1. Eric Speight
C-304 Phipps Crescent • Kelowna BC, V1X 7N8 • (c) (778) 838-2502 • ecspeight@gmail.com
Objectives
Gain entry-level employment in the field of environmental engineering, leading into a long-term career.
- I am particularly interested in an environmental monitoring or environmental impact assessment role, with field
work; however I am willing and able to work in other areas related to my field.
Obtain certification as a professional Environmental Technologist.
- Register with ASTTBC, APEG, or equivalent
Skills
Technical Skills
Water: water sample collection (from surface water, plant process, groundwater well, or tap), and stream flow estimation.
Soil: soil type classification, borehole logging, and collecting sub-samples from drill core samples.
Air: air sample collection using a metering pump and either a filter or a sample bag, and field-testing using a probe.
Laboratory: knowledge of sampling quality control and chain of custody procedures, laboratory safety practices, and a variety of
testing procedures and equipment (examples include multi-parameter probes, titration, microbiological test cells, chemical oxygen
demand tests, and field testing of pH and suspended solids using portable test kit).
Topography: traverse survey using a rod and level, mapping using portable GPS devices.
Communication and Social Skills
Identifying intended audience and adapting delivery of message so as to be understood, being sensitive to cultural differences,
accepting direction and constructive criticism, performing in a public speaking role.
Contributing enthusiastically to team efforts and discussions, keeping teammates updated on progress towards assigned goals and
informed on new developments, adapting to new roles within the team as needed.
Writing concisely, and diligently adhering to document formats where required.
Attention to detail
Research Skills
Identifying a research question that addresses a problem or opportunity, gathering relevant documents, properly citing sources, and
analyzing and interpreting data to generate new knowledge.
Minor experience with Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments.
Computer Skills
Competent in preparing reports in Microsoft Word
Creating budgets, schedules, databases, graphs, and mathematical models in Microsoft Excel
Preparing and delivering presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint,
Collaborating with teammates using e-mail and file-sharing programs
Creating and editing maps using Garmin GPS software
Basic ability with GIS software.
Basic knowledge of air pollution and groundwater modeling programs.
Physical Ability
Physically fit; able to travel for long periods of time and to work outdoors in difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Education
2011 – present BC Institute of Technology Burnaby, B.C. Student (now correspondence)
• Bachelor’s Degree of Technology program: (almost complete)
Environmental Engineering Technology
• Field School exercises provided first-hand experience with supervising drilling, logging boreholes, purging a newly-installed
groundwater well, collecting soil samples from test pitting and sonic drilling operations, and documenting all of the above
in order to prepare a final report.
• Skills-focused courses, including Contaminated Site Investigation, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Groundwater
Modeling, allowed me to gain experience with environmental monitoring plans, techniques, equipment, regulatory
requirements, and technical writing.
• Management Skills team project involved analyzing a small business, interviewing staff and the manager, applying
material learned in the course to create a set of suggestions for improvement and growth, and delivering a final
presentation and written report to the manager.

2. • Science courses, including Hydrology, Environmental Toxicology, and Contaminant Hydrogeology, provided theoretical
foundation, and exercises provided experience with laboratory procedures and sampling plans.
• Courses providing background knowledge in relevant fields, such as Oil & Gas Development & Restoration, and Principles
of Sustainability, will allow me to quickly grasp specific environmental issues in the workplace.
The only part of this program I have left to complete is an applied research project.
- I will identify a question that addresses an environment-related problem or opportunity in the workplace,
research the topic, and analyze the resulting information to answer the question. The final report, along with any
resulting suggestions for how the knowledge can be applied, will be presented to interested parties within the
company. This project can be done either as part of my duties in the company, or on my own time with volunteer
hours.
2010 California State University, Sacramento Kelowna, B.C. Graduate
• Textbook-based continuing education course, taken by correspondence:
Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Volume 1
• Wide range of job-specific topics included safe and efficient operation of plant process stages (screens, clarifiers,
bioreactors, etc.), principles of aerobic and anaerobic digestion, and the advantages and disadvantages of the most
common treatment plant designs.
