Meet three of our star conservationists
From the outside, working in the pest control field can sound a bit intimidating. These team members are here to tell you that’s not the case!
We asked three of the amazing women working in our predator control teams about what drew them to working in conservation, their favourite aspects of the job, and what advice they would give to other women looking to work in the conservation field.
Read on to hear what they had to say.
Penny Jacks
Community Ranger – City Sanctuary
What drew you to working in conservation?
I have always had a strong interest in animals and the natural world, which progressed to a passion for conservation as I learnt more about the pressures faced by our native wildlife. I had a couple of roles monitoring native species before my current role, where I saw first-hand the impact of introduced predators on endemic ecosystems. This experience inspired me to jump into the pest control world, to help protect these threatened ecosystems.
What advice would you give to other women looking to work in conservation?
It can be hard to break into the conservation world. My advice is take any opportunities you can and keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities. The more experience you can get the better!
What are your favourite aspects of working for your organisation?
I have a fun, supportive team that make my work enjoyable. In my role also enjoy meeting people from a range of backgrounds all united by their passion for conservation. I love hearing everyone’s trapping stories and what brought them in to the world of pest control. Another perk of the job is I get to explore many hidden gems around Dunedin, that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. It’s a great feeling to be sitting under a thick forest canopy just a few minutes from the Octagon!
Sophie Bond
Project Coordinator - Halo Project
What drew you to working in conservation?
I’ve always wanted to work in conservation, despite being told by careers advisors when I was young that it wasn’t ‘the most lucrative field’. My parents instilled a love of nature at a very young age and I’ve been intrigued by the world around us ever since. Being outside often and in touch with the changing face of our surrounding environment is important to me, so being able to do this through my work is very personally fulfilling. Working closely with our local communities is a huge bonus too; it’s just so satisfying to see people benefitting directly from the work we do.
What advice would you give to other women looking to work in conservation?
Certain parts of conservation can be a bit male-dominated (especially predator control), so one piece of advice is to not let that put you off! Most people I have met in this field have been incredibly welcoming and ready to share knowledge. So reach out to those who currently work in this sphere. Networking can be invaluable, you never know who might know someone with an opening, or even an opportunity for you to volunteer and gain skills that will help you on your journey. All of the women I have met who work in predator control are just so happy to see more women come through the ranks and are happy to help wherever they can!
What are your favourite aspects of working for your organisation?
A tricky question, as there are so many different aspects I enjoy, but that is an answer in itself. My work has so many different facets and new experiences for me to benefit from. As our work progresses, and the face of our project area increases and covers different areas, we have to be flexible and ready to incorporate things we have learned from our past work and that of others. We are constantly learning, growing our skill sets, and applying our new knowledge to our work. That’s something that truly excites me and propels me forward. Seeing the new advances in trap technology, watching groups come together to share their knowledge, and looking forward to the future it’s hard not to get excited!
Micaela Kirby-Crowe
Operations Manager - Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group
What drew you to working in conservation?
I think I was always destined to work in conservation. I’ll never forget the moment when I was stung by a bumblebee as a small child while trying to save it from drowning in my paddling pool – the painful sting was worth it to save an animal. I studied biology at university and initially thought I would end up in microbiology or genetics, then I had the time of my life on an ecology field trip and the rest is history. I started tramping, became addicted to being surrounded by nature, and my whole perspective changed. Eventually I completed a Master of Wildlife Management and started devoting my life to protecting the things that I love through a career in conservation.
What advice would you give to other women looking to work in conservation?
Don’t be intimidated by the industry and think that it is all bashing through the bush trapping pests. Conservation in New Zealand encompasses a wide range of jobs that need an equally wide variety of skill sets and personalities. In saying that, if you want to bash through the bush trapping pests then go for it! Challenging field work is hugely satisfying and a great way to be outdoors, keep fit and explore amazing places.
What are your favourite aspects of working for your organisation?
On the Otago Peninsula there is such a wide variety of people, landscapes and challenges, not to mention a whole lot of really cool wildlife. It is pretty special working so close to a city and working near species like hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin, toroa/albatross and whakahao/hooker’s sea lions. It is my also first job working in the community conservation space, and I think I hit the jackpot when it comes to community. We have such a motivated group of volunteers and residents that are working alongside us to achieve our goal of becoming predator free.