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Kait Stap: A Journey from Mining to Remediating Residential Heating Oil Spills

26 November 2024
Kait Stap: A Journey from Mining to Remediating Residential Heating Oil Spills

Kait Stap’s journey to Pario Engineering & Environmental Sciences (Pario) has been driven by her passion for environmental remediation, commitment to continuous learning, and determination to make a difference. Starting her career in the mining industry and now serving as an Environmental Specialist and Project Manager at Pario, Kait has always sought to align her career with her dedication to environmental protection and sustainability.

Residential heating oil spills can have significant consequences, affecting not only the environment but also the lives of those in the impacted areas. Reliable remediation solutions are essential in helping property owners restore their premises and safeguard their communities.

Early Inspiration and the Drive to Make a Change

Early Inspiration and the Drive to Make a Change

From a young age, Kait was dedicated to environmental sustainability which was fueled by a deep-seated passion for making a positive impact on society. Growing up surrounded by nature, she developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and a desire to protect it. “I always knew I was going to get into the environmental field,” she says. “I had a passion to make a change.”   It was this determination that led her through diverse roles in her career, including a significant chapter in mineral exploration.

After completing her master’s degree in geology at Western University, Kait took on a summer position that soon transitioned into a full-time role with a gold mining company in Northern Ontario. For three years, she worked on mineral exploration projects, handling project management, drilling, grab sampling, and supervising subcontractors. “Even though the mission was different, my experience in exploration translated well to my work at Pario,” she explains. “Project management, drilling, and site oversight all overlap, and I found it easy to adapt to the new role’s technical requirements.”

A Career Shift and a Return to Her Roots

A Career Shift and a Return to Her Roots

While Kait valued her time in mining, she eventually realized she needed a lifestyle change and a stable home base rather than the demanding rotation work that kept her away for weeks at a time. She took a step back to evaluate her goals, reconnecting with her passion for environmental protection. An internet search for “environmental” positions led her to Pario, where the role of Emergency Spill Response Project Manager caught her attention. Despite her different background, she emphasized her transferable skills in her cover letter, which clearly impressed the Pario leadership team.

Pario sees Kait’s extensive mineral exploration background as an asset when it comes to recruiting new emergency spill response project managers.  Kait’s adaptability and experience align seamlessly with Pario’s specialized approach to environmental engineering, where her skill set complements the company’s commitment to high-quality and quick decision making, in spill remediation.

Building a Future at Pario

Building a Future at Pario

Since joining Pario, Kait has flourished under the mentorship of her colleagues. With her Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) designation already in hand, she looks forward to contributing in that capacity and ultimately aims to step into management and leadership roles within the organization. She is passionate about learning more about forensic environmental science and is excited about tackling the diverse claims Pario handles.

In her role, Kait has managed large-scale furnace oil spills, which often require quick and thorough assessment of the variables on site.  Many times, residential spills require structural support for buildings impacted, or even demolition to fully remediate contaminated areas beneath these buildings. She emphasizes that while thoroughly addressing these spills is complex, it is essential for successful remediation. Pario’s specialized approach ensures that each case is handled with the urgency and precision it demands. Kait states, “At Pario, we understand the critical need for prompt and proficient treatment of these spills.” With over 100 experts, including over 20 structural engineers, Pario leverages internal collaboration to deliver the best solutions in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Kait is happy to be a part of Pario and the professional and empathetic approach she has seen in her managers and peers alike.  Pario’s team of experts across various fields, from contaminated soil management to environmental drilling and groundwater remediation, sets them apart.  Pario’s hands-on project management style means that our professionals are actively involved on-site from assessment through cleanup and monitoring, enabling quick, informed decisions and smooth project progression, which Kait finds both inspiring and effective.

Another reason why Kait enjoys her work at Pario is, “we prioritize transparency and cost control. As your Environmental Consultant and Project Manager, we connect with a trusted network of vendors to provide cost-effective solutions, monitor expenses diligently, and communicate consistently with clients to prevent any budget surprises. Our commitment is to handle every aspect of the project, ensuring peace of mind for our clients.”

Life Outside Work

Outside of her professional life, Kait is deeply committed to fitness. For the past decade, she has been a dedicated weightlifter, and her love for the outdoors pairs perfectly with her passion for environmental work. Alongside her husband, Kait enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and exploring the outdoor beauty.

A Vision for Growth and Leadership

A Vision for Growth and Leadership

Kait Stap is a natural fit for Pario, where her expertise and values align closely with the company’s mission. As she continues to hone her skills and deepen her impact, Kait embodies the spirit of Pario’s commitment to environmental stewardship and technical excellence. The team is excited to see the contributions she’ll bring in the years to come.

We are confident that her expertise, passion, and leadership will greatly enhance our team's success and ensure that clients receive top-tier service.  Her journey and passion for the environment are sure to be valuable assets to our clients' needs.

1-888-762-4667

pario@pario.ca

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