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Interviewee: Meghan Hedeen
Meghan Hedeen: I am the Ecology Consultant Manager in the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Office of Environmental Services. Our office includes about 60 specialists who work to assess and minimize impacts to environmental resources. The role of the ecology section is to identify, classify and avoid impacts of proposed roadway projects on streams, wetlands and protected species and their habitat. As the Consultant Manager, I supervise a team of Senior Ecologists and am responsible for making sure that our consultant community remains informed of all regulation and policy changes.
We work in the preconstruction stage of proposed projects. When roadway projects are being planned, we visit the proposed project site and survey the area for ecological resources. After we identify the resources within a proposed project area, we work with road designers and other experts to try to avoid and minimize impacts to these resources to the greatest extent possible. If there are unavoidable impacts, we coordinate with our partner agencies to acquire the needed permits. We work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to acquire permits under the Clean Water Act if we’re going to impact a stream or wetland. We work with the Environmental Protection Division on state waters which are sometimes afforded a protected vegetative buffer. We also coordinate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act to minimize any potential impact to protected species.
CJ: What difference can graduates expect to make by going into transportation careers with the Department of Transportation?
MH: The Georgia Department of Transportation constructs hundreds of project each year from maintenance projects to major road widenings and bridge replacements. With such a high number of projects, there is potential for a considerable impact on the environment. There have been many advances in transportation with regard to environmental conservation. Many graduates are learning about these measures in school and may have the opportunity to share these ideas with the next generation of developers. By working within the Department, there is great potential to ensure that this development is completed in a legally sound and environmentally sensitive fashion.
CJ: What would you say to students and young professionals interested in going into the field of transportation today? And what career opportunities do you see on the horizon?
MH: Working in the transportation field provides you with experience assessing environmental impacts and coordinating with state and federal agencies within the parameters laws and regulations. With this experience, there is potential to collaborate on meaningful and effective policies and procedures. Many of our former ecologists have gone on to working with federal and state agencies and are helping to shape the environmental policy and regulation of tomorrow.
CJ: What should students study? And are there particular credentials of relevance to employers?
MH: First and foremost, we look for candidates with varied experience in field biology. Experience coordinating under environmental laws with government agencies is also helpful but it’s rare for us to find someone with experience with all of our job responsibilities. Therefore, we do offer on the job training. However, experience in field biology is essential. We are looking for someone who has experience in collecting data in the field, analyzing that information, and producing a report that documents their findings. Experience with Arc GIS is also a plus as it is an essential tool in today’s workforce.
CJ: How does hands-on conservation experience, or experiential learning for students make a difference when hiring?
MH: Hands-on conservation experience illustrates that a candidate has both knowledge on the subject and experience applying that knowledge. Many of the duties of an ecologist require a hands-on approach that cannot be learned in a class-room setting, such as plant identification, stream classification and wetland delineation. Collaboration between state or federal agencies is a large part of our job. Understanding how to implement conservation strategies can show abilities beyond education.
CJ: How might certification as a NWF EcoLeaders make a difference to employers?
CJ: Overall, what would you recommend to graduates who want to make a difference for community sustainability?
MH: Be involved and follow your heart. Getting involved with the conservation community offers the opportunity to get to know your community and meet subject matter experts who can provide guidance and advice.
There are many organizations that offer opportunities to those who are interested. By seeking out opportunities and talking with your community, you can quickly learn what resources are available to you.
CJ: It sounds like you’re touching on Mentors or people that are experts in the field that are willing and eager to share their knowledge (like yourself). Is that correct?
MH: Yes, mentors that are passionate know that success comes from a strong community, where education and collaboration thrive.
***
Click Here to Return to the Sustainable Transportation Career Sector Overview
Interviewee: Meghan Hedeen
Ecology Consultant Manger; Georgia Department of Transportation
Interviewer: Crystal Jennings, NWF
Crystal Jennings: What is your role with the company and why did you choose to work for the Georgia Department of Transportation?
