GreenVest was proud to participate in the Spring 2024 Stream Restoration Seminar and Job Fair hosted by the Maryland Stream Restoration Association (MSRA) at the University of Maryland on March 9. GV Project Managers Joe Garner and Bobby Miller represented our team during the event, which was geared toward undergraduate and graduate students in the region. The event introduced students to the stream restoration industry, made them aware of potential environmental career pathways, discussed the skill sets and knowledge base that companies are looking for in prospective employees, and guided students on how to develop those skills and knowledge. Finally, the event provided an opportunity for students to meet and interact with potential employers.
Joe—along with project partners from Biohabitats, EQR, and Coastal Resources, Inc.—gave a presentation on GV’s Muddy Creek Restoration Project. The presentation was an opportunity to showcase a dynamic and successful project while illustrating what it takes to implement stream restoration from inception through monitoring. The presentation also discussed the different roles of team members to highlight key skills and the various expertise needed to implement these projects.
After the presentation, Bobby participated in a panel discussion with other environmental professionals from several stream restoration disciplines. Bobby helped field questions from the audience while sharing how his background and experiences have contributed to his career path.
Bobby and Joe also set up a table to show off GreenVest and discuss the work the company does, current job openings, and the skills we are looking for in potential employees. The table was occupied by interested students well past the end time—most of the attendees, if not all, that visited the table expressed a clear passion for environmental work.
The event was an effective way to reach students considering a career in stream restoration and to share our knowledge and experience with attendees. Our participation also underwrites one of GV’s top priorities: environmental workforce development. This event was nostalgic for Joe, who attended this same career fair while he was a student at UMD. He shared advice with those in the same position that he was in only 6 years earlier: a full circle moment.
