Ryan Johnsen

Background

About Ryan Johnsen

I am a former forestry supervisor and current environmental technician who has a passion for the environmental sciences. After graduating from Dalhousie University in 2018, I accepted an internship as a silviculture supervisor for Irving Woodlands in Fort Kent, Maine. In this position, I developed strong leadership skills as I supervised multiple contracting crews of tree planters and plantation thinners. I also improved my data collecting skills by assessing soil and site quality for tree planting potential. This was also my first time utilizing mapping software such as GIS and Avenza. Upon completion of my internship, I accepted the position of Lead Hand with Irving Woodlands in Sussex, New Brunswick. In this position, I continued to develop my leadership skills as I supervised somatic seedling development. I also improved my data collection and analytical skills using Excel that I presented to management on a weekly basis. Finally, I improved my laboratory skills assisting with the initial stages of somatic embryogenesis and practicing safe lab practices. After a year and a half as Lead Hand, I was promoted to Seed Orchard Technician in Parkindale, New Brunswick. In this position, I supervised landscaping and labor crews, and was also involved in field research throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, studying the effects of white pine weevil on white spruce and pine test sites. This improved my report and scientific writing skills as well as problem solving and analytics. I have developed skills that I believe are necessary for success in the environmental field. I have performed work that includes collecting and analyzing data in the field and laboratory. I have exceptional time management, organizational, communicative, and problem-solving skills. Lastly, I am a dependable worker, excellent teammate, and seasoned leader who finds a way to get the best out of everyone. As important as these work experiences were, I wanted to become a more well-rounded environmental scientist and receive more technical training and understanding of soil, air, and water science, as well as sustainable practices. I am now attending Holland College studying Environmental Applied Science Technology. My dream is to work for a government agency or private consulting firm to assist with enforcing environmental regulations, assisting companies in complying with these regulations, and/or studying the effects of climate change and issues that are detrimental to the natural world.