鈥淎ssertive communication is one of the best skills you can learn. Don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out and let people know what you want in your career and your life,鈥� Wildlife Inspection Canine Handler Amanda Dickson.
What is your primary work focus?
I work with my canine partner to find undeclared and smuggled wildlife.
Why do you believe your job makes a positive difference?
My job makes a positive difference because we intercept illegal trafficking of wildlife and educate the public about buying wildlife and wildlife products.
What was your career path that brought you to the Service?
I went to college for animal behavior and always wanted to work with animals. When I graduated college, paying jobs in my field were practically nonexistent so I took a job with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. At the academy a wildlife inspector spoke to our class, and I knew it was what I wanted to do. I applied a few times and four years later I got hired. It was a great way to combine my passion, education, and my work experience.
What are you most proud of?
My first canine Lancer found over a dozen shipments of smuggled live turtles, saving more than 200 turtles from inhumane smuggling conditions.
What advice would you give to a young woman who is thinking about pursuing a career in wildlife law enforcement?
Do it! Get a good education and don鈥檛 be afraid to take a job that isn鈥檛 exactly what you want because it can still open other doors for you.
How does the danger of your job affect your loved ones?
I don鈥檛 think my job is usually that dangerous.
What challenges did you overcome to get where you are today?
I used to be really shy. Some of the best advice I ever received was from my 5th grade teacher who told me to step outside of my comfort zone. I decided to overcome my shyness by taking a job as a waitress while I was in high school, and it changed my life. Now I love talking to people.
- Written by Wildlife Inspector Canine Handler Amanda Dickson, OLE Comms Team
