Staff Spotlight - Devin Beatty
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. When fully staffed, Hillsborough County's Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves has almost 200 staff members spread out throughout our county. Our staff spotlight is an opportunity to meet and learn about the people who work hard to keep the County's conservation areas 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!
Devin Beatty began his Hillsborough County career on April 22nd, 2013.
He always had a hankering for nature and when he moved to Florida from traveling with the carnival he knew that the woods was where he wanted to be. It just so happened that his father-in-law worked at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park as a park ranger. His father-in-law asked if he would be interested in working for the parks and Devin applied in December 2012. He received a phone call in the beginning of April and began working by the end of April. He worked in conservation parks for three years.
His favorite part of the job as an Environmental Lands Management Specialist is receiving the satisfaction that the patrons express to us on how good the preserves look. It fills him with joy to see others be happy about the work we do on our lands.
During his tenure with ELM, he has seen many changes in the department, some for the better, some not, but with trial and error the department is moving in the right direction and evolving to keep up with the demands of the patrons with an ever-expanding job.
Some of Devin's hobbies include deer hunting, when it is in season, and playing video games with his daughter.
Devin's favorite ELAPP property is Golden Aster because it was the site he spent most of his time at when he started. It is also where he saw his first burn and spent many hours out there spraying and maintaining it.
Devin's advice to new employees is to come in, do your job, know there is a time for fun and a time for work; be friendly with your coworkers and enjoy your time.
Today was Devin's last day with the department. He and his family will be moving north to Dothan, Alabama to be closer to his in-laws. He is looking forward to new adventures in his future endeavors. We all wish him the best and say "Happy Trails!"
