Staff Spotlight: Rowan O’Brien

“This work is so rewarding,” says Rowan O’Brien, an Open Space Technician with the Open Space Authority. As a tech, Rowan serves as an ambassador for the agency, connecting people to nature, creating a welcoming environment, and helping with public safety. “I help keep it a place that people want to visit to experience and enjoy nature.”

Rowan may be a friendly face for visitors, but she is no stranger to hard work. Working alongside other field staff and volunteers, she also works to help maintain the preserves and help steward the land.

Growing up in San Jose as a fan of the outdoors, Rowan always knew that one day, nature would be her office. “I love plants and animals and have always loved science. But I love doing things outside and never imagined working indoors my whole life.” So naturally (so to speak), she went on to study Biology at West Valley College.

She first found out about the Open Space Authority on a project for her naturalist certification in college – her project was on Santa Clara Valley dudleya, and the Open Space Authority was one of the few local agencies managing lands with this natural resource (dudleya is critically endangered but present throughout Mayyan Ooyakma – Coyote Ridge, one of many resources that make this habitat unique). “I always wanted to work in parks, and once I found out about the agency, I knew I wanted to work with them.” While in biology lab at West Valley College in 2019, she saw an opening for a Seasonal Aide and knew she had to apply.

During the pandemic, Rowan worked full time as an Open Space Aide, but eventually moved up into the position of full time Open Space Technician. “Being an OSA tech is the perfect job for me,” she enthuses. “I get to do physical things outside, I get to interact with the public, I get to work with plants and animals – it's perfect.”

After being with the agency for 4 years, she still feels the same enthusiasm for the work as when she first decided what to study. “I love being able to connect new people to nature,” she adds. “I work at Sierra Vista, and we get many visitors who are not only not very familiar with hiking, but also the many reasons it’s important to conserve nature – being able to bridge that gap with people and help them see the world in this way...it’s so rewarding.”

On weekends, Rowan is likely found at an off-leash dog beach with her dogs Luna and Harvey, followed by stop at one of San Jose’s many local breweries. But when it comes to her career, working towards something important to her is one of the most inspiring elements. “On a personal level, I know that’s a lot I can do to help the planet, and I do, but it means a lot to me to also be able to do that with my career,” Rowan notes.

“I do my best to reduce my waste and carbon footprints, but it's rewarding knowing that when I go to work, I’m doing something positive for the community and planet, too.”