Come behind the scenes and into the jobs, the challenges, the highlights, and the personalities of the people who work at the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Today we profile Amy Brasch, Partnerships Ranger based in Wellington.
At work
Amy Brasch
Some things I do in my job include:
Little bits of everything, including: organising events and hui, supporting local community groups and schools, health and safety team officer, tending to seals in the road or injured birds, occasional 5-minute DomPost quiz master, and social club coordinator.
Specifically, I’ve worked on Wellington’s Restoration Day, Pest Fest, Weed Swap, and various working bees.
This helps achieve DOC’s vision by:
Engaging the public in fun, informative ways. Our initiatives and events aim to create new interest in conservation through public outreach and up-skill those currently working on conservation projects.
The best bit about my job is:
The people. I work in a great office with amazing people and creatures.
Examining the native wildlife on Matiu Somes Island
The awesome-est DOC moment I’ve had so far is:
Helping with kiwi monitoring. It was a privilege to be involved in kiwi conservation efforts happening in Wellington’s backyard—Rimutaka Forest Park.
On a personal note…
Most people don’t know that:
I studied foxes in New Zealand! While my Masters degree is from Victoria University of Wellington, my topic pertained to Sacramento Valley red foxes in California. Confusing, I know.
My wonderful family at my graduation
The song that always cheers me up is:
Anything that Becky Wilson (another Wellington Partnerships Ranger) decides to sings that day.
My stomping ground is:
Northern California! I highly recommend visiting because it’s absolutely beautiful.
Swimming with crocs in Darwin, Australia.
My best ever holiday was:
It’s hard to pick just one but, if I had to narrow it down, it would be my recent world tour! About two months ago I went on a 5 week journey that literally took me around the world. I visited Japan, Spain and California. It was so nice to be submersed in three very different cultures. I loved every second of it!
My greatest sporting moment was when:
I’m still waiting for my sports career to blossom! I used to compete in dance and race in snowboarding—that’s about the extent of my sporting abilities.
My sister and I riding a camel in Israel
The best piece of news I’ve heard lately is:
That I received my New Zealand residency. Wahoooooo!
Before working at DOC:
I was completing my Masters degree in Ecological Restoration at Victoria University of Wellington. Before that, I worked as a scientific aide for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. During my undergrad, I was an assistant manager for the University of California, Davis research greenhouses.
A lovely outing to Mana Island for the day
Deep and meaningful…
My two favourites quotes are:
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children” (Ancient Native American Proverb) and “Sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on Earth” (Mark Twain).
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is:
Never stop learning.
Visiting my future home (La Alhambra) in Granada, Spain
In work and life I am motivated by:
Travel! There is nothing better than a good adventure.
This Conservation Week I am:
Organising and supporting a wide array of events. The most notable DOC led events for Conservation Week 2014 in Wellington have been the Rimutaka Forest Park Open Day—where we officially launched Wellington’s Kiwi Ranger programme and the Free Screening of Hallowed Isles.
Family Pest-Fest is our next big event on Sunday— it’s a collaborative family-friendly pest exhibition with 18 partners involved. We also have a few community group driven events that we will lend a helping hand with.
Amy with Rimu the kiwi during Conservation Week
My advice to New Zealanders this Conservation Week is:
This is your opportunity to get involved. The majority of Conservation Week events and activities are free or heavily discounted so attend as many initiatives as possible!
Find out what you are interested in and ways to get involved. While conservation happens all year around, Conservation Week is a great platform for celebrating our natural environment and getting involved in conservation projects.
Question of the week…
What would your reality TV show be called?
The curious adventures of a California Kiwi.
Great article thanks! Awesome picture of swimming with the crocs in Darwin
Is Matiu Somes Island pes free? Are there any pest control programs on the island at the moment?
thanks
Phil