Saturday, February 27, 2010

Reflections

For some reason, looking forward to my new job also has me looking back.  It has been 4 1/2 years since I started with Florida State Parks at Ichetucknee Springs.  I have really seen, done, and learned a lot.  I wish I had started this blog sooner, it has become such a nice record of events.  My Great Dane, Dozer, has really enjoyed growing up in a State Park.  The squirrels and rabbits tease him through the windows of the house, but he is still happy because there is always a stick to chew on.
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I have had some great experiences so far at Ichetucknee Springs and Troy Springs.  I am looking forward to seeing what is next for me at Wekiwa Springs.  I have had some great conversations.  I have seen some light bulbs go on.  I have watched kids have the times of their lives, and some adults too.  I have seen cuts and bruises, and the messiest of restrooms.  I have seen Manatees, Eagles, Gopher Tortoises, Deer, Lizards, Hawks, Limpkin, Sturgeon, Black Widow Spiders, Snakes, Butterflies, and Gar and had time to watch and appreciate them.  (I can't wait to add Black Bear to that list when I get to Wekiwa.)  I have made some interpretive nature trails and given many interpretive programs.  I have participated in somewhere around 10 prescribed burns and killed countless exotic plants.  I have gone to lots of trainings and submitted hundreds of daily reports.  I have answered the same questions thousands of times.  I have chainsawed and mowed and painted and swept.  I have had a great time!  I know that my new position as an Assistant Park Manager will hold all of this and more.
So do you have any questions?  What do you want to know about the new park?  I'll be honest, I may not be able to answer all of your questions about the new park, but I will keep them in mind as I get to know Wekiwa.  Do you have any questions about the job changing process or about Troy Springs?  What's on your mind?  Let me know in the comments section.

5 comments:

idyllicchick said...

And birthday turkeys! Don't forget about them! Though they didn't seem to enjoy wearing the little party hats.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if you will have any transition time between leaving one park and starting at the other. Will you have a day or two to get settled or do you have to grab your ranger duds out of the U-haul and hit the ground running so to speak?

Ranger Amy said...

I will take a few days off to pack and move and all, but it will all be pretty much on the fly. I am moving into my new house on the 12th or 13th and starting my new job on the 15th. What a whirlwind!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I stumbled on your blog quite by accident. My son is applying for the park naturalist job at Troy Springs and I was getting some background. He's probably a long shot, but loves the outdoors and has a good bit of experience in construction and landscaping. Just hoping for the best. Anyway, good luck with the new gig!

Ranger Amy said...

Thanks for your comments. Best of luck to your son. Even if he doesn't get this one, tell him to keep trying. Patience is key with park service jobs.