Emma Bellamy | Meet Our Team
About Emma Bellamy
Title: Timber Development Supervisor
Team Member Since: May 2019
Education: Bachelor of Science from the University of Nothern British Columbia; Major in Forest Ecology & Management/Minor in Environmental Sciences
Certificates: Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP)
Career Path
Q: Describe your career path. How did you get into what you do now?
A: When I first moved to Prince George from Vancouver in 2013, I had no idea what forestry was or that there was potential for a career path in that industry. I had always been interested in the outdoors and I grew up camping with my family in southeastern British Columbia every summer. My interest sparked when I found out I could take classes relating to forest ecology, soils, weather and the socioeconomic impacts of the industry.
My first job in forestry was for a timber sales company where I got my foot in the door as a summer student and learned the basics of the industry. My job involved post-harvest assessments where I got to see the aftermath of logging and how the planning of the landscape was done. I then moved on to try tree planting so I could see what went into a reforestation job. Since my goal was to be a forester, I wanted to know what I would be prescribing and be able to have some hands-on knowledge.
After trying tree planting, I knew I wanted to get into the harvest planning side of forestry so I began working as a consultant for cut-block and road layout. My interest is in the planning of the landscape for harvest while simultaneously accounting for all other values our forests offer us. The best part about this job is being able to explore the beautiful BC backcountry and having a blend between the office and field-based work.
Goals & Passions
Q: What are your professional goals?
A: I am currently enrolled in the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) as a Forester in Training (FIT) and am working towards getting my designation as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF).
Q: What excites you most about your work?
A: The things that excite me most about my work are the adventure and problem-solving that comes with it. Even if we have a plan, there is always a possibility that we need to change our course of action. Having the toolbelt and mindset to deal with anything that comes our way is rewarding. I also enjoy the mentorship and sharing of insight this career provides. I learn from the ones more experienced than me, and then I am able to pass knowledge down to the ones who are less experienced than I am. This job is so diverse that sometimes experience has nothing to do with it and I welcome the fact that anyone can bring expertise to the table.
Hobbies & Interests
Q: What are your hobbies, interest, etc.?
A: I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, hiking, exploring new places, cooking fun meals and listening to educational podcasts.
Q: What is a value statement or quote you live by?
A: “The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
Q: Do you have a fun fact about yourself? If so, what?
A: If I wasn’t a forester, I’d be a physicist, exploring the quantum world.
Q: Name someone who has impacted your life the most and how?
A: The Chair of Chemistry at UNBC who shared this Einstein quote with me when I couldn’t figure out how to pass a chemistry course, “The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting different results.” This quote stuck with me as it can relate to so many aspects of life and overcoming adversities.
Interested in learning about more of our team members? Find them on our Meet the Team page or our Employee Spotlights on our blog.
