Hello! My name is Ian Snyder, and I am starting up as FOMR’s first ever Conservation Stewardship Technician. There are so many reasons why I am excited to jump into this role. By far what I am most hopeful for is the opportunity to make a difference for the wildlife, plants, and people that call the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge home.

My background is rooted in a deep connection to land and wildlife, shaped by the many experiences I was fortunate to have growing up on the public lands of the American West. My dad took every opportunity to get me and my brothers outside on adventures in the mountains, forests, and rivers. I was privileged with experiences backpacking, snowboarding, and flyfishing in incredible places. Shout out Dad! This is where my love for nature was instilled.

Academically and professionally, I bring a background in Computer Science and GIS from Oregon State Cascades, which has strengthened my ability to think analytically and approach environmental challenges with both technical and practical perspectives. I am especially interested in how field-based stewardship and data-driven approaches can work together to improve conservation outcomes. Aldo Leopold wrote in A Sand County Almanac, “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” That idea strongly resonates with me and reflects the way I hope to approach this work: with humility, care, and a sense of responsibility to the landscapes and communities we are helping steward.

Beyond my technical skills, I am passionate about storytelling through photography, particularly focused on wildlife and natural landscapes. This perspective has deepened my appreciation for the places I work in and reinforces my commitment to protecting them.

I am eager to contribute my skills, continue learning, and play a role in maintaining and improving these landscapes for both ecological health and public enjoyment. I am motivated by the idea of leaving places better than I found them, and I look forward to bringing that mindset to this role throughout the season.