Current Position: Park Supervisor I
How long have you been with the Nevada Division of State Parks and in what capacity?
I have worked with the Nevada State Park System for 10 years. I started as a Park Technician III and worked in that capacity for about 6 years. I am now the Park Supervisor over two separate State Parks, Cathedral Gorge and Beaver Dam State Parks in the Eastern part of the state.
How did you become interested in working as a Park Supervisor?
I have always had a great love for the outdoors and recreational activities, whether it was hunting, fishing, hiking, or horseback riding. I knew that I wanted to work outdoors. s far as where I am now, I feel very fortunate; I was originally hired in a temporary emergency hire position to last about 60 days. Work habits and commitment got me through the door. I tested for a new position the Park Technician III, interviewed and was hired. I have loved working in the Parks ever since. In 2002 I applied for a Park Supervisor position and was turned down due to a lack of a Bachelor Degree. I worked out a plan and committed myself to go back to school and finish up my degree. The Parks supported my decision as I worked full time and traveled about 100 miles back and forth to Southern Utah University to finish my degree in Agriculture, with an emphasis in Natural Resources. I graduated May 2003 and ironically the position I had applied for before became vacant about that same time. Again I tested, interviewed and was made Park Supervisor.
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.)
There is not really a typical day in my position which is one of the reasons I love my job. There is a lot of diversity in this position especially in a rural setting. We do many projects and sometimes wear a number of hats. A supervisor is responsible for administering the Park budget, planning and over seeing projects within the park, training and supervision of park personnel, overseeing the collection of park fees, managing natural and cultural resources, developing goals and objectives for the park, interpretation and most importantly providing the best park services possible for our visitors. But on any given day we could be trail builders, masons, landscapers, plumbers or a number of other professionals. I love to come to work everyday because each day is different. We have the opportunity to plan, oversee, and complete routines and projects that enhance the park experience.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
A 40 hour work week is required for this position although there are times throughout the year when extra time may be required; busy weekends, public safety issues, and emergencies.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
As I stated before, I love the diversity in my job. I enjoy offering our visitors the best park experience we can. We are here to protect and oversee our natural resources and do so in a way that park visitors can enjoy and take part in all the parks have to offer. Sometimes this is a challenge and I love this opportunity.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
The greatest challenge I have is going home at the end of the day. It is so easy to get caught up in the day; projects, visitors, and the park in general.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
A bachelor’s degree is required in a related field.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
Not necessarily. The most important thing to remember is this is a field that is constantly changing. As we deal with new and exciting problems, changing recreational use, and population growth, we need to remember there are always other possibilities to try. I think we get too used to, "The way it used to be done." It is very important to keep your mind open and strive to learn new and exciting things constantly.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
Flood damage completely changed one of our parks that I manage in January 2005. We are in the process of a complete Master Plan overhaul and the reclamation of the old reservoir site. This has been a very long process but has also been a good learning experience for me. We still have a long way go in the implementation process, but I’m excited to be a part of the process.
If someone were interested in working in your position, what advice could you give them?
Get your degree! The next thing I would say is look for someway to get your foot in the door; seasonal employment, volunteer, and talk to someone in the field you wish to enter. Work experience is important but not as important as good work habits and love of the outdoors.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
Nevada State Parks have a lot to offer and each park has its own special unique quality. There are also a lot of employment opportunities out there. Go out and spend some time in them and see what your likes and dislikes are then decide what you would like to do. Enjoy your parks and we hope to see you soon!
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