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Maria, Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Sonoma Ecology Center): Advize Career Interview
Sacramento State fostered a supportive environment that enabled a career journey beginning with a bio lab technician focus, evolving into a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation.
This led to diverse roles including internships and research assisting, culminating in a current position as Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, managing over 240 volunteers responsible for 90% of park operations.
The daily work is varied, demanding flexibility and independence, requiring project management, data analysis, and communication. The most rewarding aspect is the inspiring volunteer community and the impact on environmental conservation.
Challenges involve managing communication among diverse volunteers, but the greatest strength lies in adaptability and collaboration. Aspiring professionals should expect unpredictability and prioritize setting boundaries.
Entry-level positions exist in research, outreach, and fieldwork, with skill development crucial for advancement.
The interviewee's personal journey highlights the importance of strategically seeking opportunities aligned with career goals and the need for greater representation and support for minority women in environmental science.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Maria Maurico
Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (Sonoma Ecology Center)
California State University - Sacramento
NA
Biology & Related Sciences
Environment
Climate, Environment and Sustainability
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Career Path of a Community Science Coordinator at Sonoma Ecology Center
Sacramento State fostered a "diverse environment where Maria felt safe to grow" in their career, providing equitable access to campus and off-campus opportunities, aligning with Maria's personal and professional goals. This supportive and inclusive atmosphere empowered Maria to pursue diverse career paths and ultimately led to their current role as Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator.
Main Responsibilities Of A Volunteer Coordinator At Sonoma Ecology Center
Maria's career path, beginning with a bio lab technician focus at Sacramento State University, evolved after a documentary inspired a shift to biology with an ecology, evolution, and conservation concentration. This led to diverse roles including internships, research assisting (with projects like "eco cultural restoration" and "locomotor research"), and ultimately, Maria's current position as Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, where 90% of operations are volunteer-led and Maria coordinates projects such as the Wildlife Camera Monitoring Project, involving data collection, analysis, and grant reporting.
A Day in the Life of a Volunteer Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Maria's role as Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park involves managing over 240 volunteers who perform "90% of the park's operations," from visitor center duties to trail maintenance and wildlife monitoring. This requires extensive project management, training, and report writing, showcasing the vital role volunteers play in park conservation and the diverse responsibilities of a volunteer coordinator in ensuring their effective contribution.
Most Important Skills For A Volunteer And Community Science Coordinator At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
A day for the Volunteer and Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park varies greatly, from quiet days spent "responding to emails" and "monitoring" park projects to busy days filled with "troubleshooting," such as wifi issues, and managing data analytics, scheduling, and document review for various resources. The role's inherent unpredictability and the significant amount of computer work are key aspects of the position.
Favorite Parts of Being a Community Science Coordinator at Sonoma Ecology Center
Maria, a Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator, emphasizes the crucial need for "flexibility" and "independence" in her nonprofit role, requiring the ability to "wear a lot of hats" and take initiative. Equally important, yet often overlooked, is setting "boundaries" to maintain well-being and produce high-quality work.
What I Like Most About Being a Volunteer Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Maria's greatest enjoyment stems from the inspiring community of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park volunteers, describing them as "folks who...wanna put in the effort to just make a change," and sharing that their life experiences and advice have profoundly shaped Maria's career path. The fulfilling nature of the nonprofit work itself, leaving Maria with no regrets, further enhances the role's appeal.
Biggest Challenges Of Working In Conservation As A Volunteer Coordinator
Maria's biggest challenge as Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is managing communication within the large and diverse volunteer group. This involves "being the middleman and creating solutions" to address differing viewpoints and ensure effective collaboration across various park projects.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Conservation Industry, According To A Community Science Coordinator At Sonoma Ecology Center
Maria's greatest enjoyment stems from "finding that community" of like-minded individuals passionate about sustainability and environmental work, ranging from academics to those involved in practical conservation efforts like fire mitigation. This community extends to a professional network, exemplified by Maria's involvement in the "Young Conservationists of Color" affinity group, fostering both career development and a sense of belonging.
What A Volunteer Coordinator At Sonoma Ecology Center Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Conservation Industry
Success in Maria's field, as a Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator, hinges on dedication and a willingness to learn and collaborate; individuals who are "adaptable" and can "hear other people's opinions and work together" are best suited for this collaborative environment.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Volunteer And Community Science Coordinators
Maria, a Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator, advises aspiring professionals to "be ready for anything" and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and flexibility in this career. Effective time management is crucial because unexpected events frequently necessitate adjusting plans, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the role.
Significant Career Lesson From A Community Science Coordinator At Sonoma Ecology Center
Entry-level environmental science roles include research assistant positions where "you're learning as you're going," outreach work, and fieldwork with agencies like California Fish and Wildlife; further skill development via workshops, such as those in wildlife management, can open additional career paths.
College Experiences That Helped a Community Science Coordinator at Sonoma Ecology Center Succeed
A significant career lesson learned by Maria, Volunteer Coordinator/Community Science Coordinator at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, is the importance of "setting healthy boundaries." This was particularly crucial given the diverse roles Maria has undertaken, requiring learning to "pause and figure out which project" to prioritize, avoiding overwork by carefully managing workload and timelines.
Career Path of a Community Science Coordinator at Sonoma Ecology Center
Maria's career progression exemplifies a strategic approach to career building, "look[ing] for opportunities that aligned with what skills" needed for the next step. This proactive method, starting with an internship and progressing through various roles—camp, well site, research assistant, and outreach coordinator—demonstrates how acquiring job-specific skills systematically led to Maria's current position as a Volunteer/Community Science Coordinator.
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