A "Day in the life" of a DNR...

Name: Gabe
Field: Environmental Engineer Senior, Wastewater Construction
Location: Wallace Bldg., Des Moines

DNR employee, Gabe Lee, environmental engineer senior, has traveled halfway around the globe to settle down and raise a family in Iowa. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, educated in South Dakota, Gabe is now helping to protect and preserve Iowa waterways. "I always look at my job as protecting the interests of Iowa, for the people of Iowa," Lee said. "I'm trying to protect the streams and waterways in Iowa for them and for the children. That I believe is my legacy."

While attending South Dakota State, Gabe said he had the opportunity to work for two organizations diametrically opposed in their approach to the environment. These experiences steered him to the public sector.

"When I worked one summer for a consulting firm, it seemed the only focus they looked at was the dollar sign. That's all they ever saw. It's how fast you can crunch the product out in the shortest amount of time. And then I also worked for the U.S. Forest Service in a different semester and I felt it was a different environment, more focused on how to save the environment, how to protect the environment, and how to serve people better. I found that it was a lot more enjoyable than just focusing on making the dollar today."

Gabe said the Iowa DNR has allowed him to fulfill his desire to help people. Gabe said working for the private sector would not let him benefit the people of Iowa.

"I feel I'm trying to help people, primarily the cities, to try to meet their obligations," Lee said. "Because the federal government has certain requirements they have to meet and I'm helping them to achieve that."

Since moving to Iowa, Gabe has married and now has two children. He calls Iowa a great state to live in and especially appreciates the fact he can jump in his car and in five minutes, he is out in the country.

"You know, it's for my children, too," Lee said. "We love the place. I'd like to leave something for them. It just kind of adds on to the satisfaction that I'm doing this for everybody, including my own kids. I feel more fulfilled. I feel I have a direct impact on the people of Iowa through my job."