Wildlife Vocalizations: Robin Garwood

Working as a wildlife biologist within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has multiple use objectives and often does not consider wildlife a priority, is challenging.

Throughout my 30 years with the agency, I’ve learned many life lessons from these challenges, and three have especially been significant.

I have found it helpful to maintain good relationships with coworkers and external partners, even if I have different opinions, objectives and priorities than they do. I have not always been successful in this area, and the failures have taught me the value of maintaining good relationships in accomplishing my objectives.

A second one has been to embrace new techniques, technology and information, all with a healthy skepticism. I have found that learning new things has kept me engaged and kept burnout at bay.

The third lesson I’ve learned is to find joy in the work I do wherever I can. I try to be mindful of the amazing life and processes that are occurring around me and remind myself that I’m lucky to have a career in this field that I love.

Cultivating positive relationships, learning new things and finding joy are lessons learned during my career, but I consider them lessons important in all aspects of my life.

Wildlife Vocalizations is a collection of short personal perspectives from people in the field of wildlife sciences. 

Learn more about Wildlife Vocalizations, and read other contributions.

Submit your story for Wildlife Vocalizations or nominate your peers and colleagues to encourage them to share their story. For questions, please contact tws@wildlife.org.