Watershed Technician Job Helps Rural PEI Youth Overcome Employment Barriers

As a youth from the Town of Three Rivers, Faith Haight didn’t come across many job opportunities in the small Prince Edward Island community of roughly 7,883 people.  

However, in the fall of 2024 and winter of 2025 the Holland College graduate, who studied Wildlife Conservation Technology, gained valuable experience in her field and hometown when she was employed as a watershed technician for the Southeast Environmental Association (SEA) – a job made possible by the CPRA Green Jobs Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy program.  

“The office is less than a 10-minute drive from where I live, and it was a great opportunity,” says Haight. “It gave me hands-on experience in the field, and that practical aspect is really going to help me as I further my education and look towards my career.” 

As a watershed technician, Haight contributed to several projects for the non-profit organization that manages the largest watershed region on PEI. Among her duties, she supported Project Nectar, a seniors’ outreach initiative funded by United Way and developed in collaboration with the Friendly Circle Seniors Club of Murray Harbour. The program fosters community connections that bring together seniors and other community members in activities that promote healthy living. Haight also worked alongside conservation professionals from the PEI Invasive Species Council and other watersheds on various conservation projects. Additionally, she contributed to the organization’s Biodiversity Action Plan and assisted with SEA’s events, including the annual Winter Frolic-Winterval festival. 

“She demonstrated remarkable flexibility and adaptability and was always able to switch gears and prioritize projects,” says Jackie Bourgeois, Executive Director of SEA.  

Bourgeois added that the Green Jobs Initiative was a “win-win” for both the organization, which prefers to hire locally, and for Haight who was seeking on-the-job experience.  

“We live in a remote area and the pool of people interested in this field can be small,” she says. “This funding allowed us to get someone like Faith on our team, provide them valuable experience and an opportunity to become an environmental leader.” 

Haight, who plans to return to school for her Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation degree in the fall of 2025, says the knowledge and skills she gained – such as project prioritization, collaborating with conservation officials, and building relationships within the community – will greatly benefit her on her career path. 

“As I continue my education, I’ll have that hands-on knowledge in the back of my mind,” she says. “Because of this experience, I now understand what it takes to work through conservation projects and achieve meaningful goals.” 

Bourgeois emphasizes that the Green Jobs Initiative showed Haight that she is well suited to a career in conservation and gave her an opportunity that would have otherwise been difficult to find.  

“Programs like this are incredibly helpful for organizations like ours, especially in rural areas, and for young people like Faith who might not have had a chance to explore these career opportunities,” Bourgeois says. She adds that the funding may also encourage other youth in the community to consider environmental careers.  

“This program allows us to connect with young people in our community who are curious about environmental work. It also boosts our visibility and may spark some interest in youth who hadn’t previously considered the sector - but now see it as a viable career path.” 

Faith’s journey is a testament to how targeted employment programs like the Green Jobs Initiative can break down barriers for rural youth, providing not just jobs but meaningful pathways to future careers. By bridging the gap between education and employment, initiatives like these empower young people to contribute to their communities while building a sustainable future.