Meet Hannah Smith, the Natural Resources Technician in the Town of Brownsburg’s Parks Department. Hannah is an IUPUI graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. She started working in the Parks Department as an Intern during the summer of 2021, hoping to get her foot inside the door. With hard work, she secured a full-time position in the fall and has been working with the Town since.
Each season brings Hannah a new list of day-to-day operations. During the spring and summer, her primary role consists of keeping up with the trimming and weeding that comes with new plant growth. In the cooler months, she spends most of her days focused on restoration, planting, and pruning areas, preparing for the cold.
Whether in the parks or helping to maintain natural wetlands, pollinator gardens, or other plants, Hannah says, “I love both the restoration work and the day-to-day maintenance. It’s fulfilling to turn around at any point of a project and watch the progress as I go.”
Hannah was first inspired into the field by her AP Environmental Science teacher in high school. Hannah explained that her teacher was phenomenal, pointing out a world of opportunities she did not know existed before the class. It did not take long for her to decide to pursue a career in the subject.
“My job is unique because it is all-encompassing,” she said. “I have to know how the environment around me works, have people skills, trade skills, and so on. Every new project is a little different than the last, so every day here is its own experience. There is something special about being able to say hi and check in on visitors and volunteers as she passes them on the trails and at the parks.”
Hannah knew she had made the right decision to work for the Brownsburg Parks Department because she enjoys walking the trails and soaking up the new plant knowledge she is taught on the job.
When asked about her best days in the field, she said, “Winter came a little faster than planned the year before last, and I had a few trees, but we still wanted to get into the ground quickly before things froze. I dug a hole for a tree and sat in it momentarily to catch my breath. The silence that light snow brings and subtle animal noises are very soul-healing to me. It felt like life, in a way. Sometimes, you have to dig a hole, sit back, reflect, and then get up and try again.”
While her job is fulfilling in many aspects, there are still days with little sunshine. Hannah explained that one of her biggest challenges on the job was learning how to use tools and equipment properly. Driving tractors and operating chainsaws, according to Hannah, were not exactly included in any school curriculum.
Hannah says, “Fortunately, my boss has been very patient and continually teaches me all the do’s and don’ts. Prior to his teachings, I couldn’t even parallel park my car!”
Hannah, as the Natural Resource Technician, has been able to obtain her Arborist Certification, which has been a wonderful stepping stone in her career.
Hannah explains, “I still have so much to learn, but I studied more for that certification than I have for anything. Plus, now I feel like I’m in the cool kids club at conferences.”
Just like at work, Hannah calls herself a busybody at home. She enjoys finding something to make just a little better each day. And when she lets herself relax, she enjoys playing games like Zelda on her Nintendo Switch.
Karabeth Narvell
Karabeth Narvell is a Communications Intern for the Town of Brownsburg. She enjoys shopping and eating locally in downtown Brownsburg, as well as utilizing the parks and trails. In her free time she loves staying active by riding her bike, listening to music, and traveling. Karabeth also enjoys spending time with her family and watching Brownsburg develop into the one-of-a-kind community it is becoming.
