Jessica Hutchinson
An Ecologist, with Redd Fish Restoration Society
What Do They Do?
Jessica’s work is focused on the organization and the function of the organization and helping fulfill their mission. Whether that's working on relationships with the land through the actual restoration or the relationships with the nations.
Why Does It Matter?
Redd Fish is a supportive, place-based organization that helps undo the environmental damage caused by industry. While they can’t scale everywhere, they aim to amplify the importance of restoration, shift public understanding of conservation, and uphold our collective responsibility to repair the harm done.
“I’m motivated by curiosity, by the drive to see whether our restoration efforts truly work. Most of all, I’m motivated by the relationships I build with the places we work and the people who steward these lands.”
How Did They Get There?
BSc in Geography and Environmental Sciences, University Of British Columbia
MSc in Environment and Management, Royal Roads University
Ecologist & Executive Director, Redd Fish Restoration Society
Want To Follow A Similar Path?
University of British Columbia - BSc in Geography & Environmental Sciences
Royal Roads University - Masters in Environment & Management
Jessica’s deep commitment to restoration and relationship-building didn’t begin overnight. Her path to leadership is rooted in both academic training and hands-on experience, shaped by a strong sense of place and purpose. From university studies to a chance internship, her journey with Redd Fish has been one of steady growth and lasting impact.
What Do Ecologists do in Watersheds?
Ecologists study how living things interact with each other and their environment, and they apply this knowledge to help protect, recover, and restore ecosystems. Their work can include hillside recovery after landslides or logging, replacing culverts and deactivating roads to improve water flow and fish passage, and restoring forests, rivers, and wetlands.
What's a Typical Pathway?
While there is no clearly defined pathway into a career in ecological restoration, individuals with a background in geography can begin to explore opportunities through a variety of entry points. Gaining hands-on experience by applying for summer internships, volunteering with local conservation organizations, or participating in annual events and fundraising initiatives can provide valuable exposure to the field and help build meaningful connections within the restoration community.
Why Does It Matter?
In the context of British Columbia, this work matters because restoration has the power to heal ecosystems, support salmon recovery, and reconnect Indigenous communities with their traditional territories. It plays a vital role in advancing Nations' land, water, and conservation visions.