Current Position: Environmental Program Planner
How long have you been with Virginia State Parks and in what capacity?
I was a District Resource Specialists for six years and have been an Environmental Program Planner for two years.
How did you become involved in working as an Environmental Program Planner?
I’ve been a professional forester for 34 years working in both the public and private sector. My current position gives me an opportunity to work in forest recreation management and planning and to open additional areas of professional and personal interest.
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.)
My primary responsibility is natural and cultural resource management. Specific duties include developing and managing the State Park Geographical Information System (GIS), trail assessments, vegetation inventory and management, prescribed burning planning and implementation, forest management (silvicultural treatments), forest insect and disease detection and control, invasive plant species monitoring and control and resource management planning.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
An average of 40-50 hours per week.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
The authority to manage my schedule and activities.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
Attempting to develop and coordinate natural resource management goals and objectives within the entire park system while working in a bureaucracy.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
A four-year degree in environmental science, forestry and wildlife management or relevant life sciences field is generally required for this type of position. A master’s degree is also very desirable and can help substitute for work experience.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
Yes, more training and experience in aquatic vegetation and water management.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
Develop a forest vegetation inventory and analysis methodology to project desired future conditions for the park’s natural resources.
If someone were interested in working in your position, what advice could you give them?
One needs to develop good communication skills both in writing and speaking. Also, good interpersonal relationship skills are essential in any supervisory position and learn how to effectively manage people.
Please share any further thoughts you may have about working in the state park system:
Keep learning and improving your skills everyday and do not become complacent and mediocre in your job.
<< See other Virginia interviews -- Search by state -- Search by job title>>