Careers at DEC

Before DEC

I was born and raised in Fairbanks, but spent a lot of time getting away. I got a biology degree at UAF before heading "south" to Maine for graduate school. In Maine, most of my time was in the woods, studying toxic metals in moose food. I also explored the spectacular coastline ? Bay of Fundy, Penobscot Bay, Acadia and inland waters, by kayak. After Maine, wanderlust and a poor economy led me to the true southern US. Working for the Florida DEP I experienced "real Florida" working in small streams (alligators, water moccasins ) and the Gulf of Mexico (dolphins, pelicans ), and less "real" places, like Miami. Finally, I came full circle and was lucky to have the chance to move back north to Alaska.

During DEC

I've worked with the DEC since January 2011 as an Environmental Program Specialist for the Nonpoint Source Water Protection and Restoration Program. My job is to protect water quality - or put together plans to restore polluted waters. What I enjoy most is the variety of work, using skills I picked up in other places, and collaborating with different agencies and people all over the state. The best work trip I took this year was to Kantishna during the peak fall colors.

After DEC

In my free time I ski, run, hike, walk my dog, take my son to soccer practice and travel (when I can get away). In Fairbanks it's important to stay busy.

Fun Facts

• If I could visit anywhere in the world, I would go trekking in Nepal
• I like to play scrabble with family and friends

Before DEC

Born and raised in Juneau Alaska, I had an itch to get out and explore during college. I spent the first year in UNR in Reno and transferred up to the University of Idaho to complete my degree in Microbiology. While in Moscow I fell in love with country swing dancing, road biking, skiing, cooking and the science behind it, and enjoyed the beautiful outdoor area of the Palouse.

After graduating I moved to Maui for a few months and worked for Pacific Whale Company research associate and dinner cruise server. Having quenched farmland and the tropics, I decided to make my way back to Juneau to work a summer at Alaskan Brewing Company. I enjoyed my coworkers immensely as well as discovering the intricacies involved in the brewing such tasty beverages.

As summer drew to a close I was faced with the decision of what to do next! Do I look for a "real" job where I apply my degree, or relive my previous job history as a baker and barista around town? Right about that time the State of Alaska decided to bring another Health Officer on board in the Juneau office and I figured that just might be the perfect fit; turns out it was.

During DEC

While here at DEC I enjoy fieldwork interacting with various operators across southeast teaching them about food safety and evaluating their facility's practices. I’ve had the chance to travel throughout the state meeting wonderful coworkers and operators in many setting and look forward to continuing in the future!

After DEC

When work ends I enjoy my passions for cooking and baking as well as road biking, skiing, running, and time with friends. If weather permits, it's always fun to head out for a hike, boat ride, or camping trip. On those rainy days we know so well here in Juneau, I like to curl up with a good movie or book and let the time fly.

Fun Facts

• I would love a trip to Ireland and the only thing keeping me from going is fear that I'd never come back.
• The best quality to have in a friend is the ability to laugh together so hard your faces hurt.

Before DEC

I was raised outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I left for California immediately after high school before joining the Navy and flying as a crewman off aircraft carriers for three years. I attended college, started a family and moved to Maine to pursue a career in banking. Bad career choice! In 1972 I joined the Coast Guard working in port operations, my first oil spill response work, and as a marine inspector. I inspected oil supply boats in Venice, Italy and Singapore and semi-submersible drilling rigs in the waters off Bali and Australia. I came to Juneau as the XO of the Marine Safety Office in 1983, worked the Exxon Valdez and was the first Regional Response Team Coordinator. I retired in 1995 and worked as a naturalist before joining DEC in 1999.

During DEC

I started as an EPS 1 rising to the SOSC position in 2008. I have responded to some interesting cases including the Selendang Ayu, TAPS shooting, and leaking pipes in Prudhoe Bay. The best part of DEC is seeing lots of Alaska, watching the sun and moon go around the sky in circles on the north slope and working with a great staff.

After DEC

In my off time, I ride bikes, cross country ski and kayak. I volunteered as an instructor at the local planetarium and have been rehabbing raptors and other birds since 1995 with the most memorial being a yellow-billed loon that was a recent guest in my garage.

Fun Facts

• If I could visit one place it would be Mars but will settle for New Zealand, Australia or the Guinness brewery in Dublin (again)

Before DEC

I was born and grew up in Great Falls, Montana. I moved to Juneau from Washington State in 1991 with my two young daughters. I've tried living in other areas of Alaska but I always came back home to live in Juneau. I find that living in Juneau is the perfect balance of scenic nature and community benefits. I love hiking, x-c skiing, biking, swimming and running. I've competed in several triathlons and I finally took the plunge and registered for a half-ironman distance triathlon scheduled for next July.

During DEC

I started with the DEC in January 1999 as a regulation specialist for the Drinking water/Domestic wastewater program. I eventually became an Environmental Program Specialist in the Solid Waste Program in 2006 and I've been here ever since. I thoroughly enjoy working at DEC and meeting other like-minded folks who care about Alaska's people and keeping our environment clean and safe.

After DEC

During my free time, I love to be outdoors enjoying all the nearby trails and Alaskan sites, like the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest.

Fun Facts

• This year I finished first in my age group in the Seattle Tri-Rock triathlon
• I have a very cute and precocious three year old granddaughter