Anthony Vera

Anthony Vera is the assistant park manager at Silver Springs State Park, home of the famous glass-bottom tour boats

The mission of the Florida Park Service is "to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting, and restoring natural and cultural resources." What role do you play in this mission?

As an assistant park manager at Silver Springs State Park, I manage and oversee the complex operations of a high-visitation park. We provide resource-based recreation to thousands of visitors a month by providing high-quality hiking trails, camping, cabins, and interpretive programs. I am heavily involved in the efforts to restore natural resources by participating in the prescribed fire operations at Silver Springs State Park.

How does your heritage influence your experience in the outdoors?

Growing up with Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, I learned at an early age that through hard work and dedication anything is possible. I began my career at Oleta River State Park, working as an OPS on the weekends. I arrived at Highlands Hammock State Park as an OPS and shortly after became a park ranger and then promoted to park services specialist where I spent six years on the District 4 burn team learning all about prescribed fire.

Never did I imagine all the experiences that I have had with the park service over the last 11 years would lead to being an assistant park manager in the Florida Park Service.

Any advice for Latinx who are interested in a career in conservation or recreation?

For any Latinx interested in a career in conservation or recreation, I would recommend volunteering at your local park. I began as a volunteer during high school and found a passion for the environment and visitor services. In the Florida Park Service, there is a wide range of projects to participate in that can teach you skills that you can apply to your everyday life.