Staff Spotlight, Scott Matthewman

Environmental Specialist, Scott Matthewman

Crystal River Preserve State Park

Scott Matthewman is a native Floridian who grew up fishing and exploring in the Everglades. His love for nature and his passion for the environment led him to study biology at the University of Central Florida. When he’s not in uniform planning a prescribed fire or removing invasive plants, he enjoys kayaking, fishing, hiking and anything involved with the outdoors.

Scott has a variety of experience in environmental protection work in Florida. He started out as a fish and wildlife technician for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area in Christmas. Afterward, he joined the traveling pine team for the Florida Park Service, working with land managers and other rangers to expertly apply prescribed fire, a process that keeps habitats healthy and communities safe. From there, Scott became the natural resources park service specialist at O’Leno State Park before his current role as environmental specialist at Crystal River Preserve State Park.

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Scott says he enjoys being able to preserve, interpret and restore Florida's natural resources. We’re lucky to have a ranger as dedicated and hard-working as Scott at Crystal River.