Jacob Pistner ’14 is an avid outdoorsman, dedicated educator and published author. Somewhere at the intersection of those passions, the PennWest California alumnus has found his dream job.

Pistner was recently named conservation education coordinator for the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, where he will oversee educational programming that connects thousands of students and visitors with Pennsylvania's elk herd and natural resources.

“It's a dream come true,” Pistner said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to combine my passion for education and the outdoors while helping people of all ages better understand and appreciate Pennsylvania’s incredible natural resources.”

A native of Elk County, Pennsylvania, Pistner grew up hunting and fishing with family and friends, developing a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. He earned a bachelor's degree in K-12 Technology Education at PennWest California, where he developed as a leader through involvement with the Technology Education Association of California.

“PennWest made me a teacher and taught me to drive forward with my goals,” Pistner said.

He credits former faculty members Dr. Mark Nowak, the late Dr. Peter Wright, and the late Dr. Laura Johnson Hummell with helping shape his path as an educator and leader. Carolyn Robinson, clerical assistant for the Department of Social Work, Sociology and Human Services, also became an important mentor through his work-study position.

“She really took me under her wing during my work-study job and taught me how to interact with the public effectively, be more studious, and trust God,” Pistner said.

After graduating, Pistner spent the next decade teaching woodworking, engineering, computer graphics, video media and construction systems while also coaching cross country and track and field. He also led a woodworking club where students and fellow teachers built 17 custom electric guitars.

Pistner and his wife eventually returned to Elk County, where he became a resource conservation technician with the Elk County Conservation District. Working on job sites to assist with technical problems and stormwater control gave him an opportunity to combine environmental stewardship with public service while building relationships with others who shared his love of the outdoors.

“I really just want people to love the world around them,” Pistner said.

When the conservation education coordinator position at KECA became available, he knew it was the perfect fit.

“It made perfect sense that I should marry all the things I love into one thing: All things outdoors, teaching and my love for our local elk herd all in one place,” he said.

As conservation education coordinator, Pistner oversees school outreach, youth programs, public presentations and guided experiences that help visitors better understand Pennsylvania's wildlife and ecosystems.

“My goal as the conservation education coordinator will be to put my people in the best places and try to reach as many students as possible regardless of their age and background,” he said. “I hope to share what I love about the outdoors with others and want to inspire others to go out and enjoy what nature has to offer them.”

Pistner's love of Pennsylvania's outdoors has also inspired another creative outlet. After several unsuccessful spring gobbler seasons, he immersed himself in learning everything he could about wild turkeys.

“It was something I really wasn't very good at, and so I made it my mission to try to be the best spring gobbler hunter that I could,” he said.

That pursuit led to “The North American Wild Turkey and Why I Don't Have One,” a book published by Meraki Press that reached as high as No. 81 in Amazon's Hunting category. Today, he also writes the outdoor column On the Bucktail Trail for Evers and Elk magazine.

Pistner hopes every visitor to Elk Country leaves with a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

“I just want people to remember how they felt when they were out in nature,” he said. “The sounds of the elk bugling in the fall, the smell of the birch leaves in the woods, and the sun on their faces one last time before the cold winter sets in.”

That same philosophy guided him throughout his teaching career.

“When I was a teacher, every Friday I'd tell all my students that their homework was to 'Go outside,'” he said. “There is so much that is out there to see, just in your hometown. Check out the parks, go fishing in the local stream, hike or bike a trail on a sunny day. You won't be disappointed.”

His advice to current PennWest students is simple.

“Play the hand your dealt, and don't stop pushing forward when it gets tough. Many of these things weren't part of the plan but now, I sure am glad that they came my way.”

Or, as he reminded his students every Friday:

“Go outside.”

Photo credit: The Courier Express