Janice Pearson
Janice Pearson is an environmental scientist and conservation professional based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, whose work bridges wildlife research, environmental protection, and public health. A graduate of Louisiana State University, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource and Ecology Management with a concentration in Conservation Biology and a minor in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences. Her academic and professional experiences reflect a deep passion for wildlife conservation, ecological research, and responsible environmental stewardship throughout Louisiana.
Janice currently serves as an Environmental Scientist with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, where she reviews and processes hazardous-waste permit applications and helps ensure compliance with both state and federal environmental regulations. In her role, she works closely with engineers, geologists, and regulated facilities to evaluate permitting data, coordinate technical reviews, and draft permits for hazardous-waste generators, storage facilities, and treatment operations. Her work highlights the important relationship between environmental regulation, environmental justice, and public health, as she helps protect Louisiana communities through careful oversight of hazardous materials management.
Before transitioning into environmental compliance, Janice built a strong foundation in wildlife biology and field research through hands-on positions with both Louisiana State University and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She participated in waterfowl conservation studies, bird banding projects, and chronic wasting disease research involving white-tailed deer, gaining valuable experience in wildlife handling, ecological monitoring, and data collection. Her career path demonstrates both adaptability and dedication, evolving from field-based conservation research into environmental regulatory work while maintaining a strong commitment to protecting natural resources and advancing sustainable environmental practices.
• Louisiana State University- B.S.
• Baton Rouge Community College- Associate's
• Ducks Unlimited - Tiger Chapter
• National Wildlife Society - Student Chapter
• BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
• Louisiana State University
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to adapt quickly, especially transitioning from hands-on wildlife field research into highly technical environmental regulatory work and learning how to perform well in an entirely new area in a short amount of time.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't limit yourself. Keep your options open. Even if you don't have tons of experience in something, but you still meet the qualifications, keep that open as an option, because you never know where you're going to go in your career. I, for sure, definitely would have never thought that I would be here doing more environmental regulation rather than wildlife. I am a very animal person, so I never thought my career would bring me here. So definitely keep an open mind, especially when you're starting out, because you never know where it's going to take you, and it could take you to fantastic places that you could have never anticipated.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to keep an open mind, not shy away from opportunities just because they may not have years of experience yet, and focus on branching out, building connections, and being willing to learn from every opportunity that comes their way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges for me right now is learning the detailed regulatory processes involved in environmental permitting while also balancing the broader responsibility of protecting public health and addressing environmental justice concerns through the work I do.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are balance, family, and staying connected to nature. I love spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, hunting, and tent camping with my fiancé and our two dogs, but I also value quiet time at home and being close with my family, especially my parents in Baton Rouge.