Jessica Horrocks (biochemistry)
Jessica Horrocks (she/her) spent a transformative summer working as an ecosystem Restoration Technician with .
The biochemistry and microbiology student removed invasive species, cared for native and rare plants, and supported the long-term restoration of these ecologically and culturally significant habitats. She is continuing to work with the society after her work term.
Tell us about yourself
I’m Nlaka’pamux (Thompson River Salish) from Ashcroft Indian Band on my father’s side and mixed European on my mother’s side.
I grew up on this coast; I’ve lived as a guest on the unceded traditional territories of the Ts'msyen Peoples (Prince Rupert), Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples (Port Alberni), Pentlatch Peoples (Qualicum Beach), K’ómoks Peoples (Comox Valley), and currently here, the unceded traditional territories of the ləkTʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. I feel very grateful to be able to live, learn and grow on this beautiful coast.
I am in my fourth year of biochemistry at UVic and a mom to the most amazing 10-year-old boy. My son has seen me attend university for a good portion of his life. He looks forward to visiting my classes with me on pro-d days and already has his own future degree aspirations.
I am the first member of my family to attend University, and I am grateful to have this opportunity. Navigating this as a first-generation student and a parent hasn’t always been easy, but knowing my son is watching and learning from my strength and resilience, makes it all entirely worthwhile. It feels good to be able to help carve the way for him.
When I am not studying, I enjoy spending time with my family, making art, and exploring the coast—searching tidepools and wondering through the forest IDing plants with my son.
What was your co-op job title and role, and what are your responsibilities?
I worked as an Ecosystem Restoration Technician for Castilleja Conservation Society.
Most of my work took place on the Trial Island Ecological Reserve and in local Garry Oak ecosystems. I worked alongside an amazing and supportive team to remove invasive species, care for native and rare plants, and support the long-term restoration of these ecologically and culturally significant habitats.
I am deeply grateful for the land and all it provides us—doing even a small part to help it heal from the wounds of colonialism feels profoundly meaningful to me.
How closely did you work with your employer?
I worked very closely with my employer, Matthew Fairbarns. He was an excellent teacher—patient, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. The learning environment he created was hands-on, supportive, and full of opportunities to grow.
I honestly cannot say enough how grateful I am for the mentorship and learning opportunity that he provided.
I also worked closely with my two supervisors, Jon Osborne and Rhia Ironside, who were equally supportive and encouraging in my learning. The passion and care they have in the work they do is evident always, and they have been an amazing guiding example of how to do this work in a good way.
What skills did you learn on your work term?
I learned so much—plant identification, how to manage invasive species, species at risk recovery, and the intricacies of ecological restoration management plans.
I worked with many rare plants, such as Castilleja levisecta (golden paintbrush), Sericocarpus rigidus (White-top Aster), Castilleja victoriae (樱花影视’s Owl Clover), Meconella oregana (White Meconella), Hosackia gracilis (Seaside Bird’s-foot Lotus), Lupinus densiflorus (Dense-flowered Lupine), Sanicula artopoides (Bear’s-foot Sanicle), and Sanicula bipinnatifida (Purple Sanicle)—and learned how to work carefully and meticulously in the sensitive areas that they inhabit.
What was the biggest surprise about your work term?
The biggest surprise was how clearly this experience affirmed that I am on the right path with my education and career aspirations.
Once I have finished my biochemistry degree, I plan on pursuing my master’s at UVic. Going into this summer, I was still unsure what area of research I wanted to focus.
It has always been very important to me to find a career that aligns with my values, and this work has shown me that I am on the right path. Every day I am grateful to go to work. It has solidified my desire to keep working in restoration and land-based science.
What inspires you about the work you do?
It feels purposeful. As an Indigenous woman, caring for the land feels like an act of healing—both personal and collective. Working to restore and protect native ecosystems allows me to give back to the land and be in relationship with the land.
How has co-op supported your journey?
Co-op has opened doors that would have been closed to me due to lack of experience. This role has given me confidence, field skills, and a clearer sense of what I want to pursue in grad school. It feels like an opportunity to try on a career to see how it fits—and this one fit really well.
I hope to go to grad school at UVic and do research that can assist with ongoing restoration efforts, while also continuing to work with the Castilleja Conservation Society. A combination of research and land-based learning would be ideal.
How do you want to make an impact?
I want to do “good work”—work that can contribute to healing from the traumas of colonialism and help to restore and protect our native ecosystems. I want to bring Indigenous values into science and research and do work that respects the land and those who live with and on it.