2009 (currently expired) Environmental Operators Certification
Program
Kelowna, B.C. Graduate
• Passed exam to earn Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Level 1 certificate (municipal waste water treatment).
• Preparation for this exam included studying the text dedicated to it, reviewing wastewater course notes from Okanagan
College, and reflecting on practical experience gained as an operator-in-training during co-op work terms.
2006-2008 Okanagan College Kelowna, B.C. Graduate
• Successfully completed 2-year diploma program:
Water Quality and Environmental Engineering Technology
• Of the two options provided in the course, I chose the Environmental Monitoring option, which placed emphasis on field
work and natural ecosystems. The option which I declined was the Water and Wastewater Treatment Operation option,
although I still received enough Operations training to obtain entry-level employment in that field.
• Skills-focused courses, including Geographic Information Systems, Chlorination, and Technical Communication for
Engineering, gave me hands-on experience with many types of documentation, equipment, software, and safety practices
normally used by environmental technicians.
• Science courses, including Environmental Biology and Quantitative Chemical Analysis, provided foundational knowledge to
allow me to better understand contemporary environmental issues, and how to investigate them.
• Courses dealing with specific areas of knowledge, including Environmental Law and Advanced Water Treatment &
Distribution, provided the framework for me to understand work practices followed by environmental technicians.
Related Work Experience
2014-Present Wilson’s Landing Utilities Inc. Kelowna, B.C. Small Water System Operator
• Performing weekly inspections of pump station and drinking water reservoir, and monitoring and adjusting chlorine levels.
• Collecting monthly water samples for laboratory analysis, and receiving occasional shipments of chlorine solution from
delivery driver.
• Skills gained/exercised include self-motivation (working alone), keeping accurate records, problem-solving, and interacting
with business contacts.
2012-2013 Africa Community Technical Service Comox, B.C. / Uganda Volunteer Engineering Intern
• Contributed, together with a small team, to design, budgeting, project proposal writing, and construction of gravity flow
drinking water distribution systems in rural communities in Uganda.
• Assisted in collection and testing of water samples from the field, and organized the data in Excel spreadsheets.
• Gathered, processed and interpreted topographical information from GPS, and from traverse surveys.
• Collaborated with construction team to refine and troubleshoot system designs.
• Created maintenance schedule for gravity flow system.
2008-2011 United Water Winfield, B.C. WWTP Operator Level 1
• Operated the Lake Country Wastewater Treatment Plant, as part of a small team.
• Took and passed the EOCP certification exam for Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Level 1 (beginner level).
This certificate has now expired, Ability to re-certify quickly.
• Monitored and controlled key performance factors of plant processes, using SCADA system, visual checks, lab tests, and
groundwater monitoring wells.
• Performed laboratory tests on samples collected from plant processes, organized the resulting data, and submitted
monthly environmental compliance reports.

3. • Responded to automated system alerts when responsible for on-call duties, troubleshooting and problem-solving. On-call
duties involved overnight periods.
Other Assets
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certificate.
• Class 5 BC driver’s license (driver’s abstract available upon request).
Values
I value teamwork, being part of a diverse group of people with shared ideals and goals.
I value creativity, especially when it is applied to find innovative solutions to problems.
I value self-improvement; continuously searching for ways to broaden my skills and experience, in order to be more useful to
society.
I value sustainability in the workplace; the balance of social, financial, and environmental concerns to create long-term success.
I value health and protecting the health of others. For example, I enjoyed Environmental Toxicology class because I learned
about different ways that toxins can affect the human body, and about the risks presented by different types of exposure to a
given toxin. Once risks have been evaluated, then mitigation measures can be created to protect employees and the public.
My passion is to help people, both in Canada and overseas, to have sustainable access to safe potable water.
References available upon request