In a world where professionals often tread on predictable career paths, there are those who blaze their own trails, leaving an indelible mark in their wake. Rebecca Downey, a Regulatory project manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District is one such trailblazer. Her journey from a young intern to an accomplished leader in the field of environmental protection is nothing short of inspirational.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2013, Downey’s early professional life was marked by curiosity and a relentless passion for the natural world.
“I really wanted to get some hands-on experience with the things I was learning in school so when the opportunity came to join the Corps for an internship, I dove right in,” she said. “I got my start at the St. Louis District and had the opportunity to work and lead interpretive programs at the National Great Rivers Museum, Melvin Price Locks and Dam and the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary.”
With USACE, Downey not only gained hands-on experience in understanding and preserving ecosystems, but she also laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career.
“After my internship, I applied for a USACE program aimed at recent grads for park ranger positions,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to get selected for a Park Ranger position with the Mobile District at West Point Lake in Georgia.”
At West Point Lake, on the Chattahoochee River, Downey worked for four years leading and managing recreational campgrounds.
“My time at West Point Lake was my first official position where I had my own programs to run and I learned so much about being a ranger and the importance of public affairs and community engagement,” she said. “I learned about bridging the gap between environmental protection and public awareness. Having fun is important, but educating visitors about the delicate balance between recreation and conservation was challenging and rewarding.”
In 2018, Downey moved to Augusta, Ga. to begin work with the Savannah District at J. Strom Thurmond Lake and Dam. There she served as the environmental compliance and public affairs coordinator along with her regular duties as a park ranger.
“Working at Thurmond gave me a broader knowledge of the Corps and I was able to work on a wide range of projects,” Downey said. “I managed public affairs for the lake, water safety, shoreline management, real estate and even did a few temporary broadening assignments in dam safety coordination and hurricane assistance.”
In 2022 USACE hosted a national hiring event for the organization’s Regulatory program. With her background in biological sciences and her passion for public outreach, Downey applied for and accepted an offer with the Charleston District’s Midlands office in Columbia, South Carolina.
“I loved working as a ranger, but it did require a lot of time in uniform and working on holiday weekends when many visitors come to the lake,” she said. “This new opportunity provides a lot of flexibility, professional growth and morale here in Columbia is really wonderful. It is a very comfortable atmosphere and there are so many opportunities to be a bigger part of the team, not just in Regulatory, but project management, safety and more.”
Joining the Charleston District last November, Downey has already proven herself an integral part of the Columbia team.
“Rebecca is an excellent addition and even though she isn’t much of a Clemson fan we are very happy to have her here with us,” said Bryce McKoy, chief of the Regulatory Division’s Northwest Branch. “Her previous experience as a ranger and in public engagement fills a much-needed niche here in the Midlands. We couldn’t be happier to have her onboard.”
From intern to project manager, Downey’s trailblazing is a testament to the power of passion, dedication and vision. Her remarkable career serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to harmonize nature and development for a sustainable future.