As a recent graduate, I found securing a position in the environmental field difficult, so I began working as a substitute teacher and for a local dance nonprofit as a grant writer and company dancer. In these roles, I worked directly with youth in my community and noticed the positive impact an educator can have in shaping a student’s educational journey.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools in early 2020, I had to seek a new job. After surfing the internet for internship or fellowship opportunities, I found Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project site and immediately applied to various roles. Initially, I did not secure a position after several rounds of interviews. I reached out to the program associate directly and asked about additional opportunities. She recommended I apply for the Content Production Resource Assistant with Recreation.gov.
Once I was accepted to the USDA Forest Service’s Resource Assistant Program (RAP), I was excited and nervous, since remote work was new to me. My supervisors at Recreation.gov were extremely supportive, and I gained several skills as part of the Strategic Communications team. In my role, I produced blog posts for the website in Spanish/English, translated social media posts, assisted the team with developing policy briefs and talking points, managed/monitored the reviews section of the website, and participated in professional development opportunities, such as attending the Public Relations Society of America’s annual conference, online GIS courses, federal resume workshops, and other online trainings/presentations. After completing the RAP program in late 2021, I was awarded a direct-hiring authority certificate, making me eligible for non-competitive hiring status.
After a couple of months of attempting to find permanent opportunities through the online FS Outreach Database, I was contacted about a Conservation Education Coordinator position at the Angeles National Forest. Supervisors could access my profile and resume using the internal RAP Connect Portal website. I met with the hiring official, learned more about the position, and became intrigued by such a unique, impactful role in a local forest in my area.
I received an offer letter in January 2023 and began working in a permanent role. Now in my current position in the Angeles National Forest, I’m working alongside my supervisor to build up our local Conservation Education and Interpretation program. I’ve been able to co-manage and lead several youth workforce development programs including Hispanic Access and National Forest Foundation’s Field Rangers program. Similarly, I’m assisting our visitor center volunteers with interpretive programming and revamping our retail spaces. Lastly, I’m coordinating with local organizations for outreach/tabling event opportunities across Los Angeles County. I look forward to building this program further and continuing to grow my professional career with the USDA Forest Service.