Staff Spotlight- Ray Dominguez

 Whether you go hiking, riding, bird watching or kayaking in our conservation parks, you may not have had the opportunity to speak with our staff. More than 140 staff members staff and manage Hillsborough County's Conservation Parks and Nature Preserves, 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 and nature preserves 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!

Ray Dominguez joined the CELM department in July of 2022. Previously, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of South Florida. Like many of us, Ray was not entirely sure what he wanted to do, or COULD do, after graduating. He found himself joining an AmeriCorps trail crew, and before he knew it, he received his certifications in wildland firefighting and chainsaw use, along with a great year of field experience. Feeling like he found his passion, he became a park ranger with the Florida Park Service.

Now, Ray works as an Environmental Lands Management Technician for the Environmental Lands Management section of CELM. He is a member of the Central Team conducting land management activities at Nature Preserves such as Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve, and Triple Creek Nature Preserve. Land management is a tough job, and his long list of duties include assisting with prescribed fire, removing invasive species, and repairing infrastructure. When asked about his favorite part of the job, Ray said,

“I think it’s the many ways teamwork can show itself. I enjoy being a part of a team myself, so it feels good to know you have a reliable team and members in it. Days go by quick, and you also learn a lot and enjoy it a bit more. I feel like I wouldn’t have learned as much as I have this past year without the people I sweat and work so hard with every day.”

In addition to teamwork, Ray feels that collaboration is one of the most important elements of the department. He enjoys learning how other teams are operating because it can offer a new perspective or teach a trick to improve the quality of work. His advice to new employees is to take things slowly. “Doing it right the first time feels so much better than having to go back and fix or even redo something. Taking your time keeps you safe, but also avoids slip-ups.” 

Perhaps his most sage piece of advice? Having a reliable water bottle for those hot Florida field days.

One of Ray’s favorite on-the-job experiences so far was watching bald eagles that live at his favorite preserve, Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve. “It just felt so special seeing them fly about together in and around the small cypress dome and surrounding pines.” 

When he is not at work, Ray enjoys perusing thrift and record stores. He loves getting fresh produce at weekends markets to make meals to share with loved ones. A true Florida native, he also enjoys heading to the beach or playing basketball with friends. Of course, we can't leave out Pita and Jojo, his two cats. 

The next time you find yourself in a nature preserve in the central part of the county, keep an eye open for Ray and be sure to give him a wave! We sure are glad he found a place with us in CELM.