Staff Spotlight - Terrell "Terry" Brownlee
Even if you go hiking, riding, bird watching or kayaking in our conservation parks, you may not have had the opportunity to speak with our staff. Just under 120 staff members staff and manage Hillsborough County's Conservation parks, which are spread out throughout our county. This is an opportunity to meet and learn about the people who work hard to keep the County's conservation parks thriving and beautiful for all to enjoy. Our staff do everything from mowing and fence construction to prescribed fire, invasive species removal, ecological restoration, guided programs and more!
This month's staff spotlight is Park Ranger Terrell "Terry" Brownlee. He began working at Conservation & Environmental Lands Management on 11/22/2002. Before coming to work for Hillsborough County he worked in a window plant.
When Terry came to the department, being a Park Ranger was a very sought after job. It seemed to draw talented applicants with pride in their abilities. There was a lot of respect for someone in the Ranger uniform. Terry got into this field by taking a Civil Service test. His favorite part of his job is being outdoors. He sees that the department is evolving by changing with the times.
Being a Ranger is not as easy as it may seem and not a job for everyone, but being a Ranger is a very important job. Being a steward of the land and wildlife is a very rewarding job. Rangers provide a safe and fun environment for the patrons who visit our Conservation Parks and for the wildlife that live in our parks. The biggest challenge Terry faces at work is enforcing rules to patrons.
Terry has never visited an ELAPP property or preserve and we hope he will have more time to do so after he retires this month. Thank you for almost 20 years in our department. Your dedication to service is much appreciated!
Terry's advice to new and future employees is to have patience, it’s a great job!
