A day in the life of a Field Operative…

Jesscia (left) with team member Yoshi (right)

A day in the life of Jessica Weston: Field Operative in the Stoat Eradication Programme Team for Te Korowai o Waiheke.

What does your day-to-day look like?

For me every day is a ‘field day’. I do start off at the office each day for a safety meeting, but after that my day is spent moving from trap to trap restoring it to optimal condition for catching stoats.

How did you get into this type of work?

I came to the stoat team after working for Te Korowai o Waiheke during the Surfdale Rat trial. I drew on my experience as a mountain bike leader and coach, a British mountain leader, and support group facilitator to begin working for the rat trial in winter 2024.

What has your previous work experience looked like?

Before I joined the rat team I had worked as a Software Quality Engineer for 25 years. I was also the owner of an outdoor sports coaching company.

What attracted you to working in conservation?

I am anxious about global warming and nature degradation, and working to help native ecosystems recover from introduced predators feels like the most useful way I could spend my time.

How did you get to Waiheke?

I moved here from the UK with my partner, a west Aucklander, who has owned a house here for 25 years.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve had?

As a student I had a summer job in a Motorola factory, my job was to bend the legs over of the components on the circuit board.

How long have you been working in conservation?

Almost a year.

What’s your best work story at Te Korowai o Waiheke?

One day during the rat trial, I had just serviced a bait station deep in the bush, when I looked up and was almost face to face with a Ruru. He was not happy to have his sleep disturbed, but time stopped for me.