Hello! Curious about what I do? Here’s an FAQ:
Who do you work for?
I am the Aquatic Ecologist and freshwater science lead for the Pacific Island Network (PACN) of the National Park Services’ Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program.
Are you a Ranger?
Yes, but not like the highly visible Law-Enforcement Ranger or Interpretive Ranger. My work contributes to the management of natural resources. I’m a scientist.
What park do you work for?
Actually, although I am stationed at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the big island of Hawaii, I don’t actually work for an individual park. The I&M Program is independent, and organized into 31 networks of parks grouped by ecological regions. The pacific park superintendents serve on our Board of Directors. I do my work within many parks.
What parks do you work in?
The Pacific Island Network consists of 11 units. I oversee field work in:
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (HAVO)
- Haleakala National Park (HALE)
- Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA)
- Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (KAHO)
- Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historical Park (PUHE)
- Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (PUHO)
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (ALKA)
- National Park of American Samoa (NPSA)
- War In The Pacific National Historical Park (WAPA)
- American Memorial Park (AMME)
What do you do?
My job is to lead several “protocols”, which cover certain ecological “vital signs”, for the purpose of providing scientific data on the condition of natural resources and thus improve park management. The I&M program has identified various physical, chemical, and biological components chosen to be indicators of ecosystem health. I manage the stream, water quality, and groundwater protocols. My work consists of collecting data in the field, supervising field technicians, data quality control, analysis, reporting, budgeting, and safety.
Is this research?
No, it’s long-term natural resource monitoring.
How do you like it?
It’s great! I live in Hawaii, travel to amazing places, and support the National Park Service mission of stewardship. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
