Peter, Watershed Health Specialist
Our real-life in the mountains series captures the lives of professionals in the mountains, showcasing their resilience in overcoming challenges and inspiring others to pursue their dreams in these breathtaking communities.
Meet Pete….
Tell us about your career journey in the mountains. Where did you start and where are you now?
I first moved to Eagle County in 2011 for a Graduate Fellowship at Walking Mountains Science Center. I transitioned into a full-time position there in 2013 and continued as the Land Stewardship Coordinator until I moved to my current role at Town of Vail in 2016.
How do you make it all work? How did you find housing?
I was lucky that Walking Mountains provided housing for the first summer of my fellowship. That gave me time to look for more permanent housing. I have always had to have roommates to make it affordable here. Even after purchasing my home in Gypsum in 2019, I have continued to rent rooms out to make my mortgage payments. I also worked second and third jobs for most of the first decade I lived in Eagle County.
Why do you stay in the mountains?
It’s all about access to the outdoors for me. I fell in love as soon as I moved here.
What career advice do you have for someone looking to get started in Sustainability?
There are so many more opportunities in Sustainability than I realized there were as a teen or a college student. It’s an employees market right now too. Get a degree in something that interests you, then put in your time as an intern, a fellow, a Vista or whatever low-paying job you have to do for a couple of years to develop some real-world experience. Definitely work in your intended field before going to grad school.
How did you build community? What are some organizations you use to meet people and stay connected?
A lot of my friendships came through work or volunteering. I volunteered with SOS Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, and Eagle River Watershed Council. Giving back is a great way to meet interesting people who are invested in this community
Follow Pete at work @restoregorecreek. Share your advice, tell us your Mountain Careers story here.
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