I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and was lucky enough to have parents that knew the value of the outdoors. I learned to love and appreciate things like camping on the shores of Lake Murray, canoeing down the Tahlequah River, hunting in Childress, and fishing anywhere there was water.
My dad bought a bass boat when I was in middle school, and we joined a bass club. We fished in the club all the way through high school. We rarely won, but the time in the back of that boat is irreplaceable. I learned confidence when I was lucky enough to have a fish to weigh-in, I learned humility when I struggled, I learned how to be truly happy for those that succeeded, and through all the time in between, out on the water, I learned about life.
At the time, I knew I enjoyed these outdoor areas, but I wasn’t mature enough to know how truly important and influential they are. I was going to college to be an accountant and got an entry level job at an accounting firm. One night something clicked, and I turned to my wonderful wife and said, “I don’t want to be an accountant. I want to work at a TPWD (Texas Parks & Wildlife) Fish Hatchery.” At 3 AM, I applied to Texas A&M Galveston to get a Marine Fisheries degree, and I still can’t believe it, but I was accepted.
After relocating my family for three years, I had my degree in hand and applied to my dream job with TPWD and waited for the phone call…All I heard was crickets.
I knew what I wanted to do, but I could not get a yes, let alone an interview. I kept adding positions further out from what I ultimately wanted to do. After three years, I finally got a call to interview for a part-time customer service representative position at Lake Somerville State Park. Interview went well. A couple weeks later, I got a call that I didn’t get the position.
That was it. My last shot. I applied for a postal company, and they hired me. I attended orientation, ready to be the best truck unloader possible, and I got a call from Lake Somerville State Park. The person they selected had backed out, and I was the second choice!
I started at Lake Somerville State Park in June of 2018. After only a couple months, I was promoted to assistant office manager, but something else significant happened. I figured out Texas State Parks are AMAZING. Sure, working at a fish hatchery would allow me to help people enjoy the outdoors, but State Parks were where this actually happened! I had some wonderful leaders and mentors at Lake Somerville State Park who helped me grow over the next four years.
Then I was offered the Assistant Superintendent position at Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo. Truthfully, it feels like a fever dream. Soon after arriving, the Superintendent left, leaving me the interim Superintendent. Palo Duro is a special place and should be on everyone’s bucket list. It felt like ten years’ worth of experience condensed into two years.
I was then able to return to Lake Somerville State Park as Superintendent for two years. The people who gave me a chance and taught me so much were giving me ANOTHER amazing opportunity. I really honed the skills I had learned.
In fall of 2025, I learned the Huntsville State Park Superintendent position would be opening. Much like that night 15 years ago, something clicked, and I knew Huntsville State Park was where I wanted to be. I am so excited about all the opportunities the park has to provide others with the same experiences that shaped me.
My wife Morgan and daughter Kylie have supported me through everything—all the jobs, location changes, late nights, park emergencies, etc.
Park Superintendent of Huntsville State Park (HSP)
I oversee all park operations—from staff leadership and visitor services to resource protection, maintenance, and long‑term planning. I ensure the park runs safely, smoothly, and in alignment with Texas State Park’s mission to conserve natural and cultural resources for future generations.
That’s the “nice official version,” but it’s mainly a support position. We have an amazing group of rangers at the park. We have maintenance experts, reservation experts, purchasing experts, resource specialists, wildlife experts, event experts, etc…
I support them as best I can. This often is through things like park-wide communication, leading meetings, assisting with unique situations, being someone to bounce ideas off of, being an extra pair of hands, and making sure that they get the recognition they deserve.
HSP has it ALL, and you don’t have to drive 5 hours to get to it.
HSP is so many people’s introduction to nature. I think the park’s location has a lot to do with this. Your novice camper/hiker/fisher are less likely to drive five hours for one of their first adventures and often end up at HSP. This can result in a larger number of learning moments, but I couldn’t be happier working at a place this happens so often.
One of my past goals was to see a Painted Bunting, which is a beautiful bird covered in different colors. It took me three years of working in a State Park to see one. Shortly after, the park held a “bring your kid to work day.” I was prepping a UTV at the maintenance shop that morning, and I hear my daughter Kylie say, “That’s a pretty bird.” I look over, and there was a Painted Bunting on a nearby tree. It took me three years to see one, and it took her all of three minutes. When she pointed out a second one later the very same day, I think she was just showing off. 
There is a portion of the Triple C Trail that has been closed since hurricane Harvey. The park is currently working to get the entire trail system open again for the first time in over 8 years. Barring any setbacks, we hope to have the entire trail system open later this year! It is amazing the amount of damage water can do.
The park is also in the process of creating an archery area to have archery interpretive programs. The planned opening is also later this year.
One of my favorite hobbies is board games. I have over 100. You would think I would be good at them, but somehow, I rarely win. The hobby is really enjoying time with family and friends. Board games just provide a fantastic way to do that.
First off…DO IT. I struggle to think of a more rewarding career path. Texas State Parks are filled with passionate people, doing good work, and it’s infectious. It’s not a secret that Texas State Parks are awesome, and there is a healthy amount of job competition.
While a relevant college degree can help (and some positions do require them), State Park experience is extremely valuable but is pretty unique and often difficult to replicate outside of a park setting. Many hires come from people that have simply volunteered. This allows you to learn specific park ranger skills and get to know the staff. Volunteering also gives you an opportunity to try “a day in the life of a Ranger” to confirm the career path you are interested in.
The best way of thinking about Texas State Park Rangers is by separating them into two main tracts – Office Rangers and Field Rangers.
Office Rangers are clerks, customer service reps, office managers. They handle reservations, guest check-ins, sell store items, and are mostly the point of contact for guests. This is the path I took. It helps you learn all the background processes, funding, how you successfully get guests in the park.
Field Rangers are maintenance specialists, utility plant operators, and maintenance supervisors. Each State Park is basically run like a small city and must worry about things like water, sewer, power, grounds upkeep, etc. Field Rangers make sure all these aspects are running for ~150,000 guests a year.
You could also check out other specialty positions like Park Interpreters, who inform the public about park topics, and Resource Specialists, who focus on conserving our natural and cultural resources.
