A friendly face on the force
Federal Wildlife Officer Ruth Robinson combines passion with service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers often go above and beyond the call of duty, serving in several roles both on our National Wildlife Refuges and within our Office of Law Enforcement. They are on the front lines talking with visitors, helping hunter and anglers, collaborating with partners, and inspecting wildlife shipments. They are among the first to deploy to wildfires, respond to natural disasters, and support local law enforcement. Unseen officers even work undercover leading multi-year, high-risk investigations to break up international wildlife-trafficking rings. Their presence both on and off our refuges ensures the safety and protection of our natural resources and the visitors that enjoy them.
Please help us welcome Federal Wildlife Officer Ruth Robinson to the North Atlantic Appalachian Region.
Ruth Robinson has always had an interest in the outdoors. Her love of the natural world was inspired in part by her late mother, who would sit in the backyard with her children and teach them to identify their local birds. Robinson keeps the tradition alive instructing her two nephews on how to spot and name most backyard birds by both sight and sound.
When she was recruited to play soccer at Birmingham Southern College in Alabama, Robinson decided to follow her passion for nature. She earned her degree in biology, with a senior thesis centered on ecology and conservation. After graduation, she completed several internships with the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. Although she enjoyed those experiences, Robinson was called to serve her country in a different way.
Robinson’s two grandfathers, father, sister, brother, and husband all served in the military. The military was always on her radar as something she would like to do in her lifetime, and Robinson joined the U.S. Army in October 2011. During her six and a half years on active duty, she served as a military police officer, stationed domestically at Fort Carson in Colorado and internationally in Kabul, Afghanistan.
When she retuned to the States, Robinson became the fourth woman to serve as a Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb Guard Badge is the least-awarded badge in the U.S. Army and the second-least-awarded in the entire U.S. Military. Robinson left active duty in 2018 but continues to serve as a Platoon Leader in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Robinson recently completed her masters degree in conservation biology and is excited to begin a new career as a Federal wildlife officer. The position is the perfect opportunity to combine her experience as a law enforcement officer with her passion for wildlife.
Every day, she tries to find a moment outdoors. Whether it’s woodworking, practicing bird and plant identification while hiking or trail running, or tackling projects in the yard with her husband Brad, Robinson prefers to spend her free time in the fresh air. She hopes her conservation career can help others connect with nature in a similar way.
“My favorite part of the job is educating the public about the Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Robinson. “I cherish the smile on someone’s face after they learn something new, because I know they will remember that interaction positively and hopefully want to share their experience with others, continuing the story and mission of conservation.”
After she completes field training, Robinson will be stationed at Long Island National Wildlife Refuge. As a Federal wildlife officer, she will have plenty of opportunities to teach visitors, both during her daily patrols and while participating in outreach events.
Being a law enforcement officer is about more than protection. As some of our most visible staff in uniform, Federal wildlife officers are often the first people visitors reach out to for information and guidance. They are Service ambassadors as well as guardians.
With her fierce love of service, passion for wildlife, and friendly demeanor, Robinson exemplifies a Federal wildlife officer, and we are excited to welcome her to the National Wildlife Refuge System.
