Profiles of Hispanics at EPA: Gilberto “Tito” Irizarry
Gilberto “Tito” Irizarry
Director, Preparedness & Response Operations Division (PROD)
Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM)
Washington, DC
Where were you born?
Santurce, Puerto Rico
What brought you to EPA?
After graduating from college I started my professional career as a staff engineer with the Department of Defense for 6 years and from there I moved to EPA in 1998 when I took a position as On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) in Region 1 – New England.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
I work in the EPA Headquarters office responsible for the Superfund program that is responsible for cleaning up some of the nation's most contaminated land and responding to environmental emergencies, oil spills and natural disasters. To protect public health and the environment, the Superfund program focuses on making a visible and lasting difference in communities, ensuring that people can live and work in healthy, vibrant places. My division is responsible for providing technical support to personnel responding to environmental emergencies; developing or providing analytical services in the field and via laboratories; and training and supporting innovative field investigation and site remediation technologies. Personnel in our division develop and help implement policies, technical and management initiatives and programs that enhance the use of innovative technologies in our Superfund work.
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
What message would you like to send other Hispanics who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
In short, yes to both. I very much believe in the importance of pursuing a college education and in working in the area of environmental protection. There are many career opportunities to make valuable and personally rewarding contributions by working in environmental protection.