Conservation Biology, from Passion to Career
Have you ever wondered how to transform a passion for conservation biology into a
meaningful career? Jesse Wheeler, an Antioch University graduate, found the perfect
pathway to combine his love for the environment with professional success.

Today, Jesse is a Natural Resource Specialist with the National Park Service and serves as the vegetation program manager for Acadia National Park, where he works to protect and restore some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes.
His journey began at Antioch University’s New England campus, where he studied conservation biology and gained the tools and opportunities that propelled him into a rewarding career with the National Park Service (NPS).
Jesse’s experience at Antioch provided a solid foundation in vegetation management and opened doors to opportunities he never imagined. His graduate studies, hands-on fieldwork, and commitment to environmental stewardship helped shape his path, eventually leading him to Acadia, where he now manages critical conservation programs. Jesse recently shared insights into his career, his role at Acadia, and how his education at Antioch helped him achieve his goals.
The Role of a Vegetation Manager

As the vegetation and program manager at Acadia National Park, Jesse is responsible for overseeing programs that protect the Park’s ecosystems from various threats, such as invasive species and climate change. His work involves a combination of managing invasive plant and forest pest populations, restoring native plant species, communicating scientific information to the public, and ensuring the Park complies with environmental regulations.
This role requires not only technical knowledge but also a deep appreciation for plant ecosystems and landscapes. Jesse credits his education in conservation biology at Antioch for helping him cultivate both the scientific understanding and management skills necessary to excel in his role. He notes that his ability to work collaboratively with park staff and other stakeholders has been crucial in stewarding the land and protecting its natural beauty for future generations.
A Journey That Started at Antioch

Jesse’s journey toward a career in conservation biology was sparked during his time at Antioch. Studying at the New England campus, he focused on vegetation and developed a passion for plant ecology and resource management.
One of the defining moments of his graduate experience was conducting his master’s thesis research at the Cape Cod National Seashore, where he studied salt marsh
ecosystems. This hands-on research, along with seasonal work monitoring wetland flora,
laid the groundwork for his future with the National Park Service.
After completing his degree, Jesse continued working with NPS on forest health, monitoring permanent forest plots across Northeastern parks, including Acadia. These early experiences were instrumental in preparing him for his eventual role at Acadia, where he began coordinating the Park’s invasive plant management program in 2015 before transitioning to his current position as vegetation manager in 2019.
Why Antioch for Conservation Biology?
When it came time to choose a graduate program, Jesse was drawn to Antioch University
for its practical approach to conservation biology. The small, close-knit academic environment offered him a unique opportunity to engage deeply with both the scientific and applied aspects of natural resource management. He was particularly impressed by the program’s integration of science with real-world resource management challenges, a combination that was essential for his career aspirations.
At Antioch, Jesse learned to approach conservation with a balance of scientific rigor and
practical application. He acquired essential skills like plant identification, vegetation
inventory methods, and climate change response techniques. Through internships and
practicums, Jesse honed his skills in real-world settings, working alongside professionals
in the field and gaining valuable experience in mapping and species identification.
Applying Education to the National Park Service
The lessons Jesse learned at Antioch have proven invaluable in his work at the National
Park Service. Conservation biology is at the heart of natural resource management within
the NPS, where maintaining a balance between preserving ecosystems and allowing
human access is a constant challenge. The skills Jesse developed at Antioch—ranging
from technical knowledge of plant systems to conservation principles—are critical in his
day-to-day responsibilities at Acadia.
One of the key aspects of his work today is collaborating with local indigenous groups to
co-steward the Park’s lands. This initiative has required an open-minded approach to
partnerships and a willingness to rethink traditional definitions of conservation. Jesse
credits Antioch’s forward-thinking philosophy for helping him stay adaptable and
embrace new ideas in resource management.
Lifelong Connections and Memories
Jesse’s time at Antioch wasn’t just about gaining professional skills; it was also about
building lasting relationships and creating memorable experiences. From hiking Mount
Moosilauke with fellow students to assisting faculty on fieldwork projects, Jesse formed
close bonds with his peers and professors.
These connections, along with the practical, place-based learning opportunities, enriched
his educational experience and prepared him for a successful career in the National Park
Service.
Turn Your Passion for Conservation into Meaningful Action
Antioch University’s MS in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Conservation Biology equips you with the tools to make a real difference. Learn to solve complex ecological challenges, build professional networks, and drive impactful change in nonprofits, government agencies, and education. With flexible online and in-person options, a commitment to social and environmental justice, and a hands-on, community-centered approach, our program stands out.