File:Name- Susan Guiteras (25404996530).jpg

English: Name: Susan Guiteras

Title: Supervisory Wildlife Biologist

Duty station: Coastal Delaware National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Bombay Hook NWR and Prime Hook NWR)

Amount of time worked in public service: 16 years

How much of this at USFWS? All 16 years

Female Conservation Hero or Mentor? Why?

This may not be the answer you’re looking for, but honestly… I am so impressed with the all the talented female refuge biologists and refuge managers we have in the Northeast region. There are a lot of us, and I have always felt like it brings not just impressive skill and experience to our work, but an extra amount of cooperation and comradery. I think that sense of connection important for a national agency, where so often we are at our own station focused on local projects and issues. I can honestly say I have many good friends who wear this uniform. We’ve shared professional knowledge, support, and life experiences. Knowing them and working with them makes me want to do better, everyday.

When you began your career, did you ever see yourself working for the USFWS?

I was very fortunate to land a permanent full-time position with the USFWS right out of graduate school. At the time I was just applying for opportunities that came along, without much thought. But it’s all I’ve ever known and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

The mission of the USFWS is “Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people” How do you contribute to this mission?

One of the main duties of my position is to coordinate projects that involve many partners. This is taking place in a big way right now, with the monitoring program associated with our tidal marsh restoration at Prime Hook NWR, as well as some tidal marsh research being conducted by a nearby university at Bombay Hook NWR. I’m in awe of the many state, academic, and fellow USFWS partners who are each contributing something unique to our understanding, and in turn our management, of our natural resources. It is truly a pleasure to serve as a liaison to the work they are doing on our behalf.

It takes a special person to dedicate their lives to public service. Why did you choose this path?

I am and have always been a “people person.” I never lose sight of the fact that I’m doing this work on behalf of others – some who thank us often, and some who may not even know we exist. I also enjoy working with young adults who are seeking a career in this field, and mentoring is a little like the valuable public service of teaching.

What is a special memory you have of working at the USFWS?

Oh, there are too many to name! But most of them involve water, a boat, and usually at least one fellow USFWS woman. Whether it’s laughing because the boat is stuck, enjoying a truly gorgeous day in the field, of enjoying some social time after a work meeting. It’s the people.