Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Welcomes New Interpretation Ranger

Jess Mason is the newest member of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site staff. She grew up in the mountains of Eastern Oregon. Growing up with two wildlife biologist parents, she has always had an interest in the outdoors, and a stewardship to public lands. She spent her childhood summers traveling the Northwest with family and participating in the U.S. Forest Service Passport in Time program, which is a volunteer archeology and historic preservation program. Jess graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Liberal Studies, focused on history, anthropology, and women studies.

Jess spent her early career working seasonally as an archeology technician for the U.S. Forest Service in Eastern Oregon. On a whim, while attending Oregon State University, she applied for a visitor services internship at a local wildlife refuge. This started her interest to become a park ranger. Her first Park Service position was at Big Hole National Battlefield in Southwest Montana. Other park service units she worked at include George Rodgers Clark National Historic Park, Zion National Park, and three summers at Yellowstone National Park. Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is her first permanent job with the National Park Service. Jess is looking forward to working in Southeastern Colorado.

For more information, contact Teri Jobe, Sand Creek Massacre NHS, (719) 438-5916 or visit www.nps.gov/sand.