Eric T.
About me
| Eric T. | |
| Archaeology | |
| Archaeological Information Systems | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| 2007 | |
| United States |
My employment
| Environmental Protection Specialist | |
| FEMA | |
| United States | |
| Government and civil service |
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A day in the life of a Environmental Protection Specialist in the United States
Historic preservation specialist in the US, supporting disaster recovery
My career goals when I graduated
Originally, I was unsure of my 5 or 10 year plan when I graduated. I thought that I would perhaps head back to the States and enter back into Cultural Resource Management contract work. Things in that world were a bit shaky but I found my skills I developed in York amenable to many other fields as well and used those until I found my way back to archaeology.
My career history
For many years, I worked as an archaeologist with various CRM firms. I found myself in New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Colorado and California. I even had the opportunity to work for the University of Leicester Archaeological Services which is a great team. Once I graduated from York, post-grads from the States have the ability to stay in the UK for an additional 2 years on a work visa. I wasn't able to find immediate archaeology work but was able to spend time working for the National Trust as a seasonal employee at the Treasurer's House. Soon, I began working for Gamestation HQ serving in various roles including as the Online Commercial Analyst. It may sound completely divergent from my career path but I was able to do a great deal of data analysis and industry research. When I returned to the States, my GIS skills got me in the door with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement under a Department of Homeland Security grant. I was able to develop my understanding of working with first responders, local communities and federal partners. This paved the way for my current position.
My advice about working in my industry
For a long time, I did not give much thought on the range of transferable skills that you develop as an archaeologist. It is truly amazing and sets you apart from many other candidates looking for the same position you are. With the specialized programs at York, they really are able to provide that platform for career progression. And look everywhere for where that next step could be - whether it is in contract work, with a university, local government, or federal government.
What I do
I am an Environmental Protection Specialist with FEMA Region IV covering the southeast United States. In this role I serve as the lead Historic Preservation Specialist and Tribal Liaison within the Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Section supporting disaster recovery and preparedness funding. My work includes directly supporting disasters as the Environmental Advisor ensuring legal compliance with a multitude of laws including the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 process. I also have recently served as the Unified Federal Review Advisor in South Carolina for the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordination group working with a variety of federal and state agencies in their mission to assist in state disaster recovery support.
Skills I use and how I developed them
On a typical day I work with multiple federal, state and local agencies as well as contractors. This requires a great deal of personal and professional skill sets from being a great communicator to having technical capabilities. In my MSc, I focused on using GIS to manipulate lidar and model the landscape of Star Carr. This experience has allowed me to kick off a national conversation on FEMA's use of GIS in environmental and historic preservation leading to the formation of a nation-wide working group on the subject dedicated to supporting disaster recovery and legally defensible environmental compliance processes.
What I like most
I have had many opportunities to work with State Historic Preservation Offices in the southeast United States and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers throughout the country involving Section 106 consultations or towards the development of Programmatic Agreements. There is a strong passion for historic preservation with everyone that I work with and it feels good to be able to support preservation goals even during times of disasters whether its hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, or ice storms.
What I like least
I can be deployed to a Joint Field Office supporting disaster recovery for months at a time. It can take its toll on the family. I have missed a few birthdays and holidays. But my family makes it work the best we can with the understanding that I am out there helping get recovery funding to the people who need it.
What surprised me most
I never considered how many federal agencies require historic preservation specialists. The National Historic Preservation Act requires agencies to ensure their actions are compliant with this law and many, many more. I never thought I would say that I am an archaeologist working for FEMA but here I am.
Next steps...
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