Meet the Staff

Spectral Valley National Park staff support visitor services, field safety, resource protection, research coordination, school programs, and seasonal interpretation across the park.
Larry Cortez, park director
Larry Cortez

Director

Oversees park operations, long-range planning, and coordination between visitor services, research, maintenance, and protection programs.

Melvin Cooper, lead ecologist
Melvin Cooper

Lead Ecologist

Guides habitat monitoring, restoration review, wildlife observations, and biological field programs throughout the park.

Michelle Hill, head ranger
Michelle Hill

Head Ranger

Coordinates daily ranger operations, trail safety, patrol schedules, and area closures in both front-country and backcountry districts.

Fiona Farris, night sky program intern
Fiona Farris

Night Sky Program Intern

Supports evening interpretation, observation logs, star-viewing events, and educational material tied to the park's dark-sky programming.

Lucy Chapman, visitor services coordinator
Lucy Chapman

Visitor Services Coordinator

Helps visitors with trip-planning questions, printed materials, seasonal schedules, and orientation support at the visitor center.

Fleamont Nez, range and grazing coordinator
Fleamont Nez

Range and Grazing Coordinator

Works with neighboring ranchers, seasonal field crews, and park staff to manage grazing boundaries, livestock movement, and wildlife-sensitive areas along the park perimeter.

Staff Directory

Administration
Director's Office, planning, resource coordination, permits, and interagency liaison work.
Ranger Operations
Visitor safety, trail patrols, emergency response, campground checks, and seasonal closure support.
Science & Resource Programs
Habitat monitoring, field data collection, restoration support, and public education coordination.
Range & Boundary Work
Grazing coordination, fence lines, livestock movement, wildlife-sensitive buffer areas, and cooperation with neighboring land managers.
Visitor Services
Information desk, publications, orientation materials, school groups, and event scheduling.
Looking for maps, weather, or a good first stop in the park? The visitor services team can help point you toward family-friendly walks, wildlife areas, and current conditions.

For employment or staffing questions, contact spectralvalleynationalpark@gmail.com.