July 2021 - 26

H
aving a job in the natural elements is a dream
come true for people who love the outdoors.
The work isn't always easy, and it isn't always
outside. But challenge and passion confirms why the
career-cliché works: you never work a day in your life if
you love what you do.
These nine individuals represent jobs throughout
Wyoming from different organizations, including the
Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The hope is their
insight into their outdoor offices will inspire others to
follow their passions, and ultimately motivate people to
appreciate and nurture Wyoming's natural resources.
Leonard thought her career path
would be as a biologist until she
realized her passion for education.
(Photo by Dawn Wilson)
" I almost had to pinch myself while
thinking 'This is my job?' I taught
students about things I absolutely love
like canoeing or fly-fishing or wildlife
ecology. Not many people can say
that. " - Ashley Leonard
Although Leonard finds the biggest
challenge of her job is having enough time to
do everything she wants to accomplish, she
loves seeing the light bulbs turn on for kids
and helping them discover new things.
" When I started at Game and Fish, I felt
like I got a Wyoming tour, " Leonard said. " My
team went out to teach kids in day camps all
over the state. I almost had to pinch myself
while thinking 'This is my job?' I taught
students about things I absolutely love like
canoeing or fly-fishing or wildlife ecology. Not
many people can say that. "
For people looking to combine their love
of the outdoors with education, Leonard said
most follow the path of a natural resources
degree but sometimes an education degree
will work, too. Jobs can be found through
state and federal agencies, like state parks
and the National Park Service. Outdoor
education centers hire educators to run day
and residential programs. Museums and zoos
also can be another path of employment.
" Hands-on experience for this work is
great, " Leonard said. " Get varied experience
and volunteer in an environmental education
capacity. "
26 | July 2021
Outdoor educator
Growing up in Illinois, Ashley Leonard
spent a ton of time outdoors going on family
vacations with a focus on spending time
outside.
Now the
conservation education
coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department, Leonard originally anticipated
following the path of being a biologist, but
she discovered she really enjoyed teaching.
She had jobs at summer camps in high school
and college, which led to an internship with
Casper Mountain Science School and her
introduction to Wyoming. After finishing
her master's degree in natural resources and
natural science education at Teton Science
School through the University of Wyoming,
Leonard became the conservation education
coordinator with Game and Fish.
July 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July 2021
