Kenny Powell

A man in sunglasses and a red protective hard hat standing in an opening with a bulldozer in the distance
Engineering Equipment Operator – Wildland Fire
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife Refuge System
Address

205 South Ludington Drive
Columbia, NC 27925
United States

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About Kenny Powell

A bulldozer at the side of a large body of water digging a canal from the body of water
Image Details
Kenny Powell digging a canal to provide water to extinguish a wildfire near Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

Kenny Powell has been an engineering equipment operator at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina since 2014. Previously, he was a forestry technician at the refuge. Before that, he was a seasonal tractor operator/firefighter at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. 

How he would describe his job to someone he just met

“I operate heavy equipment in the wildland fire setting. I get to travel around the United States assisting in wildfire suppression efforts, as well as helping with prescribed fire projects with bulldozers, specialty tracked equipment and wildland fire engines. Prescribed fires are controlled fires deliberately set to restore ecological balance to lands that depend on fire.”  

What he loves about the job

“The variety. One day I may be on a wildfire with my dozer assisting with initial attack or filling a completely different role. Other days I may be mowing or grading refuge roads, excavating a canal or putting in a water control structure. Some days I might be welding equipment repairs or purchasing supplies for preventative maintenance.” 

The most challenging part of the job

“Balancing family time, while also participating in wildfire suppression activities, prescribe fire projects and attending various training assignments throughout the year.”

                                                                                              

His most memorable moment from the job

“I have many memorable moments. The best memories are fighting fire with your old and new friends in the fire community across this beautiful nation.”

What led to his career choice

“I grew up near Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. My siblings and I hunted the area with my father growing up. I loved the outdoors, exploring the woods, identifying plants and watching the animals. After seeing a job opening for a firefighter position at the refuge, I was hired and immediately was hooked.”

What conservation means to him

“I enjoy helping conserve this nations’ natural resources – timber, wetlands, waterways, and grasslands – through fire suppression, prescribed fire operations and natural disaster recovery missions.”  

To find available engineering equipment operator jobs, or other refuge maintenance-related jobs, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “WG-3502,” “WG-4749,” “WG-5716,” “laborer,” “maintenance,” “maintenance mechanic” and/or “engineering equipment operator.” Filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” Standards and experience requirements vary with specific positions. Details about job standards.