Meet Kelly Taylor

PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE DIVISION OF INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION AT PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE 

 

Growing up, Kelly Taylor spent her days exploring the marshes and climbing trees along Chesapeake Bay, forming a deep connection with nature. An environmental career seemed like a natural fit, but when it came time to choose a college path, Kelly wasn’t entirely sure which direction to take. She considered pursuing education, but it wasn’t a definite choice. She never planned on working for the National Park Service. However, during college, a chance bet from a guy she was dating – that she couldn’t get a job with the park service – changed everything. It turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made, because working for the park service set Kelly on a path that has now spanned 17 years.   

Kelly began her career with the park service as a seasonal employee at Biscayne National Park in South Florida, and her first permanent position was with the Everglades National Park. After working for various other national parks, in multiple fields ranging from outreach education to resource management, she took a 12-year hiatus from the national parks to pursue her career in education. Although she loved teaching, her true passion was still with environmental activism, so she returned to the National Park Service, and served as the Science and Communications Coordinator at Assateague Island National Seashore before being promoted to the Maryland District Supervisor.  Today, she is the Program Manager for the Division of Interpretation and Education at Padre Island National Seashore, where she gets to combine both her love of teaching and the environment. In her role, Kelly manages the day-to-day activities of the outreach education program, striving to connect visitors with the natural resources of national parks. 

 

Corpus Christi offers opportunities for professionals like Kelly to thrive. The city's combination of natural beauty, strong community support, and growing economy makes it an ideal place to work. The area also attracts those with a passion for connecting with nature and community. For those interested in environmental activism, Kelly emphasizes the importance of gaining experience.   

“Volunteering is a big way to get your foot in the door," she advises. "Whether at a city park, zoo, or even as a daycare provider, any experience working with people is valuable. Persistence is key, as competition in this field is fierce."

Kelly is also a believer in transferable skills, and advises anyone looking for a career in the park services to jump at the opportunity because they just might have what it takes to succeed at the job, even if they don't have the proper degree for it. She even recalls hiring someone who had worked at a liquor store because through customer service and working with a variety of people, that job taught them patience and people skills, two necessary skills for working for the park service. 

Reflecting on her career, Kelly notes that despite working in some of the most beautiful natural settings, it's easy to take these environments for granted. She encourages others in her field to connect with the resources they protect to share these connections with visitors effectively.  

“We work on the beach all day, but in our down time, we don’t take the time to just soak it all in,” explains Kelly.

 

Her career has been rewarding and she has made many connections with staff, locals, and visitors, and looks forward to educating the public about park services, wildlife, beaches, and other natural resources. Kelly Taylor’s story is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take and the rewards of embracing challenges. Her dedication to the National Park Service and passion for environmental education continue to inspire those around her.  

For more on Padre Island National Seashore, visit:
Instagram: @padreislandnps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PadreIslandNPS
Online: https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm