Jacob Ewashen Wildlife Habitat & Operations Technician
I am a lifelong resident of the Creston Valley, having grown up in the community of Wynndel. After graduating high school in 2012, I worked a variety of jobs over the years, including being on the maintenance crew at the Creston Golf Club, lifeguarding at the Creston and District Community Complex, working as a labourer at Wynnwood, and being employed as a farmhand at Tarzwell Farms. In 2020, I decided to receive a post-secondary education and, in 2022, I graduated from the Integrated Environmental Planning Technology diploma program at Selkirk College in Castlegar. As a co-op student in 2021, I was employed by the BC Conservation Foundation as an amphibian conservation technician on the American bullfrog control team in Creston.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work at the CVWMA as the Wildlife Habitat and Operations Tech. I find the position to be an excellent fit for my previous work experience, education and personal interests. Above all, I am thankful to be able to work in a role of stewardship for the world’s ecosystems in a community that I feel deeply connected to.
See you on the trails!
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Tina Watters
Acting Conservation Programs Assistant
Hi everyone, my name is Tina! I am originally from Ontario but grew up in Central Alberta. Before starting my career as a Biologist, I worked for several years as a Primary Care Paramedic, which I still hold my license in. I attended Lethbridge College where I received my diploma in Renewable Resource Management followed by a Bachelor of Ecosystem Management, summa cum laude. During my last two field seasons I worked for a consulting company where I mainly participated in bird and amphibian work. Additionally, I volunteered for a variety of organizations where I assisted with conservation, stewardship, and public education activities. I am having a difficult time choosing which environmental specialty I would like to continue grad studies in, as I am absolutely enthralled by all things wildlife, aquatics, and wetlands! Therefore, I told myself I would take a short hiatus from post-secondary to immerse myself in different sectors of the conservation field! I relocated to Creston and started with CVWMA at the beginning of May, and it has been the perfect place to dip my toes in a variety of rewarding work; I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far! The whole valley is absolutely gorgeous-I know that if I’m not careful I would spend all my time looking through binoculars. When I’m not working in nature you can find me spending most of my free time in nature! During the warmer months I may be hiking, kayaking, hunting, or angling and when the weather gets colder, you’ll find me downhill skiing or snowshoeing. I am most excited to immerse myself in the community while learning everything I can about the ecosystem of the Central Kootenays; I cannot wait to meet everyone!
