Life in the Wildlands
by Becky Shufelt
Have you been interested in outdoor jobs and don’t know where to start? Or are you already a federal employee with an outdoor career that is struggling to make the next level in your career development? Each episode we will be meeting with outdoor professionals to discuss exciting opportunities with outdoor careers, share inspiring and fun professional experiences that got them hooked in an outdoor career, and provide advice to overcome the hurdles to employment in agencies such as the Forest Service and National Park Service.
Episodes
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The SCA: What is it & How Does it Helps Students in a Conservation Career? Ray Barerra Explains
As a current employee of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and a former intern and crew member, Ray Barerra shares how the organization provides an exceptional foundation for anyone pursuing a career in conservation. Through hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, and a commitment...
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Blazing Trails: Firefighting as a Transgender Woman with Bobbie Scopa
In the latest podcast episode, Bobbie Scopa opens up about her journey as a transgender firefighter. She reveals how her career in firefighting began, discusses the challenges she faced before and after transitioning, and recounts incredible firefighting stories.
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The Journey Into a Forestry/Recreation Career Growing Up In an Urban Area with Tonee Davis
In this episode, Tonee Davis shares her inspiring journey from starting a career in forestry to transitioning into recreation with the Forest Service. Now an Urban Connections Coordinator, Tonee focuses on introducing urban youth to the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation. Join…
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Empowering Women in Wildland Firefighting with Kelly Martin
In this episode, Kelly Martin talks about her career in wildland fire and how being a woman defined her career path. She discusses how W TREX training creates a community for women in wildland fire allowing more women to enter the field confidently.
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National Park Service Career Advice with Sasha Travaglio
Sasha Travaglio is an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service and in this episode she tells us how she started her career and gives advice to those who are interested in the field.
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Women in Wilderness & Trails with Kristine Koran
Kristine Koran recently served as the Trails Project Manager for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and shares how she started her career in wilderness and trails for the Forest Service and how it led to current position with a nonprofit organization.
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Don't think you can be a wildland firefighter because you are disabled? Yes you can! Will Arrant shares how it can be done
Will Arrant has been interested in & involved with fire since he was a teenager. He has a disability that has him wheelchair-bound but he has found a way to engage in his passion to be involved with wildland fire. Listen in to hear more about his story and how physical limitations don't exclude...
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An Evolution of Women in Fire with Riva Duncan
Retired wildland firefighter, Riva Duncan, shares the challenges of being a woman in fire, what kept her inspired, and what she is currently doing to pave the way for the future of fire with the Grassroots Wildland Fire organization.
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The Journey of One Women's Career in Public Land Stewardship with Tracy Anderson
Tracy Anderson, a retired Forest Service land steward, shares her stories of her long, rewarding career and advice for those pursuing a career in conservation. She has a broad range of experience having worked in all of the Forest Service regions except Region 2. Her primary emphasis was managing...
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Harmonizing Facilities and Natural Landscapes with Isaac Sims
In this episode, Forest Service Landscape Architect Isaac Sims explains what a forest landscape architect does, the importance this role has on forest management, and provides advice on how to pursue this career field. For more information on outdoor conservation careers, career counseling or...
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Starting Fire with Kaleena Lynde- Part 1
In this episode, Kaleena shares how she started her career in the Forest Service Apprenticeship Program and what it takes to gain an entry-level wildland fire position. For more information on how Life in the Wildlands can help you achieve your outdoor dream job, visit us at...
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Outdoor Career Exploration with 10-Year Old Skyler Shufelt
In this episode, I share different outdoor careers that are available in conservation careers with the federal government with my son, Skyler Shufelt. He learns all of the interesting and fun things a variety of the jobs get to perform if he wants to pursue an outdoor career in the future.
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A Career Veteran to Obtaining to A Dream Job in the Forest Service with Adam Leidy
Adam Leidy takes us through how his military experience helped him reach his career with the Forest Service. Since our interview, Adam was able to get his dream job as a Recreation Officer! It’s worth a listen!
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Living on the Edge to Help Those in Need with Moose Mutlow
Moose has been internationally active in the outdoors for more than 30 years as an instructor, guide and responder. Currently based in Yosemite National Park, he is the senior project director for NatureBridge, the largest provider of Environmental Education in the US National Park system. He has…
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Fishy Business with Aquatics Biologist Joe Chow
Joe Chow from the Mendocino National Forest discusses the job duties of an Aquatics Biologist, how he got started in his career and provides advice on how to pursue a biology career in the Forest Service.
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The Glamour & Glitz of Being Forest Recreation Technician with Sereena King
What exactly does a Recreation Technician do? Sereena King explains toilets, trash and educating forest visitors, skills that she wouldn't have otherwise acquired, and why she loves this job. It's a fun job, but someone has to do it!
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From Forest Service to Bureau of Reclamation, Katie Glick Gives Advice on Getting a Permanent Federal Position
Katie Glick talks about how she started an outdoor career with the Forest Service, shares inspiring stories, and provides advice for those that are seeking a position with the federal government.
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Fighting Fire With Fire & Technology- Jesse Plummer Shares the Significance of Prescribed Fire
Jesse Plummer shares how fuels management promotes forest health, reduces fire severity and potentially helps to protect rural communities.
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How Conservation Corps Programs Can Lead to a Paid Forest Service Position with Kean Strusis
Kean Strusis, former Youth Conservation Corps and American Conservation Experience Volunteer, shares how these experiences led him to paid position with the Forest Service.
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What is like to be a Botanist? Chelsea Morgan Shares
Chelsea Morgan, a Botany & Range Specialist with the Forest Service, discusses the responsibilities of her position, her long journey to permanent employment and provides advice for those seeking a career with the Forest Service.
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Why are Foresters Important & in Demand? Forester Nelson Mills Explains
Nelson Mills, Forester with the US Forest Service, explains why being a forester is the perfect conservation job for those that like to work outside and why now is the perfect time to apply, shares how his military experience has helped him in his career development and provides secrets of the...
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Life in the Wildlands Podcast Trailer
Why is working a job in the outdoors so great? Join us to hear exciting stories from outdoor professionals, advice on how to navigate towards an outdoor job with a federal land management agency and learn more about the existing outdoor career opportunities that are available.
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Winter Sports Specialist with Cecilia Reed
Cecilia Reed shares what it is to be a Winter Sports Specialist, the skills she's acquired in her outdoor career, and provides advice for those seeking an outdoor career with the Forest Service.
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Working in Wilderness With Tony Cortez
Tony Cortez discusses why he started working as a volunteer in Wilderness, his most memorable experience, and why being a wilderness steward is important to ensure we maintain these lands for future generations.
About this show
Have you been interested in outdoor jobs and don’t know where to start? Or are you already a federal employee with an outdoor career that is struggling to make the next level in your career development? Each episode we will be meeting with outdoor professionals to discuss exciting opportunities with outdoor careers, share inspiring and fun professional experiences that got them hooked in an outdoor career, and provide advice to overcome the hurdles to employment in agencies such as the Forest Service and National Park Service.
Hosted by
Becky Shufelt