To be a geoscientist, one better love looking at rocks. At least that’s the case for Kim Pickett, C.E.T., LET, a project geoscientist with GEI Consultants. She has 23 years of expertise in environmental and hydrogeological projects in Ontario’s public and private sectors. She is active in professional development organizations and is an adjunct professor at Mohawk College and Seneca Polytechnic.
“At a very young age, I had a passion for science and the environment. Geoscience kind of crosses over both of those fields,” she said. “I had a really great high school geography teacher and my high school was very tiny, so there (were) only about 100 of us. My teacher taught geography from Grades 9 to 12, so, because of his love for physical geography, that’s really where my love started.”
That love motivated Pickett to move from her hometown of Collingwood, Ont., to Hamilton, Ont., to attend McMaster University. During a field trip to Espanola, a small town outside of Sudbury, Ont., Pickett confirmed she was on the correct career path.
“I was in the field for two weeks mapping rocks and looking at the outcrops in the Canadian shield,” she said. “It was just from that field experience that made it clear that this was the career for me. ”After graduating from McMaster, Pickett wanted to increase her hands-on knowledge. This led her to pursue environmental engineering technology at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ont.
“The first big project at field school was mapping rocks,” she said. “We would go osut and look at the rocks, and then identify the minerals and elements that were in the rocks. Then we would create a map showing where those different types of rocks went.”
Her first job was with a small consulting firm based in Thornhill, Ont., which focused primarily on environmental management systems. This position provided her with invaluable insights into environmental protection and the practical realities of implementing sustainability initiatives within diverse organizations.
“I learned early on that environmental management isn’t just about field work; it’s about navigating regulatory frameworks and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility,” said Pickett.
However, this business focused on office work and Pickett wanted to be engaged in field work activities. This led her to accept a role with a municipality that was undertaking a landfill project. “Working in waste management was a hands-on experience that allowed me to witness firsthand the environmental impacts of human activities,” Pickett said.
Her tenure in municipal government broadened her perspective on sustainability, highlighting the intersection of policy-making and practical implementation in environmental management.
Moving into consulting
After a decade with the municipality, Pickett wanted to become involved in more projects with shorter timelines. She returned to consulting and joined GEI Consultants. GEI’s Canadian team includes more than 400 engineering, environmental, management and technology professionals.
Her expertise in hydrogeological assessments, environmental site assessments and landfill-related studies positioned her as a trusted advisor to clients seeking sustainable solutions, while managing changing regulations. “One of the benefits of consulting is the diversity of projects,” Pickett said. “From urban redevelopment to rural infrastructure, each project presents unique challenges and opportunities for innovation.”
Pickett’s role encompasses various responsibilities, from project management and technical oversight, to client relations and team leadership. Her ability to integrate fieldwork with data analysis has helped her deliver successful outcomes for clients across various sectors.
“I’m constantly balancing office-based project management and field activities. It’s this dynamic environment that keeps me engaged, and allows me to leverage my skills in both technical and managerial capacities.”
Kim Pickett, C.E.T., LET, GEI Consultants
Beyond her professional commitments, Pickett is invested in nurturing future talent and advancing industry standards. As a professor at Mohawk College and Seneca Polytechnic, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of environmental engineers and geoscientists.
“Teaching has been a rewarding experience that has allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice,” she said.
Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. She actively engages with professional organizations such as the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) and the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to advocate for industry best practices and regulatory compliance.
Pickett’s involvement with professional associations underscores her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
“Belonging to PEO and OACETT is not just about maintaining credentials; it’s about staying abreast of industry trends and contributing to the advancement of environmental science,” she said. Pickett served as OACETT president and helped raise awareness about the role of certified professionals in ensuring environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Lasting impressions
Reflecting on her career milestones, Pickett identified several projects that have left a lasting impression. “One project that stands out was the effort to establish a greenfield landfill,” she said. “It was a decade-long endeavour that taught me invaluable lessons about community engagement, environmental impact assessments and the intricacies of public policy.”
Despite the project’s eventual halt, she says it provided insights into the importance of resilience and adaptability while navigating complex environmental issues. Another memorable project was rejuvenating her hometown’s historic shipyard and grain elevator.
“Being involved in the Phase 1 site inspection was a unique opportunity to blend environmental science with historical preservation,” she said.
Her role in assessing the site’s environmental footprint while honouring its cultural heritage highlighted the connection between environmental stewardship and community revitalization. Additionally, she has worked on deep foundation projects; primarily downtown Toronto parking projects that extend deep underground. She has also been involved in various brownfield properties that repurpose industrial and commercial properties into new mixed-use developments.
Pickett says time management and organizational skills are essential for those looking to succeed as geoscientists, who typically work on their own and prioritize their tasks.
“You are going to have a client who says that they want this report completed in four or five weeks, and then they are not going to check up on you. If you are not managing your time properly, you’re going to miss your deadlines,” she said.
She also says professionals must be flexible and remain calm during stressful situations. Sometimes, drillers will miss deadlines, hit rocks and boulders, or water won’t be found where expected, and its essential to assess the situation and find new solutions.
Looking ahead, Pickett remains optimistic about the future of geoscience and environmental consulting, particularly in light of global challenges such as climate change. “The impacts of climate change are already reshaping how we approach hydrogeological assessments and environmental planning,” she said, adding that she anticipates a growing emphasis on adaptive strategies and sustainable development practices that prioritize resilience and long-term environmental health.
Professionally, Pickett envisions continuing her journey with GEI Consultants, potentially expanding into leadership roles where she can mentor emerging professionals and shape strategy. “I see myself growing with GEI and contributing to its mission of delivering innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges,” she said.
Her dual roles as a practitioner and educator demonstrate her commitment to advancing environmental science and fostering a new generation of geoscientists.