Today’s blog was written by Matthew Cunliffe, project lead for training and directive development with the Ontario Parks Operations Branch.
Back in 2006, as an aspiring teacher, I found myself at the doorstep of a career that would shape me in ways I never anticipated.
I had always been fascinated with the plants, birds, rocks, and (especially) insects I would find along trails, but I had no idea that I could make a career out of being a self-defined “nature geek.”
After my first year of university, I applied to my local provincial park through the Discovery Program and took my first steps into a world filled with nature, education, and endless possibilities.
I fell head over heels for the educational aspects of parks and thus began a journey of learning, growth, and discovery.
Discovery: first years and new skills
In the Discovery program, I transformed into an interpreter. This role allowed me to use mission-based dialogue to help forge connections between people and the values protected within parks.
Every day presented a new adventure, from researching flora and fauna to understanding the history of the parks and surrounding communities and conducting educational presentations (a.k.a., interpretive programs) for campers.
As a student, my responsibilities included resource management tasks such as invasive species removal and monitoring various ecological elements, such as rare orchids, herpetofauna (frogs, salamanders, turtles, and snakes), and migratory birds.
Public speaking and mission-based communication became second nature as I immersed myself in the role.
Presenting park programs, helping with stakeholder engagement, and leading community outreach events became part of my daily routine.
Though I wasn’t entirely aware at the time, I was fostering a comprehensive skillset that would serve me well in the years to come.
I seized every opportunity to learn and grow during this career phase.
I often work closely with colleagues in other departments to learn more about how parks operate, with supervisors to learn how to foster leadership skills, and with local experts who would contribute to park records.
Student to supervisor
These experiences allowed me to successfully compete for the supervisor (senior park interpreter) role, which opened up many new opportunities.
My responsibilities expanded to include developing a new suite of interpretive programs and the creation of park publications, displays, and trail guides.
My project management skills were further developed through annual initiatives like the coordination of curriculum-based school programs for the local school boards and managing Discovery staff and volunteers in facilitating special events.
Evaluating and providing feedback on programs and projects, as well as supervising staff and volunteers, also became integral parts of my role.
Working in front of and regularly engaging with park visitors allowed me to learn their perspective and holiday expectations.
Knowing how they plan their trips and spent time in the park was crucial for ensuring I was promoting a high level of customer experience for them.
I did this for seven years and loved every season.
Drive your own bus: explore other roles
In my career, I learned the importance of taking initiative and “driving my own bus.”
At first, I was content and fulfilled in my role of senior park interpreter. I had honed the skills required to run the department each year and really found a groove. But after being in parks for a decade, I started wondering what else might be out there for me.
I again began expressing an interest in taking on more responsibility and projects.
I worked with my manager to secure new learning opportunities through field courses like ecological land classification and participation in provincial task teams, such as the Ontario Parks partnership with Canadian Geographic.
During this time, I began to step more out of my comfort zone by volunteering for more leadership opportunities.
The most memorable was being on a team that coordinated a province-wide conference for Discovery staff.
Working through the fun, challenging, fun, stressful (did I say fun?), challenges of this planning effort forged bonds with colleagues I will hold dear for the rest of my career.
All these opportunities were there waiting for me in the Discovery department; all I had to do was champion my own career.
Transferable skills and park opportunities
The skills and experiences gained in Discovery proved invaluable as I explored other opportunities within Ontario Parks.
I engaged in various roles such as cleaning staff, winter maintenance team, and head gate attendant, further expanding my knowledge of the parks’ operations. If you don’t have the opportunity to work in one of these roles, I recommend taking time to learn about them and collaborate wherever possible.
I can’t stress enough the importance of leveraging opportunities like this. My exposure to different departments showed me how a park operates as a whole, and what timelines and challenges the other departments face.
It opened my eyes to the bigger picture, the bigger team a park is, and it laid the foundation for even more career opportunities.
Using the transferable skills acquired in Discovery was crucial as I transitioned into the role of an assistant park planner for three and a half years.
Here, I utilized my written communication and research skills for tasks such as developing park management plans, reviewing environmental assessments, and helping expand this protected area system by completing boundary amendments.
I prepared risk matrices and briefing materials for senior managers, conducted public consultations, and routinely provided advice to park staff on project planning.
The work involved refining my abilities to write reports and procedures, refining my presentation skills to include audiences of senior managers and provincial stakeholders, and once again opened my eyes to how Ontario Parks operates on a zone and provincial scale.
This eventually paved the way for my current position as the project lead for training and directive development with the Ontario Parks Operations Branch.
The impact of Discovery on my career
Working in the Discovery program has been a transformative experience, shaping me into the professional I am today.
From a student hired as a children’s programmer to now leading training and operational directive development for Ontario Parks, the journey has been one I wouldn’t trade for the world.
The skills, knowledge, and experiences gained in Discovery have been instrumental in my career progression.
When you embrace your passion and seek opportunity, the possibilities are limitless.
Learn more about jobs with Ontario Parks and how to apply on our careers page.