"My name is Hunter Jarratt. I completed the Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection Program at Vancouver Island University from 2019 to 2023, and I was the recipient of the 2021 Mike Merriman Memorial Award. Prior to this, I was able to take university transfer courses at North Island College, to help alleviate the workload of the BNRP Program. Through BCIT I completed the BC Parks and Its Admin Course. Currently, I am taking the Restoration of Natural Systems Certificate Program at the University of Victoria, so I have had a broad educational experience!
I realized partway through the BNRP Program that while I enjoyed learning about law enforcement, I had a real passion for vegetation management and ecological restoration, and started to explore that further. My first outdoor job was with the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, where I worked as an Action Team Member (2022) in Campbell River managing invasive vegetation. I worked as an Ecological Restoration Assistant with VIU Restoration during my graduating year (2023), helping to bring back Garry Oak habitat to campus. Once graduated from VIU, I started on as the Operations Lead for the Coastal Invasive Species Committee (2023), working with community members, local governments, First Nations, industry, land managers, and others to manage invasive species on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. Currently, I am an Ecological Restoration Consultant at KiKi Nursery in Ladysmith, a brand-new native plant nursery. This job is rewarding, meaningful, and I get to play an active role in mitigating the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Volunteering, networking, and social media have played an integral role in my career development. This is where I've found most jobs and associated opportunities. With a reduced course load, and available funds via student loans, I was able to volunteer 500+ hours with various local environmental organizations, to varying capacities, during my studies. This includes organizations such as the BroomBusters, Mars Wildlife Rescue Centre, the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, the UVic Ecological Restoration Club, the Morrell Nature Sanctuary, the VIU Parks Canada Club, and the Cowichan Land Trust. In the process, I started posting about these efforts on social media, which has led to speaking opportunities with the Cowichan Valley Garden Club, Milner Gardens, NatureNanaimo, and BC Island Homes. I spoke at the INVASIVES 2023 / 2024 Conference and AGM in New Westminster, and the 2023 Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team Conference in Victoria. Through social media, I have collaborated with the Nature Trust of BC, Tourism Revelstoke, BC Parks, the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society, Heritage House Publishing, and Firefly Books. My work has been featured by CHLY 101.7FM, The Discourse, the Nanaimo News Bulletin, The Cool Down, The Navigator, Vancouver Island University, the Times Colonist, Vancouver Is Awesome, CNBC News, and Chek News. That said, it's been a very exciting past few years, and I am committed to leaving behind a legacy of environmental protection! My career is off to a great start, and the BNRP Program at Vancouver Island University has provided the foundation for this success to build on."