On the Job with Sharon Fuller, Wildlife Refuge Specialist
B.S. Wildlife Management
Sharon also implements educational projects and participates in local events around the community with partners who are supportive of the refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System. One of her current projects is being an ambassador for the Southeast Region’s Connecting People with Nature Team. This team is responsible for developing a regional plan that refocuses current programs or design new programs to increase opportunities for Americans, and especially children, to directly connect with nature. Other duties include assistance with the facilitation of Louisiana Junior Duck Stamp Program by collecting participant data, designing spreadsheets, managing website, preparing for judging, and administering awards.
Sharon’s advice to students is to be active in natural resource clubs and organizations while in college. This will broaden your knowledge and will be a good way to learn about internships, jobs and even graduate opportunities.
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Sharon Fuller is a Wildlife Refuge Specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She is currently stationed at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, LA. She began her career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2002 in the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) while an undergraduate. She obtained a B.S. in Wildlife Management and a M.S. in Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management. One of the main duties of Sharon’s job is to plan and provide environmental and interpretive programs on the refuge and off site to school groups, faith-based organizations, scout troops, and other groups that may request a program. This is very important since the 4,600-acre semi-urban refuge is the secondary water source to the city of Monroe, supports an excellent fisheries resource, provides valuable wildlife habitat and is a great place for people to connect with the natural world.
Sharon is very passionate about her career and feels that educating the public, especially the younger generation, is an intricate part of wildlife management. She advises, "For us all to continue to enjoy the natural outdoors we have to focus our attention on the new generation of wildlife professionals. It is our job to bestow the knowledge we have obtained on them and increase their awareness of current issues and concerns."