What We Do Yellowstone National Park
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- Science
Have you ever wondered about National Park Service jobs? From studying wildlife, operating wastewater treatment plants, and timing the next Old Faithful geyser eruption, there are many different types of positions that help preserve resources in Yellowstone for current and future generations. Join us each week as we talk with Yellowstone employees about their experiences working for the world’s first national park and offer tips for you to get involved with the NPS.
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Katy Anderson, Law Enforcement Specialist
Katy Anderson always knew she wanted to work in national parks. From visiting Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior as a child to eventually working at a variety of parks across the country, Katy talks about her experience pursuing a law enforcement career with the National Park Service. Today, Katy joins us virtually from her temporary detail as acting chief ranger at Glacier National Park in northern Montana.
View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast -
Jason Murphy, Water & Wastewater Utility Systems Facility Manager
You might not think much about it whenever you flush a toilet or turn on a faucet. But for Jason Murphy, utility systems facility manager, that’s his job! In this episode, Jason talks about what it’s like managing some of the 44 water/wastewater systems in the park, how he and his team have been repairing systems damaged by the 2022 flood event, and he offers tips for listeners interested in pursuing a similar career.
View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast -
Brian Batzloff, Engineering Equipment Operations Supervisor
Have you ever thought about how we maintain park roads that are exposed to some of the harshest conditions in the country? Brian Batzloff joins us today to talk about the challenges of maintaining roads that are subjected to geologic and volcanic pressures, extreme negative temperatures, dense snowpack, and use by millions of visitors annually!
View park road status and seasonal opening/closing dates at go.nps.gov/YELLroads
View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast -
John Cataldo, Fire Management Officer
We’re coming in hot with a FIRE episode today featuring Fire Management Officer John Cataldo! John has worked on wildland fires in 18 states with both the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. From fighting fires on the ground to managing Yellowstone’s fire program, John talks about his professional journey and offers advice for those interested in a fire career.
View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast -
Addy Falgoust, Park Guide
Among park rangers, there’s a running joke that we do a lot of pointing at things. From pointing out wildlife to pointing out the nearest bathroom, we’ve arguably mastered the art of pointing. But being a park ranger or park guide entails SO much more! Today’s guest, Park Guide Addy Falgoust, talks about her experiences teaching people about Yellowstone’s marvels and what it’s like to live and work in the park during winter.
View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast -
Pat Bigelow, Fisheries Biologist
How would you pronounce Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi? See if you got it right by listening to today’s guest, Pat Bigelow. Years ago, Pat intended to spend one summer in Montana—until she landed a seasonal job working on Yellowstone Lake. Now, she’s a fisheries biologist with decades of experience studying and restoring native fish to the park’s waters.
Learn more about fish management in Yellowstone at go.nps.gov/YELLFishMgmt
View definitions & links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast