Ben gained a good deal of experience as an outdoor educator with Landmark Learning, an organization that specializes in training outdoor professionals. He served as paddling instructor, designed the curriculum, and worked to maintain high level of safety. He is a Wilderness EMT, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and a recipient of Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Award. Ben's also an experienced paddler, certified as an American Canoe Association Whitewater Kayak and Swiftwater Rescue Instructor. He received the U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in preserving the environment. He has been working in the outdoors for about seven years.

In His Own Words

The Job
"As Education and Projects Manager for Leave No Trace, Inc., I oversee Leave No Trace's existing educational programs (excluding the Traveling Trainer program) and work to develop new programs and trainings aligned with LNT's mission. I work closely with federal, state, and local land managers and user groups to implement LNT educational programs and forward the LNT message to public land users."

How He Got There
"Growing up in a family where outdoor adventures were commonplace, I gained a true love and respect for the natural world at an early age. Canoeing and camping trips in the hills and mountains of my home state of Tennessee were highlights of my childhood. Through my involvement with Scouting, I continued learning about and enjoying our natural places. As a result of these experiences, I was determined to gain a deeper understanding of how the natural world functions and how I could become a good steward of the land.

"After four years at the University of Tennessee, I graduated with a degree in Natural Resource Management. It was then that I decided that an 800 mile hike on the A.T. would be the next logical step! The summer I spent on the A.T. was one of the best. It gave me a better understanding of how the cumulative actions of many users can degrade the health of the environment and diminish our experience. Following my summer-long hike, I took a job with the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC), in their southern regional office in Asheville, North Carolina.

"I worked as a volunteer for a number of environmental organizations to get experience and make contacts. I read everything I could get my hands on that pertained to what I was interested in. I also spent time in the field, gaining valuable experience while attending the"School of Hard Knocks." I always tried to learn from my mistakes and make sure that it was done right the next time."

How to Get His Job
"Meet as many people in the specific field you are interested in, and make as many contacts as possible. Try to get involved in as many programs and projects as you can that interest you, but make sure you don't spread yourself too thin. You want to be able to do a good job at whatever it is you're working on. If you're interested in a particular organization, volunteer or do an internship for them if possible. The contacts you make will be invaluable. Follow up on contacts and make sure that they know you won't leave them alone until they give you a job or have you arrested! Make sure that you know as much as possible about the organization you want to work for. It will show you've done your homework."

Pros
"Knowing that I'm helping to protect and preserve all the wild places that we share."

Cons
"Having to be in the office on a really nice day, but it goes with the territory."

His Dream Job
"A job where I'm making a difference for something that I believe in."

Do you think there's any danger in your passion becoming your career?
"Yes, I think it's certainly a possibility if you let your job become your life. You've got to be involved in things other than your work or you'll go crazy. Make sure that you separate work from the rest of your life, and give yourself time to enjoy your other interest."

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