Job Title: Director of Conservation Community Engagement
Organization: National Aquarium
Career Overview: Doing restoration projects, workshops, and community events in the spring, summer, and early fall, and planning in late fall/winter for those projects. Meeting with partner organizations and other Zoos and Aquaria to work on principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
A Day on the Job: Varies depending on season (see above)
Skills Needed: Interest in the material, understanding of the principles of conservation, willingness to continually learn and grow.
Education: Curtis has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from the university of Delaware.
Experience and Training: Prior to working for the National Aquarium, he had 10+ years of experience with environmental education and community engagement work.
Personal Career Path: Curtis has always loved being outside and animals, and started his college career with the intention of becoming a veterinarian. When he realized that it wasn’t a good fit for him, he switched to the then-new major of Wildlife Ecology and Management, and loved it. He had volunteered at a nature center since he was 14, and worked there doing environmental education until he was 22. His projects during Grad School sparked his interest in working in urban areas.
Pay and Job Outlook: Livable to fair, the field is constantly growing and expanding as issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice are coming to prominence in all industries and organizations.
Favorite Aspect of the job: Seeing the people he works with and mentors learn, grow, change, and develop their voice. Also, creating memorable opportunities to connect people to the environment.
Most Challenging Aspect of the Job: Juggling responsibilities while maintaining a work/life balance.
Advice for Young Professionals Interested in This Career: Be persistent, be flexible, and try not to compare yourself to other people. We’re all on very unique paths, and there isn’t just one way of doing it. And it’s okay if you try a new experience and you don’t like it, because you found out something very important, and that’s helpful. Find those mentors, and take the time to meet with them. The last piece of advice is to have fun, enjoy the journey. And always remember to pay it forward and give it all back. You can always reach back to pull someone else up.
