"I started the RMOT program in 1994 and received a diploma upon graduation in the spring of 1996.
In all honesty, it took me a couple of tries to get in to the program. I needed some time to upgrade courses and properly prepare for the interview and focus on what I really wanted.
Getting in was the first step and staying on top of my grades was the next. I must say, that I learned a lot from my teachers and older classmates about dedication, preparation, and focus. I was young at the time and some of my classmates were a lot older and it was quite an eye opener. Many of them had families and some had started a new career path, late in life, and they gave it all they had. I knew right then and there that if I wanted a job in this field I was going to have to compete at a higher level. The teachers were great. They were professional, personable and knowledgeable. Most of them enjoyed the same outdoor activities we all do and many of them had so many interesting stories about life and working in the field.
During my education in the RMOT program, I felt more of an interest in becoming a Wildlife Technician or a Wildlife Biologist. I always had a passion for ungulates and carnivores, even at a young age. Upon graduation in 1996, I applied for a Wildlife Technician position conducting field inventory on Vancouver Island Marmots. I was fortunate enough to get one of the positions and initially worked with marmots. Then I began working with deer, elk, waterfowl, raptors, wolves and cougars as a Wildlife Technician for the British Columbia Conservation Foundation for 10 plus years as a contractor. During those 10 years, I had quite a few government auxiliary positions as a Wildlife Technician, Native Issues Wildlife Technician, and a Wildlife Officer. In 2008, I was offered a fulltime position as a Wildlife Technician for the Ministry of Environment. In 2011, I competed for a Wildlife Biologist position held by the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations and was awarded that position.
Over the years, as a contractor and a Wildlife Technician for the Ministry, I’ve worked with many RMOT students and graduates of the program on various projects, studies, and day to day Ministry business. I’ve found that “RMOTs” are all cut from the same cloth. They are hardworking, dedicated, and personable individuals. They are passionate about what they do and love their jobs, just as I do. I feel the RMOT program builds that desire and passion in each and every student to learn, compete and earn that dream job.
Thank You."
Jerry MacDermott R.B. Tech
Wildlife Technician
Wildlife Branch
Nanaimo