Robyn Broyles is the Fire Communication and Education Specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the national interagency fire center in Boise, Idaho. In Robyn’s role, she focuses on the accomplishments of the Indian country’s wildland fire management and aviation programs.
Robyn is also a tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Find out more about Robyn and her role with the BIA on this week’s episode!
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:50] A quick intro about Robyn’s background.
[3:40] Robyn shares what she does for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
[8:15] Robyn gives an insightful overview of what the fire management team does.
[12:05] Everything is tightly woven together, you can’t have fire management without timber management, and you can’t have timber management without vegetation management.
[16:20] Has Robyn moved around a lot due to her job?
[20:00] Robyn had to overcome her fear of heights during training.
[24:55] What is the wildland fire community like?
[27:45] How can someone get started in wildland fire?
[31:15] Robyn shares how you can get experience in this field. You don’t have to start from the bottom. The fire community is always looking for mid-level experience!
[34:25] What kinds of challenges has Robyn faced so far in her career?
[38:15] What’s it like being part of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)?
[41:45] Robyn shares the kinds of mentors she’s had over the years who have made an impact on her.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Dan Smith is the Fire Director for the National Association of State Foresters. He is the Wildland Fire Representative for 50 states and 8 territories at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. In this role, Dan works collaboratively with the Federal Wildland Fire Directors and serves as a member of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, which provides wildland fire response on a national level. Dan shares leadership advice, some of the challenges the fire community is facing, and so much more!
Key Takeaways:
[1:10] A message from Leadership Nature.
[1:55] A quick intro about Dan’s background.
[3:25] How did Dan first get started in his fire career?
[7:35] Dan shares a little bit of history about NWCG.
[10:55] What are some of the best ways to get qualified in this field?
[14:35] What kind of work is Dan up to these days?
[17:40] Dan shares a little bit about his work history and some of the most memorable moments of his career.
[21:40] What are some of the rewards and challenges of being in wildland fire?
[29:00] Each fire has a lesson learned; how does Dan transfer those lessons into practical training for his team?
[31:45] Where is the direction that the fire community is going and what additional challenges has the community come across, over the years?
[35:00] Getting communities educated about forest health is an uphill climb.
[37:50] Dan offers some leadership advice, wisdom, and tips.
Mentioned in This Episode: