Today’s blog was written by Michelle Polley, a Master’s student conducting research at Pinery Provincial Park where she formerly worked as a Discovery ranger.
I had never been lucky enough to camp at a provincial park. So when I started my first summer on the Discovery team at Pinery Provincial Park, I didn’t know what a naturalist’s job entailed.
I also didn’t know how that summer contract would affect the trajectory of my life.
Looking back, my experience brought me skills and experiences that led me down a path to develop my career and interests.
From the first day I attended staff training, I was immersed in the behind-the-scenes world of Ontario Parks. Within a few months, I was leading programs and helping visitors discover the diversity of the park with rare and unique ecosystems.
Everything from freshwater mussels to tiny lizards and intricately patterned moths became part of the magic I was able to share.
I planned programs, cared for turtles, answered questions about flying squirrels, searched through river mud for tiny insects and newts, attended hikes, learned to identify plants, birds, and even rocks I was surrounded by.
I was immersed in a world of knowledge I didn’t even know existed!
An opportunity to learn
That first summer, I had nothing but a willingness to learn and grow.
My job on the Discovery team provided all the rest (including the bucket hat).
I received mentorship and encouragement. Most importantly, people on the team were willing to share their knowledge of the natural world with me right from square one.
I built a laundry list of transferrable skills that are still in my resume today: driving company vehicles, using radios to communicate, contributing to provincial databases, and working with the public in various capacities.
Finding my way back
In the years since that first summer, I have pursued the avenue of working in conservation biology.
Many years, jobs, a diploma, and a degree or so later, I’m a Master’s student.
My research focuses on Mottled Duskywing butterflies and my field site is right here in Pinery!
I’m working with a team to reintroduce the butterfly into the Oak Savanah ecosystem there and to learn about exactly how our efforts are paying off.
I am so fortunate to be able to put a piece of the ecosystem puzzle back together, and doing this work in the same park that started it all.
Take the leap!
Looking back, there are a lot of summer jobs that I’ve had and enjoyed. But only one set me on a path towards goals and opportunities that I didn’t know existed.
I’d encourage anyone who has the same opportunity to take the chance.
See where a contract with Discovery might lead you!
Learn more about jobs with Ontario Parks and how to apply on our careers page.