Podcasts

Season 3 | Young Professionals in Forestry and Natural Resources | Episode 18

#53 | All foresters are de facto leaders in natural resources

December 6, 2017 | Ian Fox

Ian Fox earned a B.S. in Forest Resource Management from the University of Tennessee, and he’s currently the Natural Resource Staff Officer for the Cibola National Forest and Natural Grasslands in New Mexico. On this show, Ian discusses why he loves forestry, how foresters are ‘de facto leaders’ in natural resources, and why you have to take the initiative to find good talent; they don’t just come to you. Ian adds that as a forester, you have to be a jack of all trades in natural resources.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] A quick intro about Ian’s background.

[1:55] How did Ian first get started in forestry?

[3:45] When Ian left college, what kinds of jobs did he get hired for?

[6:40] What makes the Cibola National Forest in New Mexico so unique?

[9:05] How does Ian assist Native Americans in the area?

[11:35] The best way to really do some good work here is to partner with the local communities, who already have a longstanding tradition with nature.

[12:10] It all boils down to relationship building, listening, understanding, and respect.

[16:20] What is Ian most proud of in his career so far?

[18:40] What has Ian learned about leadership and working with other people?

[20:25] As a forester, regardless of what field you might have picked, you have to be a jack of all trades. You have to know what resources are available to you.

[24:50] What do the good leaders get right in their management style?

[27:55] Did Ian ever have mentors throughout his career?

[32:00] What is Ian’s advice for young professionals?

[34:10] In forestry, you need at least six years to really see the true outcome of a project.

[34:20] Where does Ian see the profession going in the next couple of years?

[40:25] You’ve got to work for your talent pool. You have to get yourself out there and find the talent.

[41:30] Ian highly recommends The Art of War, by Sun Tzu.

[44:45] Ian wishes that he was more open to accepting challenges when he was new in his career.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Fs.usda.gov/cibola
The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
The USDA Forest Service: The First Century, by Gerald W. Williams