Jessica Warren, 38
Camden County Extension Coordinator and Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
Business: UGA Camden County Extension Office
Lives in: Kingsland
Professional responsibilities: My job is to disseminate research-based, unbiased information to the public on all things natural resources and agriculture related. This includes answering questions on landscape, garden, wildlife, pond and insect questions, and helping clients navigate and interpret the testing services that our office offers. I’m also responsible for offering in-person and virtual programming on these topics that demonstrates impact. In addition, I serve as the department head and supervisor of our office.
Accomplishments/Honors: Achievement Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Young Professional Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, National Silver Award for Websites-Apps-Educational Technology from the Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals, Early Career Service Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, Search for Excellence in Forestry and Natural Resources State Award from the Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents, Coastal Cleanup Award from Rivers Alive.
Community Involvement: I have served on a number of local boards and projects over the years, especially related to hazard mitigation and resiliency. I currently serve on the Keep Camden Beautiful board, Woodbine Tree Board, Coastal Georgia Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Steering Committee, and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream state board.
Why did you go into your particular field? I’ve always had a passion for nature and the outdoors, as well as animals. When I was working on my undergraduate degree in wildlife I realized that there was a large disconnect between the research and science being conducted – and its implications, and the general public’s understanding and awareness of this research. I decided to use my skills in communication and my understanding of science and research to help make this knowledge more accessible and digestible for the lay person. This is why my graduate degree focused on conservation education.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian.
What was your first job? My first job was as a sales associate at a Banana Republic factory store. It was the only job I’ve had that wasn’t somehow related to natural resources. My second job was much more interesting. It was managing an experimental aquaculture facility at my high school that was grant funded.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? To find joy in what you have and live within (or preferably below) your means.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love to see people connect with and get excited about the natural world. I feel privileged to be able to help foster that connection. It’s wonderful to see people gain an understanding and empathy for something bigger than, and beyond, themselves.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? You don’t have to do everything at once. Don’t stress, take it all in stride.
When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? Read, hike, go to the beach, run (not far and not fast), spend time with my dogs and husband, craft, garden, sew, travel, nature and wildlife photography.
What is something about you that most people don’t know? I make a lot of my own clothes and jewelry.