My Name is Sutton Norris and I grew up running around the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon, and now I currently reside in Gresham, Oregon. I’ve always been extremely passionate about the outdoors, and I was raised traveling the state to hunt and fish with my father. My list of outdoor obsessions includes but is not limited to; hunting, fishing, fly fishing, rafting, kayaking, biking, camping, or exploring the Great PNW and the greater United States. I enjoy being immersed in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, it feels like taking a much-needed vitamin. Family is also extremely important to me—my family “clan” is fairly large, and we always meet up for the holidays, and any other excuse we can find to have a celebration. My background includes honorable service in the U.S. Army and Oregon National Guard and over a decade working overseas in high threat diplomatic security contracting roles, experiences that taught me a great deal, to include discipline, teamwork, and adaptability in challenging environments and situations.
I chose to become a Mt. Adams Institute AmeriCorps Intern because I’m ready to transition into a meaningful, home-based career that benefits my community, my state, and the unique and diverse wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. The Biological Science Technician position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service excites me because it gives me the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience in a conservation-focused role and truly immerse myself in a new career path. My long-term goal is to secure full-time employment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and continue serving in a way that makes a lasting impact on my community, state, country and our diverse natural environment.