Kaelie Peña
Year Graduated:
2017
Rangeland Management Specialist
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Job description
Management and administration of National Forest livestock grazing allotments.
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 offers the only 4-year undergraduate Rangeland program in the state.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
HSU's Rangeland Resource program is the only program of its kind in the state and is designed so that graduates meet the requirements needed to qualify for federal government employment as a Rangeland Management Specialist. I didn't have to think twice about if I was qualified for my position with the Forest Service because of the way the degree program is designed. 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 my Forest Service student internship, and subsequently, my permanent position.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
The program offers a 'small family' feeling that I think would be hard to find in other, larger programs. HSU's 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?
Do it! I credit the HSU Rangeland Resource 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 HSU's Rangeland Resource Program is the perfect place to start that journey!
