The diversity of the job duties of the position and the ability to manage natural resources in Iowa.
What I wish was different
For the duration of my career, from an intern through a 16 year career as the manager of one of Iowa's busiest state recreation areas for the IA DNR, I experienced sexual harassment, open hostility from my male counterparts, ostracization and eventually retaliation from my supervisor when I began to request investigation into these matters in year 15 of my career. When I left in 2017, the IA DNR had not hired a female Park Manager or Park Ranger in about thirteen years and I was the only racial minority in the entire state parks bureau and so still today there are 0. Of the about 100 field staff in the state parks bureau, today about four are females, 0 are park rangers (law enforcement career path) and the remainder are park managers. Keep in mind that one female park manager has been hired since my resignation, but this is the only park manager position in the state of IA DNR which has a predominately naturalist job description and in the conservation field, naturalists and office staff are predominately female.
Advice
Having been both a leader in parks, natural resource management and education in this same field in Iowa, I would not waste precious time on internships and seasonal positions with the Iowa DNR or county conservation departments as they rarely if ever hire women or racial minorities. At the very least, research their current and at least past ten years of full time hiring demographics if you are a female or non-Caucasian. If you are a white male, I strongly suggest applying for openings.
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Pollution Prevention Intern
May - August 2019 • Sioux City, IA
What I liked
Worked independently and hands-on with food manufacturing processes
Improved the sustainability of my host company (>5% water reduction and >3% natural gas reduction)
What I wish was different
Micromanagement from my DNR team
Advice
Work closely with people that know the processes; they have valuable knowledge and allow you to work more efficiently.
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Lead Maintenance
May - August 2019 • Forest City, IA
What I liked
I really enjoyed the independence. I was able to voice my thoughts and opinions along with figuring out what would work best in the situation.
What I wish was different
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions and voice your thoughts and opinions in all situations because it helps you advance and learn.
