The 2024 Team

Operational Leadership & Seasonal Staff

At the heart of RiverWatch are our Interpretative River Guides, who bring the science of the river, its watershed, and the city’s history, culture, and geology to life. We are incredibly fortunate to have a team of super smart and highly skilled guides who are passionate about nature, science, and the river and excel in communicating with our students and guests. To become a RiverWatch guide, individuals must complete an intense week of training covering a range of topics, including rafting, emergency response, health and safety, equipment maintenance, water quality monitoring, natural history interpretation, science curriculum, and wastewater tours. This comprehensive training program ensures that our professional river guides are fully prepared to work with students and clients on Alberta’s rivers.

For many, being a RiverWatch Interpretative River Guide is the perfect summer job, particularly for post-secondary students studying environmental sciences. Our team also includes nationally certified nature interpreters and skilled whitewater paddlers, creating a diverse culture that supports one another to provide the best possible experience on the river for our students and guests.

Want to become a RiverWatch River Guide? It’s the best summer job EVER! Click here to learn more and apply now!

Meet Our Leadership Team

 

Jay Ball was appointed Executive Director at RiverWatch in the summer of 2022. He was immediately tasked with overseeing all operations, including the School Science Float and CreekWatch programs, and introducing the new public EcoFloat programs. In the short time he has been with RiverWatch, he has revitalized team culture and set new standards of financial sustainability and operational excellence.  Jay is also a member of the Professional River Outfitters Association Of Alberta (PROAOA) board of directors.

In 2023, Jay optimized the river guide recruitment processes, secured substantial long-term program funding, refined school float operations, and expanded CreekWatch into the private water monitoring space while appointing top-tier talent to lead the program. 2023 also saw the launch of “RiverWatch EcoFloats” an urban guided-river-rafting experience designed to educate and inspire the public about the NSR and Bow rivers. With 75% of dates sold out and outstanding guest feedback, RiverWatch emerged as a key player in Edmonton and Calgary’s tourism sectors. EcoFloats is a finalist for the Edmonton Tourism Awards in Sustainable Tourism, cementing the organization’s standing in the industry.

Background: Jay Ball is an accomplished Canadian executive with over 20 years of experience building great teams. His diverse background includes roles as President/CEO, Executive Director in the nonprofit sector, and GM in the professional sports/hospitality spaces. Throughout his career, Jay has demonstrated a keen ability to improve operational efficiencies, develop innovative projects that drive growth, and craft compelling experiences that forge emotional connections between individuals and the brands he represents. He has also made substantial contributions to both local and international communities, serving in various capacities as a volunteer and leader. Instrumental in supporting numerous community and sports events, such as the Tour of Alberta, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, Jay also held a four-year tenure as GM of FC Edmonton in both the NASL and Canadian Premier League. Additionally, since 1995, he has been an integral part of the Edmonton Oilers’ game-night PR team. Jay’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement as a board member for organizations like Edmonton Special Olympics, Kids Up Front, and the Edmonton Public Library. He is also a member of Leadership Edmonton’s Charter Class.

 

Michelle Debruyne BSc. – CreekWatch & Citizen Science Manager – Joining RiverWatch in the spring of 2023, Michelle is our visionary science lead, managing all CreekWatch water science programs and citizen science initiatives. Michelle is an honours graduate from Mount Royal University, holding a BSc in Environmental Science. Her academic journey ignited her passion for water resources, including hydrology, water quality, pollution, and watershed management. Data analysis, one of her favourites, serves as her tool to uncover the intricate connections between people, water, and the environment. As a former interpretative guide for RiverWatch, Michelle thrived on educating others about waterway importance, its impact, and mitigation strategies. She firmly believes that fostering this understanding sparks environmental advocacy and inspires citizen scientists. Michelle’s fervent goal is to contribute to a sustainable future. A self-professed “data nerd”, Michelle can often be spotted doing water tests along Calgary creeks and rivers in her spare time. A proud Calgarian, Michelle enjoys the Bow River, Fish Creek Park, and creative pursuits at home with her cats, Stevie and Luna.

 

 

Emma Schiender – CreekWatch & Citizen Science Coordinator (Northern Alberta) – Emma Schneider is our Citizen Science and Creekwatch Coordinator for the Northern Alberta region. She is an experienced environmental enthusiast with a diploma in Natural Resource Technology from Portage College. Emma brings her passion and experience in water management, wildlife conservation, and environmental law to the organization. She is committed to practical, hands-on learning, which she integrates into her role at CreekWatch. In her current position, Emma aims to connect science with the community, focusing on water conservation and inspiring others through her passion for environmental stewardship. She enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking and volunteering in community environmental projects. Emma’s prior experience as a lead River Guide for RiverWatch for 3 seasons further solidifies her dedication to our mission and environmental stewardship, showcasing her leadership skills and genuine love for her work.