What We Do

While most people probably know of the NPS when it comes to parks, did you know Yellowstone has hundreds of contracts with commercial operators to do business in the park? These operators provide services such as hotels, campgrounds, guided tours, and more! Today, Becky Wyman talks about her job overseeing these contracts to ensure we provide a world-class visitor experience. This is our final episode for season 1! Let us know what you think of the show and contact us at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast.

Yellowstone is one of the most remote places in the Lower 48, which presents unique challenges for telecommunications systems. Our technology services team provides computer, radio, and phone support for employees, maintains the communication center/dispatch services, and more. Today, Bret De Young gives us a peek into his job and provides tips for those interested in working in the growing telecommunications field for the NPS. View definitions/links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

Working for the National Park Service was never on Heather’s radar, but after interning at a few different NPS sites after college, she got bit by the parkie bug and discovered that working in parks was the right fit for her. Today, Heather joins us virtually to talk about her work as a remote administrative support assistant, or as Ranger Jake calls it, “the grease of the Yellowstone machine!” View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

From park newspapers, maps, trail guides, and more, Yellowstone has a LOT of publications. Miles Barger, publications program manager, joins us to talk about his job writing, designing, and managing these dozens of printed materials. We discuss his professional journey since starting as a seasonal housekeeper at Canyon Village, as well as his nail-biting grizzly bear sighting during one of his first hiking trips in the park. View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

Katy Anderson always knew she wanted to work in national parks. From visiting Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior as a child to eventually working at a variety of parks across the country, Katy talks about her experience pursuing a law enforcement career with the National Park Service. Today, Katy joins us virtually from her temporary detail as acting chief ranger at Glacier National Park in northern Montana. View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

You might not think much about it whenever you flush a toilet or turn on a faucet. But for Jason Murphy, utility systems facility manager, that’s his job! In this episode, Jason talks about what it’s like managing some of the 44 water/wastewater systems in the park, how he and his team have been repairing systems damaged by the 2022 flood event, and he offers tips for listeners interested in pursuing a similar career. View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

Have you ever thought about how we maintain park roads that are exposed to some of the harshest conditions in the country? Brian Batzloff joins us today to talk about the challenges of maintaining roads that are subjected to geologic and volcanic pressures, extreme negative temperatures, dense snowpack, and use by millions of visitors annually! View park road status and seasonal opening/closing dates at go.nps.gov/YELLroads View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

We’re coming in hot with a FIRE episode today featuring Fire Management Officer John Cataldo! John has worked on wildland fires in 18 states with both the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. From fighting fires on the ground to managing Yellowstone’s fire program, John talks about his professional journey and offers advice for those interested in a fire career. View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

Among park rangers, there’s a running joke that we do a lot of pointing at things. From pointing out wildlife to pointing out the nearest bathroom, we’ve arguably mastered the art of pointing. But being a park ranger or park guide entails SO much more! Today’s guest, Park Guide Addy Falgoust, talks about her experiences teaching people about Yellowstone’s marvels and what it’s like to live and work in the park during winter. View definitions and links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

How would you pronounce Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi? See if you got it right by listening to today’s guest, Pat Bigelow. Years ago, Pat intended to spend one summer in Montana—until she landed a seasonal job working on Yellowstone Lake. Now, she’s a fisheries biologist with decades of experience studying and restoring native fish to the park’s waters. Learn more about fish management in Yellowstone at go.nps.gov/YELLFishMgmt View definitions & links discussed in this episode at go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast

What do park rangers actually do? And how can you get involved? Tune in as we – Yellowstone park rangers Jake, Brett, Miles, and Ashton – introduce the park's brand-new podcast, "What We Do." A tip for our listeners: If you want to work for the National Park Service, start by creating an account on USAjobs.gov, building your resume, and searching for open positions within the NPS. Visit go.nps.gov/WhatWeDoPodcast for more info. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring park employees beginning March 20!