Careers at DEC

Kristin Brown is a College Intern for the Division of Spill Prevention & Response's Contaminated Sites Program, located in Juneau, Alaska.

Studies

I am studying Marine Biology at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau.

During DEC

I have been working in the Contaminated Sites Program since January 2012. Most of my work involves updating the coordinates of Southeast Alaska sites to be displayed in our internal and public ArcGIS maps and providing support to the Institutional Controls Unit. I think I would say that my favorite part of my job is the team of people I work with – they are all such wonderful people to be around and collaborate with, and have taught me all the great skills and knowledge needed for my position!

After DEC

With both school and work, I don't have a whole lot of free time! But when I do get time (that isn't dedicated to after-hours school work and studying), I can usually be found running, swimming, hiking with my dog, and on the rare occasion, just relaxing.

Fun Facts

• I love playing Apples to Apples, especially with a large group. It's fun to learn everyone's sense of humor.
• I have not visited many places in Alaska, but so far my favorite place was Prince of Wales Island – I particularly loved Naukati Bay.

Haley Hanzawa is a College Intern for the Division of Water Quality's Administration and Information Program, located in Juneau, Alaska.

Studies

I am currently studying at University of Alaska Southeast, majoring in marine biology and minoring in gender studies. About once a semester I participate in hands-on learning of the art of Zombie Apocalypse Survival.

During DEC

I am an intern in DEC's Division of Water Administration and Information programs in the Juneau office and I am still learning what I "do-" some web-posting, occasionally writing things down, and placer mine entries that just won't die.

After DEC

After work and school I enjoy crocheting, writing and Pokemon (the new games come out in October- so excited)

Fun Facts

• Place I'd like to visit: Neptune. It's got diamond-rain. Sounds painful to stand in, but I bet it's something worth seeing from beneath a steel umbrella.
• Funniest moment at DEC: One day when I had finished all of my work about an hour early, my boss jokingly suggested I scan my face and send it to everyone. He really meant was that he was going to send me some more work. After twenty minutes of looking for something to do he gave up, "Nevermind, our website's perfect. Get back to scanning your face."

Laurel Gale is a College Intern for the Division of Spill Prevention & Response's Contaminated Sites Program, located in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Studies

I am attending University of Alaska Fairbanks studying for my Master's in Natural Resource Management.

During DEC

I currently intern in the Contaminated Sites Department at DEC. My favorite part of my job is having the knowledge that what I do helps in protecting our natural resources, which can be a bit more challenging in an arctic environment. Previously, I worked in the Environmental Toxicology program at US Fish & Wildlife Service as a Biological Technician. Beginning in June 2010, I worked the Mississippi -252 Gulf Oil Spill in 2010, on the Natural Resource Damage and Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) team. This position gave me a lot of background knowledge regarding contamination issues in our environment and the arduous process of remediation, assessing the damage to wildlife and the environment, and learning how different toxins can affect ecosystems. After I graduated last spring, I applied and made the move to DEC. I love my job! Since I have been here, I have learned so much about the technical aspects of the Contaminated Sites and the different steps which must be taken to enforce our State laws and policies.

After DEC

On my own time, I am a very busy wife and mother of three beautiful children, as well as a full-time graduate student. We spend most of our free time playing outdoors. I try very hard to make a good balance between work, school, and family. It's a juggling act!

Fun Facts

• If I could visit anywhere I wanted I would visit Africa to see the wildlife. It has always been a dream of mine.
• My favorite place in Alaska is Prince William Sound. Being on the water reminds me of being home in the Great Lakes, but I have all the mountainous scenery and charismatic mega-fauna!

Jennifer Baker is a College Intern for the Division of Water Quality's Municipal Grants and Loans Program, located in Anchorage, Alaska.

Studies

I am attending school in Anchorage at UAA and studying Civil Engineering and I have a previous degree in Biology from UAA.

During DEC

I work with the Division of Water Municipal Grants and Loans program and help with file management, drafting approvals, and providing baked goods to everyone on the 4th floor.

After DEC

Outside of work I enjoy running and baking. I can usually be found on the coastal trail if the temperature is bearable.

Fun Facts

• If I could visit anywhere it would be Africa so I could hike Kilimanjaro and learn to run with the Africans.
• My favorite book is The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho.