Staff Spotlight, Rachael Weaver
The cadre of new park service professionals
In March 2023, Ranger Rachael Weaver decided to make a career change from working in the automotive industry to pursuing her passion: the wild Florida.
She brought to the team strong skills in visitor services and extensive knowledge of vehicles and parts, giving her a keen eye in spotting preventative maintenance on park vehicles they become problematic. Rachael is a dynamic ranger that craves learning and doing more, proving a quick and proficient study in plumbing, electrical, animal husbandry and overseeing volunteers.
After hurricanes Helene and Milton she organized and managed a volunteer cleanup day focusing on beautifying the Visitor Center's tram station, one of the first places visitors see at the beginning of their park visit. Rachael is extremely organized and took on the massive project of "putting all things similar together" (nuts, bolts, washers, screws, and more) in the maintenance shop. She oversees the repairs and maintenance on 23 daily use park radios and the inventory, ordering, and replacement of park signs.
While she came in with maintenance skills, she has found her true inspiration in interpretation. She has created successful programs including bringing Florida Forest Service in on Earth Day to assist in inspiring visitors about longleaf pine trees and the importance of conserving natural habitats. Rachael has also created multiple pop-up programs, conducts roving interpretation in the park, and headed up “Reading With A Ranger." She quickly completed all interpretation trainings and is a Certified Interpretive Guide. Her willingness to fill in whenever and wherever needed makes her a go-to for management.
Park Manager Marla Chancey states "Ranger Rachael is part of the cadre of new park service professionals that are the future for the Florida Park Service. Her love of the diversity of a day, interpretation, the importance of supporting co-workers and teamwork, solid work ethic, combined with a commitment to grow and learn to be a better park service professional makes me proud of her every day."
Ranger Rachael has found a forever home with the Florida Park Service and we are fortunate to have her on Team Homosassa.