INTRODUCTION
Job Title: Environmental Consultant/Scientist
Name: Matthew Hynes
Company Overview: Matthew Hynes works as an Environmental Consultant/Scientist at Jacques Whitford, where he is instrumental in assessing environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. His role allows him to engage with a variety of projects across Newfoundland & Labrador, as well as internationally.
Job Overview
Matthew typically works a 40-60 hour week, Monday to Friday, with a 5 km commute from his home to the office. His work often requires travel across Newfoundland & Labrador and beyond, including locations such as Halifax, Calgary, including international locations such as the Middle East. He specializes in diverse areas within the oil and gas sector, including environmental assessment, geotechnical engineering, air quality management, and public consultation. Matthew emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety protocols, stating, “Ensuring safety is essential to protect our team and the communities we serve.”
Career Path
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree from Cape Breton University. He credits his high school sciences, particularly biology, as key to his academic success. Initially starting as a Fisherperson, he transitioned to an Environmental Technologist before advancing to his current role as an Environmental Consultant/Scientist. Matthew aims to grow further in his career, with aspirations to become a Project Manager.
Day in the Life
A typical day for Matthew starts with team meetings to discuss project goals and safety measures. His responsibilities vary from conducting fieldwork—often in challenging environments—to performing office tasks like report writing and data analysis. He enjoys the dynamic nature of his work, which includes water quality assessments and ecological surveys. Matthew advises newcomers to “stay curious and committed to learning; every project offers a chance to grow.”
