Jesse Aarsen ventures where few have gone before

Written by Katya Irwin

From dangling by rope beneath rescue helicopters to exploring some of our planet’s most remote terrain, Jesse Aarsen is no stranger to adventure. 

Based out of Cowork Penticton, he works for Moose Mountain Technical Services (MMTS) as a mining engineer consultant, providing independent consulting services to mining and exploration clients around the world. 

And in his “spare time,” Jesse volunteers with Penticton and District Search & Rescue (PENSAR), conducting rescue missions throughout the Okanagan. He’s trained in HETS (Helicopter External Transport System), which involves conducting rescue missions from remote areas by using a fixed line attached to a helicopter.
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“If you see me running out of here in a rush, that’s probably where I’m going,” says Jesse, who recently clocked some long hours while floods ravaged sections of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and Princeton. 

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​About the day job
Jesse has two decades’ experience as a mining engineer, having worked throughout northern and western Canada at numerous mining operations. 

“I work with geology exploration companies or mining companies to run studies on the potential for the project – everything from optimization of scheduling to developing potential plans for companies so they can develop studies and show what the potential value of the project,” he says. ​

Jesse has been with MMTS for almost 15 years. The work has led him to some fascinating destinations, including Chile and Peru, Mongolia, Thailand and Mexico. While the pandemic has stifled some recent travel, he did conduct a recent trip to Greenland in August for a green energy initiative.

Why Cowork?
“I came to Cowork because I love the downtown area and it’s only a five-minute walk from home. It helps me be more productive and creates some separation from home.”
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Special interests
“Search and rescue is definitely a passion of mine – I love it,” he explains. “You need a balance of work, life and play. I consider a lot of [search and rescue] play because we get to fly around in helicopters. Being outside and helping people out is fun – and it can be quite rewarding.” 
He also enjoys golfing, paddle-boarding, learning about wine and photography.
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Hails from… 
Born and raised in Neerlandia, Alberta, 1.5 hours north of Edmonton. He went to University of Alberta in Edmonton, where he studied engineering, graduating with a Mining Engineering Bachelor of Science. After graduating, he worked at Fording Coal in the Elk Valley, launching his career.
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Why Penticton?
Jesse moved from Fernie to Penticton in 2014. The city felt like just the right size, with the local airport being a drawcard due to a need to travel to Vancouver regularly for work. 
“The city itself is big enough that it’s got everything you need, but small enough that you know people. Also, there’s the wine, the lakes and beaches, the restaurants, and Apex [Mountain Ski Resort] is right there.”
“Also, the city is really good at bringing in bands and [entertainment] – they punch well above their weight – it’s really impressive. [Performers] will come here instead of Kelowna… Penticton’s such a great place.”