Owen Stefanich
Walkerton
Summary
Environmental Technologist with extensive hands-on experience in invasive species management, ecological restoration, and field-based monitoring. Seeking to contribute technical expertise and practical field leadership to TRCA’s restoration and invasive species control initiatives across the GTA.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resource Management Officer
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
04.2023 - 03.2026
- Led and participated in invasive species management efforts, including mechanical removal and drone mapping of Phragmites australis, and removal of bittersweet nightshade on remote islands
- Conducted aerial surveys using DJI RTK drones, developed drone flying protocols for the Resource Conservation team.
- Participated in Massasauga Rattlesnake and SAR turtle telemetry projects
- Implemented restoration planting projects under the 2 Billion Trees program
- Led monitoring of bat maternity roosts and acoustic surveys using song meters
- Advised on species-at-risk habitat enhancement and recovery planning
- Traveled regularly to remote locations via boat in all seasons
Resource Management Technician II
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
05.2021 - 03.2023
- Managed invasive Common Reed and Japanese Knotweed populations
- Led design and implementation of turtle basking platform monitoring program
- Conducted water quality monitoring using YSI Pro, Van Dorn, and Secchi Disk
- Surveyed forest health using EMAN protocols, soil decay plots, and salamander coverboards
- Collected spatial data on wildlife road mortality to support mitigation planning
Resource Conservation Student
Bruce Peninsula National Park / Fathom Five NMCA
06.2017 - 08.2019
- Assisted in herbicide treatment of Wild Parsnip
- Monitored plots of Purple Loosestrife to find effectiveness of biological control
- Built eco-fences to guide herptiles to eco-passages under busy roadways
- Deployed and maintained passive acoustic monitors for SAR bird surveys
- Conducted invasive species surveys and plant removals on remote islands
- Entered and organized field data into internal databases
- Parks Canada
Education
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Environmental & Resource Science
Trent University
Peterborough, ON01.2019
Advanced Diploma - Fish & Wildlife Technology
Sir Sandford Fleming College
Lindsay, ON01.2017
Diploma - Fish & Wildlife Technician
Sir Sandford Fleming College
Lindsay, ON01.2016
Skills
- Extensive practical field experience
- Demonstrates leadership and active listening skills
- Ability to work independently and collaborate meaningfully with internal and external partners
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient in utilizing various computer applications for maintaining databases and analyzing spatial and non-spatial data
- Excellent time management and organization skills
Certification
- Ontario Forestry Exterminator License, 12/31/25
- Transport Canada – Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate, 12/31/25
- Class G Ontario Driver’s License
- Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) & MEDA3 Safety Training
- Standard First Aid & CPR Level C – Canadian Red Cross, 12/31/23
Timeline
Resource Management Officer
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
04.2023 - 03.2026
Resource Management Technician II
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
05.2021 - 03.2023
Resource Conservation Student
Bruce Peninsula National Park / Fathom Five NMCA
06.2017 - 08.2019
Diploma - Fish & Wildlife Technician
Sir Sandford Fleming College
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Environmental & Resource Science
Trent University
Advanced Diploma - Fish & Wildlife Technology
Sir Sandford Fleming College
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