As a young girl, Kerry O’Neil dreamed of being a veterinarian, vulcanologist or monster truck driver. As she got older and her family spent more time visiting state parks like Sky Meadows and Kiptopeke state parks, Kerry’s career choices shifted. Although she was not sure of her career path, she knew she wanted to use her environmental studies degree to work in the great outdoors.

Kerry O’Neil serves as the Piedmont Region Resource Specialist with Virginia State Parks.

As she got closer to graduation and a career path still eluded her, a friend of Kerry’s sent her a link to a natural resource crew position in our AmeriCorps program*, the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps. The position was her introduction to resource management with Virginia State Parks. The AmeriCorps crew focused on maintaining natural resources including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, trails and creating habitats for various animals living in the parks. Through this AmeriCorps position, Kerry was able to identify her dream job.

Kerry has worked hard to make her dreams come to life.

Finding her resource management calling

After finishing her time with AmeriCorps, she was offered a job as the Resource Specialist Assistant  in the Piedmont Region of Virginia State Parks. The assistant position allowed Kerry to continue to grow in her knowledge and experience. By the time the position opened, Kerry was ready. Since then, she has become a Virginia State Parks Burn Boss. To be designated as a Burn Boss, the employee must complete hours in the classroom as well as hours of hands-on experience managing the prescribed burn process in the parks.

Prescribed fire is one of the many tools the resource management crew use in Virginia State Parks.

Advice for girls

I asked Kerry if she had any advice for young girls wanting to pursue a career in state parks or resource management. She shared, “Don't be afraid to get out there and get dirty... Why should the boys have all the fun?! You can do or be anything you want in this world - don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. Don't feel intimidated if you're the only girl in the room and when you find others, support and uplift each other!”

*The AmeriCorps Virginia Service and Conservation Corps program was discontinued in 2024. If you're interested in a similar opportunity, please check our Careers page for internships and seasonal positions. Or start as a volunteer; information is on our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Youth should look into the Youth Conservation Corps program, which also needs adults to serve as crew leaders. More information is on our Youth Conservation Corps page.