Javier is currently the Park Superintendent at Estero Llano Grande State Park and World Birding Center in Weslaco, Texas. Estero Llano Grande State Park is one of nine World Birding Center sites and also one of 22 staffed nature centers located in the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley.
Javier has previously served in roles ranging from Restoration Ecology Intern/Naturalist to Assistant Superintendent at the National Butterfly Center (private non-profit), the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (City of Edinburg), and Bentsen – Rio Grande Valley State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department). Javier has worked with several organizations that have a positive impact in his local community including serving as chapter advisor for two Texas Master Naturalist Chapters: Rio Grande Valley Chapter TMN and South Texas Border Chapter TMN; committee member for the Hidalgo County Municipal Planning Organization – Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; steering committee member for Mid-Valley Leadership; member of Texas Children in Nature: Rio Grande Valley; and founding member of the Rio Grande Valley Nature Partnership.
While Javier’s current work is in nature site management, he spent much of his college career researching snakes, bats, and toads while pursuing a Bachelor of Science – Biology degree from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley.