 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I currently work as an assistant region manager for the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Aquatic Region, Shoreline District. The Shoreline District is one of three districts under the statewide Aquatics Region. Shoreline district incorporates 345,000 acres of state-owned aquatics lands (tidelands, shorelands and beds of navigable waters) and is managed on behalf of the citizens of the state. The primary management goals of DNR are to encourage direct public use and access, foster water-dependent uses, ensure environmental protection, utilize renewable resources and generate revenue in a manner consistent with the four prior benefits.
I supervise a staff of 12 that manages the leasing and stewardship activities of the district. Shoreline District staff manage over 1,200 use authorizations that include marinas, docks, utility easements, public access and non-water dependent uses. The use authorizations generate over $6.4 million in annual revenue that goes towards management of the resource and public access grants. Other duties of the district include habitat restoration, creosote removal, contaminated sediment clean-up and other activities.
I am primarily responsible for the district budget of $2.0 million, proposals for new budget requests and authorization of new agreements less than $50,000 in total value and 15 years in length. I also work as lease manager on several larger leases, negotiating leasing requirements with the lessee and managing the day-to-day management of the lease terms.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
There were a variety of factors that have driven me to select my career and current position. I have always been fascinated with the sea and want to work towards proper management and protection of the environment. My educational background is in shellfish aquaculture, and I have previously worked as a shellfish biologist and shellfish program manager for the Tulalip Tribes of Washington. That position provided me with a background of fishery management principles, which has assisted in my professional development. Working for the DNR Aquatic Resources expands my experience in dealing with a wider range of natural resource management issues, while having input in the way the resources are managed.
What do like most about your career?
I like the diversity and challenges my job provides and I continue to learn various aspects of natural resource management. My current position expands my background to include other types of natural resource issues. It is satisfying to know that I make an important impact in the way state lands and the natural resources are managed.
What do you like least about your career?
Most of my job duties are administrative in nature, with most of my time being spent in the office or at meetings. I miss being connected to the field and the natural resources that we manage.
What do you do to relax?
I like to work in my yard and garden, and take my dog for long walks (I need the exercise more than him). With an increasing amount of my work being spent in the office, spending any time outdoors is very relaxing.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
I am of Japanese descent and have the utmost respect and admiration for not only my great-grandparents and grandparents, but also for all of the first-generation pioneers who left their homeland for a new life in the United States. They sacrificed much and faced much hardship and discrimination. Their efforts paved the way for my generation. They are all heroes to me.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Take a variety of classes to get a well-rounded education. While science and math classes are important, so are writing, public speaking, social sciences and the other classes that may not seem that important. Try hard in all your classes, even the ones you may not particularly like.
You can gain valuable experience by working or volunteering in your field of interest. There are many environmental groups, local park programs and other non-profit agencies that rely on volunteers. Any experience gained will assist you in determining a career path that is challenging and insightful.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
Career opportunities in fisheries and natural resource management are generally increasing. With increasing public awareness of environmental concerns, the Endangered Species Act, compensatory mitigation, habitat restoration and water quality concerns, there are more jobs now than there were 20 years ago. With increasing environmental issues, there are a number of diverse jobs in state agencies, private consulting firms and non-profit organizations.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
I would like to continue to work in natural resource management. As the population increases, there are greater demands placed on the natural resources. Proper management of the existing resources is crucial to the protection of the environment for the future.
Salary: $60,000 - $80,000
Email:derrick.toba@wadnr.gov
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