Career
Upekala Wijayratne, Ecologist
CareerForests & Plants - Ph.D., Oregon State University
- USDA Forest Service
- I am a scientist working at the intersection of research and management, applying what we learn from research to land management.
- Ph.D., Oregon State University
- USDA Forest Service
- I am a scientist working at the intersection of research and management, applying what we learn from research to land management.
Teresa Wenum, Conservation Education Specialist
Career - M.Ed., Montana State University
- USDA Forest Service
- A conservation education specialist facilitates, leads, and provides support to the forest-wide conservation education program. I work as part of a team with employees and community partners to provide services and programs.
- M.Ed., Montana State University
- USDA Forest Service
- A conservation education specialist facilitates, leads, and provides support to the forest-wide conservation education program. I work as part of a team with employees and community partners to provide services and programs.
Shawn Lacina, Supervisory Contract Specialist & Zone Chief
Career - B.S., Cardinal Stritch University
- USDA Forest Service
- As a supervisory contract specialist and zone chief, I am part of a leadership team that oversees all contracts for supplies, services, construction, and architect and engineering services for Region 8, Region 9, and research stations within these areas.
- B.S., Cardinal Stritch University
- USDA Forest Service
- As a supervisory contract specialist and zone chief, I am part of a leadership team that oversees all contracts for supplies, services, construction, and architect and engineering services for Region 8, Region 9, and research stations within these areas.
Sam Berglund, Visitor Center Manager
Career - B.A., University of Montana
- USDA Forest Service
- As a manager for a year-round visitor center, I create engaging programs and educational opportunities as well as maintain a heavily used recreation facility for the public.
- B.A., University of Montana
- USDA Forest Service
- As a manager for a year-round visitor center, I create engaging programs and educational opportunities as well as maintain a heavily used recreation facility for the public.
Robert West, District Ranger
Career - B.S., University of Idaho
- USDA Forest Service
- A district ranger is a leader within the Forest Service and local communities who is responsible for providing the goods and services that result from the multiple uses of national forests for current and future generations.
- B.S., University of Idaho
- USDA Forest Service
- A district ranger is a leader within the Forest Service and local communities who is responsible for providing the goods and services that result from the multiple uses of national forests for current and future generations.
Melyssa Navis, Tribal Relations Specialist
Career - M.A., University of Illinois Chicago
- USDA Forest Service
- A Tribal relations specialist represents the Forest Service in dealing with Tribes, ensuring the rights of Sovereign Indian Nations are fully respected and carried out in a government-to-government relationship.
- M.A., University of Illinois Chicago
- USDA Forest Service
- A Tribal relations specialist represents the Forest Service in dealing with Tribes, ensuring the rights of Sovereign Indian Nations are fully respected and carried out in a government-to-government relationship.
LaTasha Wauneka, Program Specialist, Indian Youth Service Corps
Career - B.A., Dartmouth College
- USDA Forest Service
- As a program specialist for the Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC), I coordinate and facilitate workforce development opportunities for indigenous youth throughout Indian Country. I work with stakeholders from Federal, State, Tribal Nation, nonprofit, and academic organizations to improve equity and reduce barriers to career opportunities.
- B.A., Dartmouth College
- USDA Forest Service
- As a program specialist for the Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC), I coordinate and facilitate workforce development opportunities for indigenous youth throughout Indian Country. I work with stakeholders from Federal, State, Tribal Nation, nonprofit, and academic organizations to improve equity and reduce barriers to career opportunities.
Victor Kikel, Information Assistant & Conservation Educator
Career - B.A., University of Nebraska Omaha
- USDA Forest Service
- I am an information assistant at the Hood River Ranger District. Along with my customer service duties, I also provide conservation and environmental education to public events. For example, I take a great horned owl to school classes.
- B.A., University of Nebraska Omaha
- USDA Forest Service
- I am an information assistant at the Hood River Ranger District. Along with my customer service duties, I also provide conservation and environmental education to public events. For example, I take a great horned owl to school classes.
Kevin Hernandez, Environmental Engineer
Career - M.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- USDA Forest Service
- As an environmental engineer, a typical day might include sampling potable water systems, designing effective ways of disposing of wastewater, or overseeing the cleanup of hazardous waste that poses a threat to the environment.
- M.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- USDA Forest Service
- As an environmental engineer, a typical day might include sampling potable water systems, designing effective ways of disposing of wastewater, or overseeing the cleanup of hazardous waste that poses a threat to the environment.
Kelsey Aho, Alaska Region GIS Coordinator
CareerMapping - M.A., University of Alaska, Fairbanks
- USDA Forest Service
- A geographic information systems (GIS) coordinator supports resource specialists and the public in the use of geospatial technology such as maps and apps for land, natural resources, and ecosystem management.
- M.A., University of Alaska, Fairbanks
- USDA Forest Service
- A geographic information systems (GIS) coordinator supports resource specialists and the public in the use of geospatial technology such as maps and apps for land, natural resources, and ecosystem management.
