Marysa Milinichik

A woman wearing sunglasses and a hard hat standing in front of a forest fire
Forestry technician (fire)
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
National Wildlife Refuge System
Address

1325 Lighthouse Road
Crawfordville, FL 32327
United States

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About Marysa Milinichik

A woman driving a yellow bulldozer over charred land in a forest setting
Image Details
Marysa Milinichik uses a bulldozer to help control a prescribed fire at St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge.

Marysa Milinichik has been working as a forestry technician with the fire crew at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida since 2019. Before that, she was a biological science technician at the refuge for three years, during which she occasionally assisted with prescribed burns (controlled fires set to restore ecological balance to lands that depend on fire). Since graduating from college in 2012 she has had many wildlife conservation internships, most with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.



How she would describe her job to someone she just met

“I get paid to set fire to national wildlife refuges. Of course, this is done in a professional, safe manner designed to benefit wildlife and habitat.”   

What she loves about the job

“One main reason I find my job so enjoyable is because – even though I’m no longer in wildlife biology helping to save individual endangered species – my job is focused on improving habitat, which is essential to saving species.”



The most challenging part of the job

“Understanding the concepts of fire behavior and its effects has been challenging and fascinating. Learning how, under certain weather conditions, a fire acts and can have intended or unintended effects is incredible.”



Her most memorable moment from the job

“When I detailed with the Redmond Hotshots in Oregon. Even though I work in Florida, where it’s relatively flat, I was the first to get to the top of Cline Butte on our first Redmond crew hike of the season.”



What led to her career choice

“I went to college for wildlife biology, but I also took a wildland fire night class. When a position opened at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, I was encouraged to apply, given my previous experiences with the fire crew. I took a chance, thinking biology was an option if fire didn’t work out. Three years later I have no intention of leaving fire.”



What conservation means to her

“Saving wildlife species and their habitats for future generations to enjoy.” 

To find available forestry technician (fire) jobs, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “0462 forestry technician” or ““forestry technician (fire).” Filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” Job requirements various educational and medical and physical requirements. Details about job standards.