Field Team Member Co-op with Surrey’s Natural Areas Partnership Program
This summer I’ve been working as a Field Team Member with a program called SNAP: Surrey’s Natural Areas Partnership. It’s a partnership between three non-profits and the City of Surrey designed to give post-secondary students from the ages of 18-30 valuable field experience through various ecological restoration projects throughout the city. While most of our job consists of removing invasive species like Himalayan blackberry and white sweet clover, we get many opportunities to help out with a variety of other projects needed around Surrey’s parks. We help monitor purple martin nest boxes, remove waste from sensitive areas, monitor a new tree well pollinator plant project, and help out in some youth workshops as well!
SNAP has been an incredibly positive experience for me both in terms of career and personal development. I learned more than I ever have in four months, plant ID, social and workplace confidence, and teamwork. Co-op is a great way to test out what kind of work works for you, gain practical skills and get started in your career!