Last updated: April 26, 2023
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Staff Spotlight: Shalini Gopie
NPS Photo/Woods
Meet Shalini Gopie, the Interpretive and Digital Media Specialist for the Interpretation, Education, Youth, and Volunteer Division of the Pacific West Region!
What was your pathway to the NPS?
A roommate mentioned her summer work plans and it sounded better than the retail job I had the previous summer. She shared details about the piping plovers monitoring program, which tracks endangered birds nesting on the beach. I was thrilled at the idea of a productive summer. Little did my roommate and I know how this information would change my life. I applied for a seasonal GS-4 Visitor Use Assistant position at Gateway National Recreation Area in New York City. These productive summers eventually expanded into the winter season. December 2022 marks my 15-year anniversary with the National Park Service (NPS). What was an effort to have a summer job turned into a career. My career has taken me on a path from Gateway National Recreation Area to the Northeast Regional Office in Philadelphia, and cross-country to California with my partner for dual career positions which gave us both opportunities to work at Golden Gate National Recreation Area. I am currently an interpretive and digital media specialist in the Pacific West Regional Office in San Francisco, California.
What do you do for the NPS?
I’m an Interpretive and Digital Media Specialist for the Pacific West Region. This region covers more than 60 national park sites within the eight states of California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, portions of Arizona and Montana, as well as the territories of Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. My program supports interpretation, education, youth, and volunteers. I work with parks to coordinate digital and traditional media, such as developing interpretive signs, exhibits, and printed materials. I also manage funds that support updates to exhibits and interpretive signs throughout the region. I continue to learn from my colleagues who care so deeply about the NPS.
NPS Photo
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I remember my first NPS seasonal job and how wonderful it was to have people around me who welcomed and helped me along the way. I also remember how overwhelming it was to be in this new job, a notepad full of acronyms, and the struggle to learn quickly. I am still here today because of the patience others had with me and their willingness to coach me, share information, and give me a chance. We thrive in environments where we are seen and supported. Our work environment should be no different. It's rewarding to me to be approachable and contribute to a work environment that is inclusive, supportive, and collaborative.
What advice do you have for youth and young adults thinking about a career at NPS?
Say yes to experiences that make you feel afraid and ask yourself, “why?” Once you understand where these feelings stem from, then you can find solutions. An intimidating opportunity I have said yes to has been an incredible learning experience. I would advise everyone to step outside their comfort zone. This does not have to be a big leap, but small steps do add up. You also don’t have to do it alone. One approach is through a mentor. Do you know someone who inspires you, or is in a position you might like to be in during your career? Ask if they would have the capacity to be your mentor and draft a plan.
Can you share a fond memory you have working at NPS?
Shalini Gopie (right)) at Betty Reid Soskin’s (left) Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park retirement event.One of my favorite memories is a full circle moment. I remember being at the Philadelphia Flower Show in 2016. I had not heard of this event previously, but that year, the theme was national parks. Park staff were invited to do Park Ranger programs and greet Junior Rangers. There was even a Flower Show Passport Stamp. I recall then Ranger Betty Reid Soskin speaking on a large screen while I was surrounded by hundreds of people and thousands of plants. It was surreal because I only saw and heard Betty for those moments. I stood in the crowd looking up with goosebumps. When I moved to California, I visited Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. I learned more about Betty’s life and gained an understanding about the real Rosie the Riveters during World War II. This information helped me gain a perspective of American history I did not learn in school. I had the opportunity to support the celebration of Betty’s 100th birthday and then again to celebrate her retirement. The world knows Betty as she held the title of the “oldest Park Ranger.” It was a pleasure to meet Betty, share space with her, and watch her shine.
NPS Photo
What does it mean to you to represent your community?
I'm a naturalized citizen, born in Trinidad. I have traveled far and think often about my ancestors who also traveled a long distance in unfavorable conditions across oceans to get to the Caribbean. They were indentured on sugarcane plantations in Trinidad. I know my community has grown beyond the Caribbean Sea. I hope my presence in the NPS encourages a reflection of themselves working in government positions and a nudge to feel encouraged to explore their public lands. I love that the NPS hosts naturalization ceremonies to celebrate this important milestone and create new memories in our parks. I imagine these families will return to celebrate milestones, attend programs, or go for an afternoon walk. I think of these people as the current and next generation of public land stewards.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy all aspects of food. I love to know where ingredients came from, experiment with recipes, learn about the history of the food, share recipes, and of course eat! I often invite friends or co-workers to enjoy a meal with me. I’m a fan of trading or sharing snacks in the office. I think food is a great way to learn about each other’s culture, family, and history. I also love to travel and when I return, I attempt to recreate meals that I enjoyed during the trip. When I’m feeling lazy, a trip to a local restaurant for take-out inspires me to get back to the kitchen and create something new.