and Learning City Collective. The event will be in the Open Learning Lab (in Bow Valley Square, Tower 2, Flour 4) from 4-7 PM on March 26, 2024 and your ticket includes light snacks and a drink.

Bow Valley Square is composed of four towers. The Open Learning Lab is located on floor 4 of tower 2. Tower 2 is located on the northeast corner of the complex on the corner of 5th Ave and 1st (SW). The best way to enter is from the 1st doors. The elevators will be on your right. If you are coming from the +15 level, you will need to go to the main floor to find the elevators to floor four.

Our panelists include:

Saskia Schälicke ECO Canada: Associate Registrar, Post-secondary Programs Accreditation

Saskia is working for the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada) as the Associate Registrar and oversees the Post-secondary Accreditation program team. She works with Canadian and international post-secondary institutions that are interested in getting their programs accredited and informs programs and students about the services and resources ECO Canada provides to succeed in the environmental sector. Saskia holds the EPt (Environmental Professional in training designation) from ECO Canada. 

She holds a bachelor’s in Geography and French and an M. Sc. in Physical Geography of Human-Environment Systems from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. Before joining ECO Canada in 2022, she worked for the University of Calgary for 7 years as a Global Learning Advisor in the International Office. During this time, she supported students interested in pursuing an education abroad opportunity, including participants of the QES program for internships in developing countries. Her passions are the environment, traveling, and empowering others to achieve their goals.

Charles Macmichael ERM, Business Unit Managing Partner

Charles is passionate people leader with 17 years in the business of environmental consulting building on a background in environmental impact assessment and regulatory permitting. Having operational roles for more than 7 of those 17 years, Charles brings a solid foundation of operational experience to everything he does. Charles joined ERM in January of 2020 as a Partner and Account Director for TC Energy, supporting that team in continued account growth. Charles took over as Managing Partner for the Canadian Business of ERM in April 2023, tackling the challenges of a rapidly growing business, including recruitment, retention, engagement and onboarding in a hybrid work environment and supporting staff in a rapidly changing working environment.  A proud Canadian, Charles grew up in the small towns of the East Coast and has been in Calgary, Alberta since 2007. In his spare time Charles enjoys hiking, downhill skiing, and horseback riding.

Jessie VanVaals, VP Human Resources (Global)

Jessie VanVaals is the Vice President of Human Resources (Global) at Okane Consultants and is based in the company’s Calgary office. Okane provides integrated mine closure and relinquishment solutions and employs a diverse pool of interdisciplinary experts. Jessie has spent over nine years developing and leading the Human Resources function at Okane. Jessie plays a leadership role in advancing Okane’s Talent Acquisition, EDI, Employee Engagement, Retention and Training and Development strategies to support Okane’s business strategy, vision and purpose.  Jessie is passionate about fostering a people-first workplace and is proud that Okane has been named a top employer in Canada. Jessie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CPHR).

Johan Bolin, MBA Director of Talent Delivery 

Located in Calgary, Johan is the Director, Talent Delivery for Aplin (Canada’s largest privately owned staffing firm). He started his career with Aplin in the Executive Search division and has held progressively larger leadership roles with the company over the last 5 years. Currently, Johan leads a national team of recruiters in sourcing top talent for organizations across Canada. Johan is also part of Aplin’s senior leadership team. Born and raised in Sweden, Johan holds an MBA from Örebro University and brings 10+ years of experience in communications, recruitment, business development and people leadership.