Living Local, Working Local: Kimberley Hoodless on Joining the VAST Family

VAST Resource Solutions is thrilled to welcome Kimberley Hoodless to our Wildlife/Environmental Services team as a Senior Resource Technician. With over a decade of experience in wildlife biology, fieldwork, and project coordination across Western Canada, Kim brings not only exceptional technical skills, but also a deep passion for the natural world—and a strong desire to work in the region she calls home.

Originally from Penticton, Kim completed her Environmental Technology Diploma at Camosun College in Victoria and quickly found her footing in the field, taking on roles that ranged from environmental coordinator for a major oil sands project to consulting on large-scale projects across B.C. and Alberta with a focus on bird and wildlife surveys, amphibian salvage, and habitat monitoring.

“I’ve always loved the field,” she says. “But I spent years working away from home—flying back and forth to remote job sites. I’ve been saying for a long time that I wanted to work locally, where I live and raise my family.

“I was referred to VAST through a couple colleagues who spoke highly of the company. At VAST, people genuinely seem to enjoy their work but they’re also living full lives outside of their jobs. There’s a real sense of community, balance, and connection here. It’s not just about the job; it’s about working with good people in a place we all care about. So, I sent in my resume and had the opportunity to join the team. ”

Since joining VAST in May 2025, Kim has been involved in bird nesting sweeps, pileated woodpecker monitoring, amphibian salvage, bat monitoring, and technical reporting.

Kim’s passion for birds is evident, and she’s eager to carve out a niche in avian ecology. “I love birds; toads too,” she laughs. “It’s great to be back in the field, observing wildlife firsthand and helping to protect sensitive species in the region I live in.”

Based in Kimberley, Kim is an outdoor enthusiast. Whether she’s biking the trails near her home, camping with her family, or scouting for wildlife, she thrives in the rugged beauty of the East Kootenay. She and her husband are also introducing their young son to skiing and hunting—a nod to the family’s deep connection to the land.

When asked what drew her to VAST, Kim highlights the company’s team culture and strong sense of camaraderie. “Everyone here is so friendly. What’s great about working at VAST is how easy it is to collaborate across teams. I can pop into a colleague’s office with a question or chat with someone from engineering or forestry downstairs. There’s so much knowledge here. I’m excited to both learn and contribute.”

Please join us in welcoming Kim Hoodless to the VAST team! We’re thrilled to have her on board.