 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I am an Enforcement Officer (EO) for the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Office for Law Enforcement. EO duties vary by region and job description. For law enforcement to be effective, the public needs access to information. The EO actively informs the public about regulations and laws, while serving as a visible deterrent. EOs perform patrol functions on Office for Law Enforcement (OLE) vessels, U.S. Coast Guard boats, U.S. Coast Guard aircraft, and state operated vessels. We also conduct a lot of outreach and education within our communities. One day I could be attending a meeting about marine sanctuaries and the next day I could be aboard a fishing vessel verifying its catch. I work closely with wildlife enforcement officers from the state of California as well as other federal agents and officers. A lot of my work is as a liaison between the OLE and various community organizations, educational institutes, and environmental and non-governmental groups.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
I wanted to stay in the federal system after leaving a military career, but in a different career path. I was looking for a way to put my education [in criminal justice] to use, so I went back to law enforcement. NOAA Fisheries OLE provided the best of both worlds. Since I joined OLE in 1999 it has provided me with work that is rewarding, fun, and allows me to be outdoors.
What do like most about your career?
One of my duties is to serve as the division's Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) officer. This allows me to conduct educational events, give training sessions to officers and agents from other agencies, and workshops for people who use the ocean for recreation. I work with individuals who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, including commercial fishermen, whale watching operators, and divers. I also am directly involved with protecting some of our nation's endangered species, including sea turtles, gray whales, and several species of California salmon.
What do you like least about your career?
It is frustrating to see people intentionally exploiting our marine environment for monetary gains without regard to the impact they are having on our ecosystem as a whole. I was involved with the Fishing Vessel (FV) Diamond II case: the vessel was initially spotted by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Mexico and was thought to be carrying drugs, as it had no fishing gear aboard. Once aboard, officers found bundles of shark fins, in violation of the Shark Fin Prohibition Act. The fins filled two tractor-trailer containers. I realized that a lot of sharks had to die to get these fins. Even though some people will intentionally harm our oceans, I remind myself that the work I'm doing is helping to protect our nation's living marine resources for future generations.
What do you do to relax?
I am a part-time teacher at the STAR ECO Station (an environmental science education center in Culver, CA) and an instructor for Project Wildlife (a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and education program based in San Diego, CA). I like to work closely with the local stranding networks and various National Marine Sanctuaries in California. I am also a U.S. Coast Guard officer in the Reserves and have been called to active duty several times.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
My father would be my top choice, as he instilled in me the work ethic I have today. Also, the hundreds of volunteers I have met and worked with over the past few years, who unselfishly give their time to the conservation and protection of our national resources.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
My advice to anyone seeking a career in conservation law enforcement is to study hard in high school and college. Concentrate on law and biology courses as well as English and writing. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay physically fit, as this career is mentally and physically challenging.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
Within the OLE, there are very few enforcement officers and we provide a visible and uniformed deterrence for potential violators. Career advancement for EOs is limited, due to the status and classification of our positions. While some EOs transition to become OLE special agents, a majority remain enforcement officers until retirement.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
In 10 years I hope to be doing this kind of work, but after 16 years in the Federal government, I have a feeling that I may be enjoying a life of semi-retirement!
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