Where Are They Now? Alumni Highlight: Jacqueline Boorom
Jacqueline served as a Field Specialist in 2022 for the Field Crew Program in Iowa! During that year, Jacqueline helped train in several crews and completed many natural resources projects, but also was deployed on disaster response teams and got experience in wildfire response out of state! Read more about how these experiences led Jacqueline to a career as a wildland firefighter in Colorado.
What kind of work did you do when you were in the Corps?
I served as a Field Specialist which allowed me to gain a ton of valuable experiences in trail building, invasive removal, and my favorite: disaster relief for International Falls, MN and Ft Meyers,FL.
What did you do immediately after your term with the Corps?
I worked as an Arborist for 2 years to get my finances in order (paying for a degree will do that to you!) and then I landed a local position as a Wildland Firefighter in Colorado.
Where are you now?
Wildland Firefighter for Elk Creek Fire Rescue.
What kind of work do you do?
I serve as a wildland firefighter, but when I am not chasing fires on mountains I do project work which entails fire mitigation for local communities, backcountry rescues, fuel sampling, and assisting on EMT calls.
Were there any particularly memorable or challenging experiences during your time in the Corps?
There are too many! The experiences that stand out are getting red carded by the MN DNR and serving on two disaster relief deployments. Going to fire camp made me realize I found my calling in wildland firefighting.
I was grateful to have helped people in flooding and hurricane relief efforts and bring a little bit of light and hope to those affected in their darkest of times.
What was the most personally meaningful part of your experience with Conservation Corps?
The most meaningful part was all the beautiful parks I got to travel to, the networking opportunities, as well as having two rockstar bosses (Hey DeWitt and Amy!) that took a personal interest in my career growth, something that is not very common in the job market. I look back fondly on my experience with the Corps because it opened many doors for me down the road.
How did the experience shape your career/life?
The people that would hire me after my time with the Corps were Corps Alumni, and I truly believe my experience with the Corps ensured job security in that sense.
I also grew on a personal level having worked with people from very different beliefs and personality types from myself. This allowed me to refine my leadership skills and be able to work with all walks of life.
How did you use your education award?
I used it to pay off the remaining balance on my university bill that allowed me to officially graduate!
What advice would you give to current members?
Oh boy where do I begin! My advice would be to be a sponge and to network network network. Become a professional team player even if you are having a hard time with crew dynamics. Put all personal stuff aside and work to achieve the mission with your crew.
If you can be trainable and a respectful collaborator in a team, it will take you many many places. I would recommend using this time to reflect on areas of growth and setting aside as much as you can in a Roth IRA. The monthly stipend taught me the importance of making a budget and thinking about next steps because time flies!!!! Enjoy all of it while it lasts and take as many photos and videos as possible!
Any other experiences or stories you would like to share?
I served in the Corps in a very transitional period in my life. The Corps helped keep me sane through a very challenging time in our country. Working in the woods is one hell of a medicine. I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do, how to get over a long-term relationship, how to get crew dynamics in a healthy and professional space, and getting more physically fit to meet the demands of the job (hauling limestone uphill for trail building is no cake walk!) My experience in the Corps was a pivotal time in my 20’s that allowed me to gain certifications that increased my earning potential tenfold.
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