Envirothon Alumni Profile: Jade Schofield

The Ontario Envirothon program helps to prepare students for post-secondary education and careers in the environmental sciences, and refines their interpersonal and teamwork skills. More than that, though, it touches the lives of its participants—fueling a passion for the environment and sparking friendships.

Jade Schofield was a judge for the regional Envirothon competition in Durham/Kawartha Lakes in 2014. From there, she continued to support the program as a provincial judge, a North American judge, and as a peer reviewer.

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

A: My name is Jade Schofield. I have worked in the municipal sustainability field for nine years, and prior to that worked in the not-for-profit sector for four years. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science as well as a Master’s in Environmental Applied Science & Management. My areas of expertise focus on a range of environmental issues including energy, climate change, waste, land use, water quality, the natural environment and sustainable transportation. I am very passionate about the natural environment and believe that trees and forests are a solution for a wide range of environmental concerns.

Q: Can you tell me about what you do?

A: I am currently a Project Manager in Sustainability & Climate Change for the Town of Whitby. I oversee the Town’s environmental portfolio and lead a number of initiatives to help make both the corporation and the community more sustainable and resilient to climate change. My work is very diverse. The environment has several issues that need attention and I help address them through policy development, strategic planning, education and stewardship programming.

Q: How did you first hear about Envirothon? Where you always interested in environmental science?

A: I love the outdoors, which naturally attracted me to environmental issues. I grew up in England, close to the beach, and loved surfing. I also have a strong passion for animals and wildlife. This drew my attention to a number of environmental issues while I was in school. Once I completed college, I landed an awesome job as a steward with the world renowned Eden Project (a global environmental and education charity); through this work, I learned a lot about how we can do more to protect the environment. I also realized how important it is to work directly with people in order to really make a difference. From there, I went on to do my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I knew I wanted to work in the public sector because I wanted to continue helping others, and I was lucky enough to land a job in the local municipal realm and I have never looked back since.

Q: Have you participated in any other extra-curricular activities focused on environmental issues?

A: Yes, participating in extracurricular activities is really important to maintain momentum and passion in the environment. I am currently a Director for the Ontario Urban Forest Council. With Forests Ontario, I have volunteered on the Annual Conference Committee over the past five years, and of course with Envirothon. I currently have a new gig in development, trying to help address issues around equity and climate change.

Q: Can you tell me about your Envirothon experience?

A: When I was invited to judge the regional Envirothon for Durham/Kawartha Lakes back in 2014, it was my first exposure to the program and I was thrilled with the number of young environmentalists in the local area. From there, I went on to support the program as both a provincial judge, a North American Judge, and as a peer reviewer.

My favourite experience from Envirothon was when the North American finals were held in Ontario. Hearing the presentations from teams from across Canada and the United States was incredible, but what topped it was watching Ontario win - on home ground!

Q: Did you develop any skills during Envirothon that you still use today?

A: Judging is actually hard work and differentiating the good from the excellent is tough. You want to like everyone, but not everyone can win. From judging the presentations, I gained a lot from the students in terms of what makes a good presentation. It was important to consider not only the content and speaking points, but also body language, display materials and team effort.

Q: In your opinion, what do you think students gain from participating in Envirothon?

A: Students gain so much from the Envirothon program. Not only do they have a lot of fun, they are given the opportunity to learn specific environmental knowledge directly from practitioners, in ways not taught in school. Envirothon prepares students for working in this field by advancing skills that cannot be easily taught like teamwork, working on deadlines, and communication.

Q: What would you say to someone considering participating in Envirothon?

A: If you have a passion for the environment, if you want to work in the environmental sciences, or if you just want to do something a little different - Envirothon is for you! You will not regret it. Plus, it looks awesome on your resume!

Q: What was/is your favourite Envirothon topic?

A: It has to be 2016’s topic - Invasive Species: A Challenge to the Environment, Economy and Society. But I’m looking forward to 2021! *The 2021 topic is Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change