Staff Spotlight: Melvin Dickson
The Conservation and Environmental
Lands Management department has many uniforms. The Parks and Preserves are of
course what people expect, but there’s also the Bakas Equestrian Center, the
grounds of the Veteran’s Memorial Park, Camp Bayou outdoor learning center, and
your Hillsborough County boat ramps!
These boat ramps are your gateway to
water recreation, and we want them used safely and consciously for boaters and
the environment. The man behind this magic is Melvin Dickson.
“In blue skies, I’m the Safety,
Security, and Logistics Manager for CELM. I’m responsible for the management of
the Marine Safety Unit, Park Deputies, and Stand-Alone Boat Ramps, and
logistics as it relates to acquiring, and facilitating new innovations for the
department.”
Before Melvin joined Hillsborough
County two years ago, he spent 24 years in active duty service with the
Navy. Because of that experience, of course his favorite days at
work are the ones he gets to go out on the water with Marine Safety officers
Steve and AJ. Who could blame him?
Melvin’s job is pretty different than
you may be used to reading in the Staff Spotlight, we asked him what it’s like
being in charge of a section of the department that’s not a park or preserve –
but just as vital and busy.
“It's challenging yet rewarding to see
the progress we've made from educating our teammates in Boating School to
upgrades and improvements at the boat ramps, with more exciting projects
underway to bring about innovation for citizens as well as the hardworking
personnel in CELM.”
Boating School helps the staff working
at parks or preserves to hone their skills operating vessels and navigating the
waters throughout the county. This helps the staff on assignments clearing
downed trees from waterways you want to traverse, locating kayakers lost in
mangrove islands, and more.
What’s his favorite site? The Courtney
Campbell Boat Ramp,
“The entire area reminds me of fishing
trips that I used to take with my dad back in the great state of South
Carolina.”
“Earlier you said 'In blue skies' –
does your job change when there are tropical storms and hurricanes?”
“Yes, in grey skies my official title
as Emergency Support Manager for Conservation, Compliance, and Communities
takes hold and I lead the Emergency effort for the CCC team during times of
activation.”
“What does that mean for citizens of
Hillsborough county?”
“During disaster activation, my fellow
county employees and I work tirelessly around the clock to ensure safety to the
residents, facilities, and properties throughout the county. We then make a
quick turnaround to get operations, sites, and services open and running again
for the public. Often with little to no rest in between. We are indeed One
Team, One Mission, and One Hillsborough!”
“That’s quite a challenge, what are
some other challenges you face at work on a more normal basis?”
“Being able to provide citizens with
quick answers to their concerns. I value each that I receive but, in some
cases, it takes more time than I would like to provide a viable solution that
works for both the citizen and the county.”
When he’s not being a rock star out on the water or ensuring our safety, Melvin likes to spend time with his family, reading the Word, traveling, watching sports, and playing golf.
Lastly, we asked Melvin if he had any
advice for new hires.
“An exciting career awaits you in CELM
and for the County. The work can at times be hard, but it is definitely
worthwhile. The friendships that you make here will last for years to come.”
If you see Melvin around the county,
be sure to say hello!
