Jonathan Shafer Ph.D.

Ph.D. Auburn University

Dissertation: Wild by Design the Technological Construction of Authenticity, Wilderness, and Nature in America’s National Parks, 1890-1945

Jonathan Shafer serves as site manager at Kennecott National Historic Landmark in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. In this role, he oversees field operations and serves as liaison with park neighbors. He also manages project development through coordination with staff in regional and national park service office staff.

Jonathan is a class of 2015 Presidential Management Fellow alumnus who formerly served in the Lead, Heavy Metals, and Inorganics Branch at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While at EPA, he managed review of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and worked to implement the 2016 Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act.

Jonathan entered public service in 2012 as a Student Conservation Association intern at Shenandoah National Park. In the years that followed, he worked at Wright Brothers National Memorial as well as Isle Royale, Death Valley, Denali, Yellowstone, and Zion National Parks. Prior to work in the park service, he began his career as a historical interpreter at Greenfield Village, a living history site in Dearborn, Michigan.

Academic background and affiliations: Jonathan holds bachelor's degrees in chemistry and history from the University of Detroit Mercy, a masters degree in history from Wayne State University, and a masters degree and doctorate in history from Auburn University. He is a member of the Society for the History of Technology, the History of Science Society, the George Wright Society, American Society for Environmental History, Western History Association, and has served on the board of directors for the Association of National Park Rangers.