Jaworski Assumes Leadership of Fort Scott National Historic Site

Loretta George

2 years ago

Jill Jaworski, selected as the new superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site, has moved to Fort Scott this month.

Her college education gave her a lead into the National Park Service.

Jarworski earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with emphasis on Outdoor Education and Recreation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“My original position (with NPS) was at Jewel Cave National Monument working as an Interpretive Park Ranger/Cave Guide for an internship for college,” she said. “That led to a seasonal position at the same park the following summer after I graduated college.”

She worked for two seasons at Jewel Cave National Monument and as a General Park Ranger at Mount Rainier National Park.

“Then September 11^th occurred, and I transitioned to a career as a Law Enforcement Park Ranger for the next 21 ½ years before accepting the Superintendent position at Fort Scott National Historic Site,” she said.

At Fort Scott, Jaworski is returning to her mid-western roots.

“I was born in a very small, rural town in Nebraska and raised in Omaha where my parents and two of my siblings still live,” she said. “I also have a sister and her family who reside in Leawood, KS. The majority of my ancestors who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1800s were farmers in Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio.”

Extensive Experience

Jaworski has over 20 years of experience in NPS assignments including interpretation, emergency services, and law enforcement, according to a NPS press release.

Prior to Fort Scott, Jarworski served as the acting superintendent at Appomattox Court House National Military Park and Booker T. Washington National Monument.

As Chief Park Ranger, she has extensive experience in managing special park uses, events, permitting, and emergency response. At Cape Lookout National Seashore, she has served as a park ranger at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Castillo De San Marcos National Monument/Fort Matanzas National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, White Sands National Monument, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park.

Jaworski’s background in complex park operations including cultural resource management and resource protection and her strong collaboration and team building skills will be an asset to Fort Scott, according to a press release from NPS.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, walking her dog, researching genealogy, and playing pickleball and tennis.

Carl Brenner remains the Supervisory Park Ranger for Interpretation and Resources, after serving as interim superintendent.