Meghan Hedeen: I am the Ecology Consultant Manager in the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Office of Environmental Services. Our office includes about 60 specialists who work to assess and minimize impacts to environmental resources. The role of the ecology section is to identify, classify and avoid impacts of proposed roadway projects on streams, wetlands and protected species and their habitat. As the Consultant Manager, I supervise a team of Senior Ecologists and am responsible for making sure that our consultant community remains informed of all regulation and policy changes.We work in the preconstruction stage of proposed projects. When roadway projects are being planned, we visit the proposed project site and survey the area for ecological resources. After we identify the resources within a proposed project area, we work with road designers and other experts to try to avoid and minimize impacts to these resources to the greatest extent possible. If there are unavoidable impacts, we coordinate with our partner agencies to acquire the needed permits. We work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to acquire permits under the Clean Water Act if we’re going to impact a stream or wetland. We work with the Environmental Protection Division on state waters which are sometimes afforded a protected vegetative buffer. We also coordinate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act to minimize any potential impact to protected species.
CJ: What difference can graduates expect to make by going into transportation careers with the Department of Transportation?
MH: The Georgia Department of Transportation constructs hundreds of project each year from maintenance projects to major road widenings and bridge replacements. With such a high number of projects, there is potential for a considerable impact on the environment. There have been many advances in transportation with regard to environmental conservation. Many graduates are learning about these measures in school and may have the opportunity to share these ideas with the next generation of developers. By working within the Department, there is great potential to ensure that this development is completed in a legally sound and environmentally sensitive fashion.
CJ: What would you say to students and young professionals interested in going into the field of transportation today? And what career opportunities do you see on the horizon?
MH: Working in the transportation field provides you with experience assessing environmental impacts and coordinating with state and federal agencies within the parameters laws and regulations. With this experience, there is potential to collaborate on meaningful and effective policies and procedures. Many of our former ecologists have gone on to working with federal and state agencies and are helping to shape the environmental policy and regulation of tomorrow.
CJ: What should students study? And are there particular credentials of relevance to employers?
MH: First and foremost, we look for candidates with varied experience in field biology. Experience coordinating under environmental laws with government agencies is also helpful but it’s rare for us to find someone with experience with all of our job responsibilities. Therefore, we do offer on the job training. However, experience in field biology is essential. We are looking for someone who has experience in collecting data in the field, analyzing that information, and producing a report that documents their findings. Experience with Arc GIS is also a plus as it is an essential tool in today’s workforce.
CJ: How does hands-on conservation experience, or experiential learning for students make a difference when hiring?
MH: Hands-on conservation experience illustrates that a candidate has both knowledge on the subject and experience applying that knowledge. Many of the duties of an ecologist require a hands-on approach that cannot be learned in a class-room setting, such as plant identification, stream classification and wetland delineation. Collaboration between state or federal agencies is a large part of our job. Understanding how to implement conservation strategies can show abilities beyond education.
CJ: How might certification as a NWF EcoLeaders make a difference to employers?
MH: Completing a national level certification has the potential to illustrate knowledge, motivation and focus; which are all traits that we look for in potential employees.
CJ: Overall, what would you recommend to graduates who want to make a difference for community sustainability?
MH: Be involved and follow your heart. Getting involved with the conservation community offers the opportunity to get to know your community and meet subject matter experts who can provide guidance and advice.
There are many organizations that offer opportunities to those who are interested. By seeking out opportunities and talking with your community, you can quickly learn what resources are available to you.
CJ: It sounds like you’re touching on Mentors or people that are experts in the field that are willing and eager to share their knowledge (like yourself). Is that correct?
MH: Yes, mentors that are passionate know that success comes from a strong community, where education and collaboration thrive.
***
Click Here to Return to the Sustainable Transportation Career Sector Overview
Type
Interviews
Sector
Transportation
Category Career Center Resources
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