Graham Gorgas
Program specialist at Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island, Graham Gorgas works to inspire the next generation with a passion for the natural world.
Where are you from, and what brought you to UGA Extension?
I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I went to Penn State University to earn my bachelor's degree in animal science.
I found UGA Extension originally in 2019 after I had spent the summer working for Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. I spent the summer catching and tracking gopher tortoises in Vidalia, Georgia. I then found Burton 4-H Center and applied to be an environmental education staff but didn't end up getting the job because I already had too many hours for UGA for that fiscal year. Fortunately, I found my way back to Burton as the program specialist, which is my current role.
What can you tell us about your career path?
I graduated from Penn State with the plan to be a zookeeper after doing two zoo internships during college. However, it is hard to get your foot in the door of the zoo world as a new graduate, so I turned to fieldwork.
I have done field seasons catching iguanas, white-tailed deer,and gopher tortoises. Those jobs led me to an internship at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center where I got to experience environmental education for the first time, and I never looked back. I then spent time in New York and Virginia working at different camps before finding my way to Burton 4-H Center.
What does a day in your position look like?
One of the things I love about my job is that in the year and a half I have been here, no day has looked the same. One day I may be driving a school bus and teaching classes. Another, I may be setting up a new animal enclosure or taking an animal to the vet. Or even doing a facility and animal tour for the CAES Office of Marketing and Communications!
Gorgas teaches the Office of Marketing and Communications about the freshwater and saltwater ecosystems of coastal Georgia.
Gorgas teaches the Office of Marketing and Communications about the freshwater and saltwater ecosystems of coastal Georgia.
The two main pillars of my job are overseeing the animal care for our 25+ animal ambassadors and coordinating our facility rentals. The majority of my time is spent doing those things, but because we are a small facility, everyone helps in many different areas.
How has your experience with the organization changed you?
One thing that has changed about me is that historically I have always done things for myself and not relied on others. However, I work with an amazing team that works together with me to complete things.
We all have our individual responsibilities, but everyone is always willing to help each other out to get tasks done. I never feel like I have to do everything myself, which has been an amazing experience.
What project have you been most proud of, and what was its end goal?
So far, the project I am most proud of is the turtle enclosure I built last August. It was a year in the making but provided a much-needed upgrade to the old enclosure. Providing more space and grazing opportunities for all of the animals.
What would you most like the public to know about your work?
We teach science content that aligns with Georgia standards, but nature is our classroom.
There's no better place to learn about a snake, tree or body of water than right in front of it.
Kids can learn about a snake while holding it in their hands or about the beach while having their toes in the sand. The experience helps cement the knowledge in their minds, and the staff that are hired to teach the programs are passionate about the material. The goal is for the staff's passion to be passed on to the students that visit here, inspiring the next generation to care about the environment just like we do.
What has been your best experience as part of UGA Extension?
One of the best experiences I have had here was helping to teach with a school from Atlanta. These children had never seen the ocean before, so I got to help facilitate that experience.
Living at the beach, I sometimes take for granted that some people have never seen it before, and it really is a spectacle. Sharing those moments with students is truly special.
What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Outside of work I enjoy bird watching, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, and playing board and card games.
I have gotten pretty good at identifying birds and can identify 400+ species by sight or sound. I also enjoy wildlife photography. I am a Pittsburgh and Penn State sports fan, with a preference for football and hockey.
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