Tony Marinello

Degree:   Bachelor of Science  
Major:     Forest Resource Management

Additional education undertaken after graduation:
        Wisconsin Certified Law Enforcement Officer
        Numerous wildland fire fighting and incident command courses

Years in the Field:   6
Current Job Title:    Forest Ranger                                            
Organization:          Wisconsin DNR                  

How did you find this job?
Through contacts I had with the Wisconsin DNR.

Previous Job Titles and Organizations:
        Forestry Technician, USDA Forest Service 
        Forester, Wisconsin DNR

Please describe your job:
Enforce Wisconsin's Forestry and Fire laws.
Suppress/Investigate/Prevent Wildland Fires. 
Manage state and county forest lands. 
Assist private forest landowners in managing their forests sustainably
Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of ranger station, 3 fire towers, 3 pieces of fire control equipment and the management of 1 FTE and 6 LTE's. 
A Typical day involves patrolling for law enforcement and fire suppression purposes; forest management work on state and county lands; monitoring timber sales on private lands; property upkeep and the necessary paperwork that goes with it.  About 70% of my time is spent in the field, 30% in the office.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
Taking courses in as many different areas of natural resources helped a lot.  In your career you'll be working with a variety of natural resource professionals, so it helps to know where everyone is coming from and understand what they do.  I was heavily involved on campus in the Forestry Club, and my fraternity.  This gave me experience working within an organization as a team to accomplish common goals.  I also took summer jobs working for the Forest Service in Alaska and working for the Wisconsin DNR—the job experience was invaluable.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
That you can't make money and live comfortably being employed in the natural resources field.  The pay and benefits are actually really good, and we get lots of vacation which is great! The only drawback is we work a lot of hours at all hours of the day and are on call a lot.    

What advice do you have for current students?
Get as much job experience and field training as you can before you graduate.  Experience is what sets you apart from everyone else.  Get involved with campus activities and organizations.  Involvement such as this will prepare you for your career by giving you experience working as a team trying to obtain a common goal.  Have fun and take pride in your school, it'll show through when you get out into the workforce.