Roxane Richmond: Junior Ice Service Specialist, Canadian Ice Service

Meet Roxane Richmond.

Roxane has worked as a Junior Ice Service Specialist with the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) for almost 2 years. Before joining Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Roxane worked at both Parks Canada and the Montreal Biosphere through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP).

CIS is a division of the Meteorological Service of Canada, leading the charge for ice and iceberg information. As a Junior Ice Service Specialist, Roxane works to provide clients with the most precise and up-to-date data on ice conditions in Canada’s navigable waters, helping to promote maritime safety across the country.

“My job is very rewarding, and there is always something new to learn,” she says. “I enjoy having the opportunity to work alongside people of all different backgrounds. It’s motivating to be part of a dynamic team where everyone’s unique skill set is valued and put to use.”

For Roxane, the best part of the job is the frequent fieldwork. She and her team conduct daily ice reconnaissance patrols from their ship or from a helicopter, to support the Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreaking mandate. In the winter, the team patrols navigable waters in the South, from the Great Lakes all the way to Newfoundland and Labrador. In the summer, they cover the Canadian Arctic.

Roxane’s greatest memory at ECCC took place onboard an icebreaker, where she had the opportunity to see the Canadian Arctic for the first time. “We saw northern lights, polar bears, walruses and rugged landscapes stretching out as far as the eye could see. It was breathtaking.”

To learn more about Roxane Richmond’s work, visit: About the Canadian Ice Service – Canada.ca

Here are a few random facts about Roxane:

• What was your first job? Skating and skiing instructor – I guess I’ve always had a thing for ice.
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I have a long list of post-COVID travel plans, but the Faroe Islands and Japan are definitely top of the list. I’d also love to sail up to Eureka for work.
• What is your favourite game or sport to watch and play? Any game that does not entail catching, chasing or kicking a ball.
• If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? It would be interesting to go back to the turn of the 20th century and experience the Arctic before it was heavily impacted by climate change.
• What are your hobbies? I love anything outdoors – skiing, skating, hiking, camping, you name it.
• What is your favourite flavour of ice cream? Anything chocolatey.
• How many pairs of shoes do you own? Just enough.
• Summer or winter? Winter, which is a lucky thing because my job involves chasing winter year-round!
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to still be exploring the outdoors and contributing to the protection of the environment.

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