Bronco Spotlight: Billy Madej
Operations Manager/EH&S Coordinator at Signal Mountain Lodge
As an Operations Manager and Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator for Signal Mountain Lodge, I am responsible for overseeing approximately 185 employees. Some of the more important tasks of my position include but are not limited to annual reporting for memberships and certifications of government programs like the National Park Service (NPS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). It is my responsibility to aid the General Manager in setting goals to reduce waste and to set pollution prevention goals.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
Working and living in the Grand Teton National Park for the last seven years has opened my eyes to the importance of our parks and their educational value to the public. As a GTNP resident it is my responsibility to be a Park Ambassador and to teach guests and employees the significance of the parks system. People come from all over the world to see these mountains and leaving them with some homework to take back to their area of residence is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. On the other side it is very difficult to reach the variety of different cultures and provide tools to these visitors who have large expectations to see wildlife and good weather.
Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?
Learn to lead, learn to communicate and learn to approach issues with a solution or an idea before presenting a problem.
What advice would you offer students to help them decide on a career path?
Look at your passions, find something you love and fight for it. Do not settle with a position that isn't exciting and stimulating.