Current Position: Park Manager VI – Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
How long have you been with Colorado State Parks?
Just shy of 20 years. I started as a Park Ranger and now work as a Park Manager.
How did you become interested in working as a a park ranger?
I grew up in Michigan and always enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, and working to help the environment. I knew I wanted to do something to help protect open space and natural resources.
Describe a typical day at your job.
(If there is no such thing as a typical day, then please tell us about your primary responsibilities and duties.)
No typical day. My responsibilities are to manage a large river park, set the budgets, work on development plans, answer complaints, talk to other agency/county representatives regarding park operations, etc.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
Scheduled for 40, but typically work 60.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
Feeling like I make a difference in helping to protect Colorado’s natural resources and the quality of life visitors to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
People management, both visitors and staff at times. Trying to do more with less resources (funding, staff, etc).
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
BS Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Wildlife Biology or related degree.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
I found that any type of job related experience (seasonal work in the field from a variety of agencies) was a great benefit.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
Land acquisition.
If someone were interested in working in your position, what advice could you give them?
Get involved, take a seasonal position first if that is all you can find and work hard… something good will happen if you stick with it.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
I read somewhere that the thing one should try to do is to find a job that allows one to do what they would do if they took a vacation… I have found that working in this field… I really enjoy my job… I feel as though I am making a contribution.
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