What year did you graduate from Unity College?

2008

What was your degree program at Unity College?

B.S. Wildlife Conservation

What city/ state do you live in now?

Winona, MN

What was your first job after graduation?

Maine Conservation Corps

What is your current job title?

USFWS Maintenance Technician  

What is the name of your employer?

US Fish and Wildlife Service  

What does your current job entail? 

Maintaining boat landing within the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River Nat’l Wildlife and Fish Refuge, conserving wildlife, fish and lands for recreational uses, hunting, fishing and boating. I maintain our fleet of vehicles, boats, airboats, heavy equipment and structures. 

What do you enjoy about your current job? 

Enjoy being outdoors, helping conserve and protect wildlife for current and future generations!  

Can you tell us a little about your career path since graduating from Unity College?

I have worked for USFWS at Rachel Carson Nat’l Wildlife Refuge as a Youth Conservation Corp leader for 4 consecutive summers, USDA Wildlife Services and Maine Conservation Corp at RCNWR, the National Park Service at Big Cypress Preserve in Ochopee, FL as a Visitors Use Assistant, Wilson’s Creek Nat’l Battlefield in Republic, MO as a maintenance worker and finally my current job for last 3 years. 

What brought you to Unity College?

Interest in conservation law and wildlife conservation degrees. Job fair in 1994. 

Can you tell us about an internship or research project you completed during your time at Unity College?

My internship was at Rachel Carson Nat’l Wildlife Refuge in Wells, ME, I was introduced to protecting endangered species like the Piping Plovers and Least Terns, New England Cottontail and Salt Marsh Sharp-Tailed Sparrows, removal and prevention of invasive species and other projects. 

In what ways did Unity College prepare you for your career?

Unity College prepared me for a career in Wildlife Conservation by giving me excellent courses to complete a bachelors of science degree. 

What would you have done differently during your college career?

I’m not sure if I would have done anything different. 

What advice do you have for current Unity students? 

Study hard, make lasting friendships, network and have fun experiences. 

What about professional advice?

Do what you love, never give up and have fun!