Megan Reed

Image Details

Megan Reed has been the manager at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach. Previously, she was deputy refuge supervisor and acting refuge supervisor in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region office in Atlanta, supporting national wildlife refuges in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and northern Alabama. She has been with the Fish and Wildlife Service since she was 16 years old and early in her career advanced through various student programs.

What she loves about the job:

“It's an honor to be tasked with such an important role. There's not necessarily a right or wrong way of doing conservation, just a difference of opinions. I love that my role is to bring people together to find common ground.”

What’s most interesting about it:

“Part of my role is meeting the visitors who travel to the refuge and share their experiences. Many times they share encounters that I haven't even be able to participate in, such as seeing certain wildlife. It's always a joy seeing someone's excitement in visiting this amazing refuge. It reminds me that I'm fortunate to call this place work.” 

What’s most challenging about it:

“The human dimension can be difficult. Many times, people may seem opposed to a certain project or have a different way of thinking. But, in reality, we agree on the goal and not necessarily on how we get there. It's challenging discovering what is important to people and how can we best adapt to find solutions that benefit all of us.”

What is most rewarding about it:

“Seeing visitors connect with nature in a way they never have before. My favorite day at any national wildlife refuge will always be a kids' fishing event and watching a child catch their first fish.” 

Skills you must have to succeed at it:

“Humble confidence — and kindness.”

Animal she identifies with:

"Monarch butterfly. These little beings typically live in North America, traveling between Mexico, the United States and Canada. As a military kid, I can relate to living in different places throughout my life and have continued to enjoy traveling as an adult. And, like monarchs today who need a little help with habitat like pollinator gardens, I can always use a little help from friends and family, too. Can't we all?”



To find available refuge manager jobs, go to USAJobs.gov. Search “0485” and/or “wildlife management.” Filter by “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service” or “Department of the Interior.” The job requires a bachelor’s degree in biological science and specialized study related to wildlife biology, animal ecology, zoology, botany and a range of other relevant fields. Details about education and experience requirements.