Week 6: Admin

  Happy 4th, everyone,

This week I was shadowing Superintendent Joshua Boles for Admin. My first day was July 4th, so I knew things would be crazy in the park.

Superintendent Boles took me on a guided tour around the park. This allowed me to witness the Superintendent's deep knowledge of the park's history, structures, and geography. As we hiked along trails, the Superintendent pointed out notable features and discussed ongoing conservation efforts to preserve the park's ecosystem and history.

Back at the park headquarters, I observed the Superintendent's administrative duties. He was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, managing staff, and coordinating with other agencies and organizations involved in conservation and environmental protection. It was impressive to witness the Superintendent's ability to balance the administrative tasks while maintaining a genuine connection to the park and its mission.

While shadowing, I learned about the Superintendent's involvement in long-term planning and policy development. They worked closely with park rangers, environmental scientists, and local communities to develop strategies for sustainable tourism, wildlife management, and education programs. I was impressed by their ability to foster collaborative partnerships and engage stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Shadowing a superintendent at a small national park gave me a profound understanding of the immense responsibility of preserving natural treasures. The experience deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance between conservation efforts, public access, and education. It also inspired me to explore avenues where I can contribute to the protection and sustainable management of our natural heritage, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and appreciate these precious landscapes. Before shadowing Superintendent Boles, I needed clarification on why my internship was split between INDE and FRST. Now that I have spent a week here, I know why. Both parks may be considered 'urban parks,' but differ vastly. INDE feels like a complete park focused on improving its status quo, while FRST is a developing park with a lot of potential. Superintendent Boles exemplifies the importance of a superintendent and why they are at the top of a National Park's organization chart.  

Superintendent Boles allowed me to delve into park management, conservation efforts, and the unique challenges in preserving natural landscapes. While shadowing, I sincerely appreciated the Superintendent's commitment to environmental stewardship and their role in ensuring the park's sustainability. 

Later in the week, Superintendent Boles transferred me to Cecily Wood for Admin. I briefly met her at INDE when she activated my PIV card. Mrs. Wood works as an Admin specialist for INDE and FRST.   She manages budgets, procures equipment and supplies, and allocates resources to optimize the park's operations. Their knowledge and expertise allowed them to make informed decisions on resource allocation, ensuring that the park had the necessary tools and infrastructure to effectively carry out its conservation efforts. Mrs. Wood only showed me information about FRST. The sheer amount of information I was given was astounding. I can't imagine what it is like working Admin for INDE?!?  Mrs.Wood is only one of six people that work in Admin for INDE. She only works at FRST part-time. 

Overall, admin duties are crucial for ensuring efficient operations, effective decision-making, and the overall success of FRST. They encompass strategic planning, resource management, policy implementation, communication, and evaluation. By fulfilling these duties, the Admin provides guidance, support, and structure to the organization, leading to improved productivity, accountability, and achievement of organizational goals.

Stay tuned!