Introducing In The Field With OAI!
We're excited to launch our new monthly employee spotlight series, where we will introduce the talented people behind OAI's mission. Each month, one employee will share their story, career path, and experiences through a selection of questions. Stay tuned as we introduce the incredible people who make OAI a great place to work.
We kick off the series with long-time OAI employee Lynn Evans, who supports the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, CA...
My name is Lynn Evans and I work at Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, CA. I was hired September 4, 2007, to work for 6 months as a Travel Coordinator for the Protected Resource Division, which was renamed the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division in Fall 2007 and have been with OAI for the duration. The majority of my work is still as a travel coordinator, with a sprinkling of procurement, along with submitting manuscripts and tech memos through the RPTS system to the NOAA Library.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your job? While most people consider travel to involve securing reservations, ticketing and processing vouchers, this position is a mixture of processing trips (a given), but mostly, it is listening to others and finding out what their needs are; logistics for a project, possible cost savings or legal compliance, find options on venues or flights, and then there are the personal needs of the traveler. Timing, physical limitations, dietary restrictions, reimbursable options, traveling with others; finding just the right need to match their want. This job involves building relationships with travelers, other agents, and funding offices. What do you enjoy most about your work? What surprises even me is that after all this time, no two days are alike; it's a constantly moving puzzle. When scientists share side stories of their day or trip—what worked, what they experienced—the barrier between the science group and the administrative curtains lowers. We are all working on the same side; that helps lower guards and both sides and build stronger connections.
For a non-science person at this Science Center - it's the story telling that has surprised me. I'm learning about the traveler themself and their project, their mission. It breaks down the analysis into a personal experience. The shadowy jargon is replaced by the passion. That's a good day. Also, when foreign vouchers balance, that is also a joy! How did you get into this field or career path? How did I get into this career - crazy luck! My background is in Theatre/Productions and finance. Have worked box office, been a Group Sales Manager, a dresser, a stage manager, Production Assistant, camera operator on set. Theatre and studio work doesn't always pay the bills, so there were a few years I worked in banking. Similar to what I do now, trying to find out what the need is and then some way to get there. This is why I enjoy a balanced sheet. Also, I'm a Libra. Guess it goes with the territory. What has been one of your most memorable experiences on the job? After being in this position since 2007 I have to admit that one of the most thrilling memories was from this year' Piedras Blancas trip. Jeff Moore and I were on watch, the cool afternoon was winding down with yet again no trace of any grey whale moms and calves when for a good half hour, the humpbacks put on an explosive show with lunge feeding. Watching the sea gulls circle, seeing the humpbacks travel together - then surge - gulp - then travel a bit further down and again and again hunting - lunge - gulp - dive - surface. This will always stay in my memory. It is so important to go out into the field and watch and listen to the others, they are the experts. It makes the connection of what work I am doing on paper; it comes alive to the meaning and the mission of the agency. It's not abstract. This is real, not a report. Whenever you can make that connection, then the work becomes whole.
The other memory is of the staff; the Giants in their field, world renown, that are just a teacher in heart. Staff who have left this world and wish we could sit down and have another cup of coffee with them; to the new person who looks lost because you know how that feels. The memories of people and their passions.
My heart loves the beach almost as much as it loves New York. I can breathe there...and yep, I have walked in the Macy's Day Parade as a Cowgirl on one of the coldest, wettest days. But I was in front of Santa and the reindeer—a good trade-off.
All in all, I have been blessed to have found my way here....