Meet Melanie Lefaive

Job Title

Resource Management Officer 

What was your education/career path?

When I was in grade school, I wanted to be a storm chaser! However, throughout high school, I discovered a passion in biology and geography, so I switched gears to continue my education in the environmental field. In 2017, I completed my BSc. in Environmental Science with a minor in French Studies from the University of Windsor. After some travelling and factory work, I went to Fleming College in 2018/2019 and completed an Advanced Diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology. I also worked at Essex Region Conservation Authority for a few seasons between 2016-2018 as a Habitat Restoration Technician.

What drew you to Point Pelee? When did you first start working at Point Pelee National Park?

Point Pelee always held a special place in my heart as a kid since I am from this area and visited the park many times. I had a Parks Canada logo sticker on my binder throughout university/college and thought it would be so cool to work for them someday. In April of 2019, my dream came true! I started out at Point Pelee as a Visitor Services Attendant at Camp Henry and worked in that role for 6 months. A position as a Resource Management Technician in the Resource Conservation department came up during those 6 months and I landed the contract which began in November 2019. I have been in Resource Conservation ever since!

What do you do for Parks Canada? 

I work in the Resource Conservation department as a Resource Management Officer. My main job is to support the Ecological Integrity Monitoring Program by doing various field monitoring projects, including amphibian acoustic monitoring, Five-lined Skink monitoring, and Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus monitoring. I also get to do species at risk monitoring, including Eastern Foxsnakes, bat acoustic monitoring, and turtle nest surveys and hatchling protection. Another part of our job in Resource Conservation is to respond to visitor safety and human-wildlife conflict incidents when we are on shift as a duty officer. Additionally, I also support ongoing projects in Resource Conservation, such as prescribed fire and Lake Erie Sand Spit Savannah restoration.

What would you tell a young girl about working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)?

One of the things that I learned before I entered the workforce was that employers can train someone to do a job, but they can’t train you to be a good person, a hard worker, a good listener, etc. I think those things really go a long way when you are in your educational and professional career. If you find something that you are passionate about in STEM, don’t be afraid to ask questions about it, and look for training and volunteer opportunities. Take a contract job that interests you, even if it’s not long or not guaranteed. The more you show up, work hard, and have a good attitude – the greater chance you will have of getting where you want to be!