Staff

Chris Lee

Employed with DMCC since November 2008

Education

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Ecology with a minor in Forestry from Iowa State University.
• Master Conservationist
• Master Woodland Manager 

Why did you choose this particular line of work?

"I grew up hunting, fishing, camping and spending a lot of time outdoors. I feel it is important to care for the land upon which we are dependent for our very existence and which gives so much to us in the way of pure enjoyment. By being part of an organization that is dedicated to the sustainability of natural resources, I'm not only doing my part to give back to the land, but I'm helping to ensure that others have the same opportunities I had to love and enjoy the outdoors."

What do you like most about your job?

"The people. Every day I get to work with some of the most dedicated conservationists and educators I've ever met. I also get to meet people in our parks that, like me, love being outdoors and it's very satisfying to know that I played a part in providing them a place to seek that enjoyment."

Jeff Breuer

Employed with DMCC since January 2017

Education

• Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Community College
• Associate of Science degree from Southeastern Community College
• Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Illinois University
• Master Conservationist
• Master Woodlands Steward Program

Why did you choose this particular line of work?

"Growing up in Des Moines County I have had the opportunity to utilize many of the resources our office manages. This was a great opportunity for me to merge my professional background in marketing and design with a cause I feel strongly about."

What do you like most about your job?

Seeing the "behind the scenes" aspect of how some of our projects develop from concept to reality.

Tanner Grimm

Employed with DMCC since October 2016

Education

• B.S. In Environmental Science from American Military University
• Certified Hunter Education Instructor
• Certified Wildland Firefighter
• Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator
• Class A CDL

Why did you choose this particular line of work?

I choose this line of work because of my passion for the outdoors. I want to be able to make a difference for the future generations to be able to enjoy the outdoors like I have always been able to do.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most about this job is seeing the younger generation out in our parks enjoying the areas that we manage and maintain. Helping the younger generation learn more about outdoor recreation. Lastly I just enjoy being outside every day.

Tanner Gebhardt

Employed with DMCC since May 2022

Education

B.S. in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University
S-130/190 Wildland Firefighter Certification
Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification

Why did you choose this particular line of work?

I chose this line of work because as a young kid I enjoyed doing everything outdoors, having a family cabin on the Mississippi River I found I had a great deal of interest in wildlife and natural resources. My uncle had graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Animal Ecology, the stories of what his work entailed always sounded like it was the best job in the world. He is really what sparked my interest in making a career in conservation and sent me down the path of where I am today.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most about my job is seeing the beneficial impact that you can have on the landscape. Being able to plant native grasses, provide food plots for wildlife, remove invasive species, and observing the positive effects these have on the ecosystem is extremely rewarding. 

Cade Roland

Education

Mediapolis HS graduate

HVAC type 1 and 2

624 kr tram operator

Why did you choose this line of work?

Over the years I assisted with minor task/ events and I finally wanted to go fully in-depth with the job.

What do you like most about your job?

My favorite part about my job is the ability to work with the community and giving back to them.

Jacklyn Wolken

Education

AAS degree in Parks and Natural Resources from Kirkwood Community College, 2020

Why did you choose this line of work?

From a young age I was drawn to the natural world and enjoyed spending time outdoors. I was usually found catching bugs or stomping through the snow. I really enjoyed when the naturalist would come into school and share programs or lead field trips out at the parks. I think what really pulled me into this line of work was visiting parks and getting plenty of outdoor exposure at a young age, whether it was with my parents for a hike or on a field trip with school.

What do you like most about your job?

My favorite part about my job is exploring our parks with students. This is my favorite part because I get to see the natural world from their point of view. Doing this also brings me back to where my passion started as a kid and keeps it alive. Working with students and connecting them with nature makes me feel like I am making an impact.

Marcus Nack

Employed with DMCC since May 2020

Education

• Associate of Science Degree - College of DuPage
• Bachelors of Science Degree - Environmental Education and Interpretation - University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
• Master's of Science Degree - Environmental Education and Interpretation - University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Why did you choose this line of work?

Since before I could walk, my family and I would spend all our free time camping, fishing, hunting, and doing everything to do with outdoor recreation. There are literally pictures of me ice fishing from a bucket that is as big as me. This is a pretty difficult task considering the limited accessibility of the Chicago suburbs. My passions for camping and fishing took me to the Northwoods of the U.P. of Michigan and Wisconsin where I learned to hunt. With this combination of accessibility and recreation, I felt that everyone should have the opportunity pursue joy, knowledge, outdoor skills, wonder, and discovery the way that I have. I chose to pursue a life in conservation to preserve places for recreation, to pursue knowledge and wonder, and to enable others interact with the natural world in a deeper meaningful way.

What do you like most about your job?

It is remarkable to watch people find excitement in the county parks. The best part of my job is to watch the impact of programming on community members, and to see visitors enjoy the parks time and time again.