Mary Krauszer '12
She/Her/Hers
Major: Biology
Job Title: Park Ranger, Point Defiance Park
Organization: Metro Parks Tacoma
Host Date: Friday, January 12, 2018
Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Tacoma, WA
What student groups/clubs/activities were you involved in when you were a student at Puget Sound?
- Honors Program
- CICE/SSSJ Interfaith Coordinator
- Elements Magazine
- The Trail
- Langlow House
- Residence Life
- Biology TA
- Student Research - Elliott Lab, Puget Sound Museum of Natural History
How would you describe your role and organization?
Metro Parks Tacoma is the municipal park district of the greater Tacoma area. I am the park ranger at Point Defiance Park, a 760-acre urban park which receives over 3 million visitors a year. My job is a combination of customer service, volunteer management, environmental education, event coordinating, administrative duties, park monitoring, and collaboration with local law enforcement on visitor conduct and safety.
How would the skills and competencies gained through a liberal arts education be beneficial in the type of work you do?
As a Puget Sound Honors Program student, my course load prioritized writing - despite my science major. This skill has been critical in every part of my job.
What can a student expect to experience by job shadowing you?
Students can expect to gain insights into the functions of a municipal park and its staff. The shadow will include both office time and rounds through the park. Please note that as an urban park ranger, I am not a law enforcement officer, I am not associated with the US Forest Service, and Point Defiance is neither a state or national park. I work for the local municipal park district, Metro Parks Tacoma.