Nancy Fernandez

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Nancy Fernandez has been a park ranger (also known as refuge ranger or visitor services specialist) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service since 2017. She has been a ranger at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex in California since spring 2020. The complex includes San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge on the coast, San Diego National Wildlife Refuge inland, Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge near the Mexico border and Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge in Orange County. Before that, she was a ranger at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Georgia and South Carolina.

What she loves about the job:

“I get to be creative. As the social media manager, I have the opportunity to visit different refuge sites and learn more about them from knowledgeable field staff. This allows me to get a better understanding as to how a refuge is managed, and then I get to share that with our social media followers.”

What’s most interesting about it:

“Talking to a diverse number of people. Refuge visitation includes a range of groups from all ages and home locations, so learning about why they decided to visit a particular refuge is always interesting.”

What’s most challenging about it:

“When an unexpected situation comes up. It can be difficult for me to pivot to address said situation while being focused on something else. Being flexible is a big part of the job.”

What’s most rewarding about it:

“Getting to share my favorite refuge sights with friends, family, visitors and those who follow the refuges’ social media account. Sometimes it is easy to forget how special some things in nature are when you see them over and over again. For example, I have crossed paths with people who travel many miles to visit Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge because they want to see a light-footed Ridgway's rail. Although these endangered birds are elusive, I have seen them a good handful of times, but when someone gets to cross this species off their birding life list, their excitement and ear-to-ear smile reminds me just how neat and special seeing this bird is.”

Skills necessary to succeed at it:

“Good communication skills, flexibility to adapt to changing daily priorities, and having no shame in asking for help or clarification.”

What conservation means to her:

“Conservation means that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the environment for the health and wellness of people, plants and animals that benefit from a healthy ecosystem.”

Animal she identifies with:

“Depending on the season and my mood, I can identify as many different animals. Lately, I have related more to mountain lions because they are elusive yet adventurous. They are very headstrong animals.”

To find available ranger or visitor services specialist jobs, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “0025” and/or “park ranger.” Filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” The job generally requires a bachelor's degree, including major study or significant coursework in natural resources, history, public administration, the social sciences or a range of other relevant fields. Details about education and experience requirements.