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Rangeland Resource Science, B.S. | Class of
Kaelie Pena
Nevada State Coordinator
Employer: Pheasants Forever
Job description: Through my job as the Nevada State Coordinator, I manage partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, NGOs, and other organizations to manage and address wildlife habitat and resource issues across the state of Nevada. This can come in the form of finding funding for on the ground projects, determining a capacity need and developing a position to fill that need, or advocating for sound, scientifically backed state and federal policies. I get to work with a variety of partners who have the shared goal of conserving, restoring, and protecting Nevada's natural resources and working lands.
About Kaelie
Why did you choose this program?
After graduating high school I knew I wanted to go into either a natural resources or agriculture field, and range management was the perfect mix of the two. Having grown up in California, I was looking for an in-state school and Humboldt State offered the only 4-year undergraduate Rangeland program in the state.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
The Rangeland Resource program hits the nail on the head when preparing students for professional careers in range management. The hands on courses that provide real life experience were extremely valuable and transferred directly to the job. I'm currently in more of a management position versus a field going position, but my education at Humboldt helped me to understand complex range management issues and prepared me to work with a variety of partners to accomplish shared goals. Also, my involvement in the Range and Soils Club and the Plant Identification Team opened up many doors while attending the Society for Range Management meetings where I was able to network and attend job fairs and on the spot hiring events, which is eventually how I received the position that started my professional career.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
With it's smaller size, the program offers a 'small family' feeling that I think would be hard to find in other, larger programs, and allows students to make great connections with their peers and instructors. The Rangeland Resource Program also has a great reputation in the range world and the hands-on learning I encountered in the majority of my classes really prepared me for work in the field. The faculty and staff are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to maintaining an amazing program and providing meaningful opportunities and resources to the students. Also, the extracurricular aspects of the program (Range & Soils Club, Plant ID Team) were not only a great way to learn and make lifelong friendships, but it opened the door to my participation with the Society for Range Management which has really led me to where I am now within my career.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
Go for it! I credit Humboldt's Rangeland Resource Science program for where I'm at in my life and career. I truly believe that if I would have gone a different route I would not be in a position I enjoy as much as what I'm doing now. The opportunities I was afforded as a student in the program have carried over throughout my years as an alum. The connections I made during my time at HSU have continued on and I feel I have an amazing network of classmates, all in various positions across the country. Rangeland management is such a versatile natural resources field, it allows you to be flexible in the career path you choose, and Humboldt's Rangeland Resource Science program is the perfect place to start that journey!