This month marks an unbelievable milestone for Julie Skoglund: her twentieth anniversary at Worldwide Chicken Rescue. Julie’s twenty years of service have been nothing in need of extraordinary. As we have fun this vital anniversary, we mirror on not solely her many accomplishments but in addition on the dedication and compassion which have outlined her profession.
Julie started volunteering with Chicken Rescue in 2003 and formally began her profession in 2004 on the Los Angeles Wildlife Middle. She served as Rehabilitation Supervisor for seven years earlier than changing into Operations Supervisor, a job she held for eight years. In 2020, she was promoted to Director of Operations, and most just lately, to Senior Director of Operations and Applications.
“Julie is a passionate and inventive chief,” mentioned JD Bergeron, CEO. “She has led the clinic groups of each of our wildlife facilities underneath the banner of ‘one program, two facilities’ and introduced forth numerous enhancements which have improved animal care, employees studying, and extra environment friendly operations. Personally, Julie brings a constructive and upbeat power and a deep give attention to self-care which are a mannequin to the whole staff.”
Over the previous 20 years, Julie has responded to greater than 20 oil spills throughout the globe. Her management and experience have been instrumental throughout among the most vital spill occasions, together with the Cosco Busan spill in San Francisco Bay (2007), the Deepwater Horizon spill within the Gulf Coast (2010), and the Thriller Goo spill in San Francisco Bay (2015).
This yr, Julie was additionally honored with The Marlys J. Bulander Working Collectively for Wildlife Award, offered on the Nationwide Wildlife Rehabilitators Affiliation Symposium in March. This award celebrates her vital position in resolving the Elegant Tern disaster within the Lengthy Seashore Harbor in 2021, the place she led efforts to coordinate wildlife companions from throughout California to assist save hundreds of chicks prone to drowning.
Past emergency response, Julie has made lasting contributions by way of coaching and analysis. She has performed a pivotal position in oil spill drills and trainings, getting ready groups to reply successfully to future crises. Her experience has been shared by way of numerous shows at skilled conferences and workshops, serving to advance the sector of waterbird rescue and rehabilitation. Julie has additionally contributed to necessary scientific analysis, together with her work revealed on a number of events.
Other than her work at Chicken Rescue, Julie demonstrates her dedication to wildlife conservation by serving because the Treasurer on the Board of Administrators for Pacific Seabird Group and because the Secretary for the CalTip Rewards Fee.
From managing large-scale emergency response efforts to overseeing individualized animal care, coaching clinic employees, and coordinating main occasions, Julie’s talent set is as spectacular as it’s various. Her intensive expertise and dedication to excellence be sure that Chicken Rescue continues to supply world-class care to injured, orphaned, and oiled birds each single day.
Julie’s Journey in Her Personal Phrases
Query: Reflecting in your 20 years of service, what has been probably the most rewarding facet of working at Chicken Rescue?
Reply: What’s most rewarding is being a part of a area that has grown a lot over time. Wildlife rehabilitation has come a great distance when it comes to recognition as knowledgeable area, and it’s been nice to contribute to that development. I’ve additionally been lucky to study from so many individuals who laid the groundwork for this work. I’m standing on their shoulders, and the possibility to move on what I’ve realized—whether or not by way of analysis, publications, or serving to mentor the following technology—is extremely fulfilling.
Q: How do you keep motivated and obsessed with your work, even in the course of the powerful or difficult occasions?
A: I take into consideration the animals we assist and the constructive affect we now have, even when issues get powerful. What retains me going is figuring out we’re a part of one thing greater, particularly in a area that’s nonetheless maturing. I’ve realized a lot from those that’ve been on this area longer than I’ve, and their steerage retains me grounded and centered. I additionally discover a variety of motivation in working with the brand new technology of wildlife rehabilitators—they’re passionate, and that power is contagious.
Q: What are some key classes you’ve realized in your journey that you’d move on to somebody new within the area of wildlife rehabilitation?
A: The most important lesson is the significance of collaboration. This area is all about working collectively—nobody can do it alone. Additionally, keep humble. I’ve realized quite a bit from others on this area, and I’ve at all times believed in sharing data. The extra we share, the stronger we turn out to be at what we do. Lastly, endurance is essential. This work can take time, and it’s necessary to remain centered on the tip objective, even when the outcomes aren’t rapid.
Q: As you have fun this milestone, what message would you prefer to share along with your colleagues, volunteers, companions, and supporters who’ve been a part of this journey?
A: As a lot as this milestone is a mirrored image of my work, it’s additionally a mirrored image of the help and teamwork that made it attainable. I wish to thank everybody who has been a part of this journey. None of this work occurs in isolation, and I’ve realized a lot from the individuals round me—whether or not it’s colleagues, mentors, volunteers, or companions. We’re all on this collectively, and I’m pleased with what we’ve completed.
I additionally wish to take a second to acknowledge my family and friends, who’ve supported me in each approach attainable—whether or not it’s understanding once I’ve missed necessary household occasions, supporting me throughout lengthy absences, or just serving to me be the perfect I may be. Their unwavering help has been important in permitting me to contribute to the group and the wildlife we take care of.
