Jared Walter Stachiw paddling, Credit: Jill Legault

As an assistant biologist in Quetico Provincial Park for the last three years, working on
behalf of the Quetico Foundation, it has been both my job and my pleasure to collect
scientific data in the remote wilderness of Quetico. The work I have done has been
varied, including vegetation surveys, bat monitoring, and dendrochronology, which has
provided me with innumerable, invaluable experience in my career path. The work done
by the assistant biologist supports the efforts of Quetico Park’s biologist to manage this
wilderness area with the primary goal of maintaining and/or increasing ecological
integrity. Being able to support this endeavour has given me immense personal
satisfaction as I feel like I am helping to manage this rugged corner of Canada that I
have fallen in love with.

Bluegill sunfish, Credit: Jared Walter Stachiw

My time here has provided priceless opportunities to apply what I learned in my
undergrad to real world management of a wilderness area. Working in beautiful, rugged
Quetico, and having the chance to be mentored by the Park biologist, helped me find
my passion for proper management of protected, wild areas. It is because of my time
working for the Quetico Foundation that I am now pursuing this passion by furthering my
education with a master’s in Geography, with a thesis that focuses on the surface fire
regime of Quetico Park. The intent of this thesis is to contribute to Quetico Park’s
Terrestrial Ecosystem Management Plan.

Wild columbine, Credit: Jared Walter Stachiw

I would like to thank the Quetico Foundation for this amazing job opportunity where at
times I’ve felt like I am being paid to vacation. Having the privilege to work, learn, and
grow in Quetico Park over the last three years has changed my life for the better and I
wouldn’t change a moment of it.

Cheers,
Jared Walter Stachiw

Stars, red pines and night sky, Credit: Jared Walter Stachiw