How did I get here?!?
2009 — The story in my local newspaper September 2008 took my breath away: Local teacher gets federal grant money for stipend to work in Canyonlands N.P., Utah. In an instant, in the way that you know that you know that you know something, I knew where I needed to be in the coming ranger season.
And so it is. I did the research… I watched the website like a hawk… I telephoned those in charge of hiring… I applied… I prayed… I interviewed… I waited… and the phone call informing me of my selection was the undisputed highlight of January, 2009.
Thanks, Austin Post-Bulletin! And thanks, Teacher-to-Ranger-to-Teacher program!!
2010: Fulfilling the second season of my contract, I returned to Utah but this time was Teacher-Ranger-Teacher at Canyonlands National Park.
2011: Internship as raptor monitor at Arches National Park. Hired on as seasonal park ranger thereafter. A very exciting season!
2012: I continue to pinch myself at having the ranger job of my dreams. Filling in for much of the year at Island in the Sky district, Canyonlands NP.
Ranger Kathryn's Arches 
Ranger to Raptor Monitor…it will be fun to see what is next and where.
Your Master Designer will clue us in!
Happy to know it is more than your wildest dreams!
Joann
Comment by Joann — April 19, 2011 @ 8:52 pm |
I’m enjoying your blog. I’m where you were in 2008. I’m nearing retirement in my “real” job and will be applying to NPS for a seasonal job for the Summer of 2012 – hopefully somewhere in the West.
Comment by Keith Silva — October 30, 2011 @ 9:34 pm |