Meet The Team: Austin Schoen
As a Forester for Steigerwaldt, Austin is responsible for setting up and administering timber sales, harvest boundary delineations, timber marking, and gathering inventory data.
Please provide a professional history introduction (prior and during your time at Steigerwaldt):
- I am a Staff Forester at Steigerwaldt. I help with inventory/carbon cruising, timber marking, and other projects that may come up. I also enjoy bouncing around and helping out the other Steigerwaldt departments when the need arises.
Why are you passionate about this field?
- I am passionate about this field of work because my office is outside! Some days can be challenging, but I always take a step back and realize how lucky I am to be doing what I am doing. This field is so rewarding and satisfying because it feels like I am making a difference rather than just going through the motions.
How do you serve our clients?
- I am very personable and communicate with clients respectfully and timely. I work hard to meet deadlines and make sure that I am always putting forth my best effort to give our clients the best results.
Why do you enjoy working at Steigerwaldt?
- While I do enjoy the variety and the work that I have been doing, the people definitely come first for me. Since day one, I have felt welcomed and able to be myself. The team has been incredibly helpful, friendly, and hard-working. It’s refreshing working with people who share many similar interests and are so passionate about what they do.
Since you’ve worked here, how has the industry changed?
- Things obviously have not changed much in the past (roughly) two months. However, even from when I started college six years ago, the industry seems to continuously become more tech-savvy. This definitely helps in many ways, but also adds a new learning curve.
What industry changes are you most excited about?
- Environmental protection seems to be catching a lot of tread and that is so important to me. Because of this, we are definitely in a growing industry and it makes me excited for what the future has in store for us.
What’s your favorite tree and why?
- Ginkgo biloba. It is such a unique, beautiful, and strong tree. They have their own taxonomic family, as well!
What’s your favorite National Park?
- Joshua Tree National Park
Where do you like to go on vacation?
- Galapagos Islands
