#WeAreFWS
So Crazy it Just Might Work
What nearly 40 years of public service taught me about work-life balance
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) is a chance to learn about the important contribution public servants make and why they have chosen public service careers. Fisheries biologist Doug Olson shares his career perspectives along with some words of wisdom for the next generation of conservationists.
Looking back on your career, how did your career path expectations reflect the reality? How did you succeed? What was the greatest surprise?
During my first five years of employment, I was unsure where my career path would lead. I worked temporary, limited duration and seasonal jobs with state and private industry in Washington and Oregon. To succeed, I tried to listen more than I talked but also learned that sometimes you have to “toot your own horn” for others to listen. If nothing is shared, nothing is learned. My course work helped me with problem solving, idea generation and to creatively address questions. Working with others from many backgrounds, keeping a sense of humor, and kindness were also important aspects in achieving success.
You’ve seen an immense amount of change during your career, what do you see as the greatest opportunities and challenges in the future?
I think the greatest opportunities are realized when people from diverse backgrounds come together for community building. I also think we can learn a lot by “working in the boots of others” through job details, temporary assignments, and volunteering. The continual challenge is being open to new ideas and recognizing that there are alternative ways to get meaningful accomplishments. Looking at aquaculture on a macrolevel, we have many opportunities to finding smart solutions to challenges of a changing climate.
Who most influenced your career and how? What lessons can be learned from your experience of passing on lessons-learned from one generation to the next?
My parents were hugely influential in my career. My mom’s mantra for me was: “Get an education, do it now while you’re young.” And after college, Dad counseled me to: “Take that fisheries job, even though it is away from home, you need to think about your career.” And, of course, my wife and best friend encouraged me to “suck it up” when I was pondering a move to the Portland-metro area. Needless to say, I followed her advice and we are still here all these years later.
I have been lucky enough to have some really impactful teachers in my life. An elementary school teacher once told me: “People may doubt what you say but they will always believe what you do” and also imparted on me three important questions to ask when determining the direction of your life: What do you want? What are you doing? Do they match?
I will also never forget the moment a professor from Grays Harbor College said to me: “Sometimes education and jobs are just a ticket to get to a better place, but when someone asks you to do something, do it to the best of your ability.”
I think doing your best is wise advice for any generation and I also think that taking measured risks is important. When deciding how to evaluate our national fish hatcheries and facilities for balancing production for harvest, conservation and climate change — something no one had attempted before — a brilliant colleague of mine said “It’s so crazy it just might work!”
What were the most significant events that impacted your career and fisheries?
I have always been surrounded by water and others have said that fisheries is in my DNA. My father worked for more than 40 years for the US Army Corps of Engineers as a deck-hand and skipper of survey boat Mamala in Grays Harbor, Washington. I grew up in Wishkah Valley and spent my summers camping, floating and snorkeling in the Wynoochee River and I remember fondly razor clamming with other families. As a recent graduate from the University of Washington, I was enrolled in the Environmental Internship Program with Puget Power then worked seasonal jobs for ODFW Columbia River Research. As I learned more about fisheries science and aquaculture, I was shaped both personally and professionally by my work for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and, of course, my work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which still influences me nearly four decades later.
The world of fisheries — and the world at large — has undergone many changes during my career. From landmark court rulings like U.S. v Washington and U.S. v Oregon and Columbia River development to the impact of climate change and COVID-19 on conservation, I have learned that while not everything can be anticipated, we can adapt to change.
My advice to the fish biologists of the future is this: Chart your path, imagine the future but build in flexibility. Practice patience and perseverance. Recognize that some things are not in your control. Know your core values. Be active outside of daily work. Exercise. Support environmental and social justice. Read. Breathe.
How have the fundamentals of the profession changed over the years and will it change in the future?
I am happy to say that we now have a greater diversity of people and programs involved in the fisheries field and I am confident that will continue. I think technology will also continue to move us toward more virtual meetings and trainings. Management style has changed too. We have circled around from top-down, to bottom-up, then back to top-down styles. The most effective style I found was team based work groups that included both young professionals and seasoned veterans, including both upper management and field staff.
What can the veterans and the young professionals do to make the transition easier and more effective?
Mentorships and relationships. We need to make it easier for young professionals to work with seasoned veterans. We can provide temporary assignments for young professionals to work in higher graded positions. For those interested in advancing, I would recommend volunteering for activities outside your normal work routine. Volunteer to work on projects that involve a diverse multi-generational team, on a project that you are passionate about. Participate in professional societies/groups like American Fisheries Society. Embrace both the older and younger generations. Continue to balance work and life — it’s possible!
