Lee Irminger (UNG '14) - Natural Resources Manager - Elachee Nature Center
Which concentration did you follow in your ESA degree?
Environmental Science
Were you a traditional or non-traditional student?
Traditional
What was your primary motivation for earning the ESA degree?
I wanted a degree that gave me a solid education in environmental science to better understand the world around me, and that also developed a useful skillset with GIS techniques and technology. I thought that it would orient me toward a career that I would enjoy.
Where you are currently employed? What are the function(s) of the company or organization? What do you do at the organization?
I work at Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville, Georgia as their Natural Resources Manager. Elachee’s mission is to promote environmental understanding through education and conservation. I work to fulfill that mission by developing and coordinating conservation and natural resource management activities.
Is this your first job after graduating?
This is my second job since graduating with my ESA degree. I worked for a consulting engineering firm as an environmental scientist following graduation.
Describe the most challenging or enjoyable project you have worked on since graduating that involved geospatial technology.
We are putting a map of the park together that will be located in the Nature Center’s museum. I have had an enjoyable time working on that.
What are the top three skills that you acquired in the program that have helped you in your current position?
All of the theory from the environmental science classes has been useful. Project management practiced through all of the individual class projects has benefited me. The GIS/spatial analysis skills have been helpful.
Additional comments?
I’m proud of my degree and I’m glad that I picked it. Thank you to the faculty and staff who make it possible.
Thank you, Lee, for taking the time to answer our questions!