Doug LeQuire is settling into his new job as superintendent of Beaufort County’s Goose Creek State Park.

Born in Salisbury and raised in Virginia Beach, LeQuire has worked with state parks for 10 years. He previously served as superintendent of Pettigrew State Park, located in Tyrrell and Washington counties.

“I’d been here before; it’s a beautiful park,” LeQuire said of Goose Creek. “I like the Pamlico Sound area and I like fishing. This area has a lot of things to offer.”

LeQuire described his job as a “balancing act” during which he oversees natural resource management, interpretative education, park operations and protection and safety.

His love of nature was fostered at an early age.

“Growing up, I was outdoors all the time,” he recalled.

After earning degrees in general science, biology and chemistry, LeQuire went to work in the biotechnology industry. While living and working in Massachusetts, a call to jury duty ended up changing his life.

“I was dismissed from jury duty, and on the way home I stopped at a park on a whim,” he said. He realized how much he missed the great outdoors, and he and his wife were prompted to move back home to North Carolina.

Ten years ago LeQuire signed on as a volunteer at Goose Creek State Park. He then received a job offer from Pettigrew and became a ranger.

Fast forward a few years and LeQuire was looking for a change of scenery. When the Goose Creek position came open after John Fullwood was promoted to district superintendent, he requested a lateral transfer. He assumed his new post in May and jumped in feet first.

“I’ve been learning the park, assessing the park and getting a handle on park visitors and local park supporters,” LeQuire said. “I’m finding out what they’d like to see at Goose Creek.”

He is dedicated to continuing the park’s long leaf pine restoration project, and the series of educational programs offered free to the public is continuing as well.

“We may even possibly reopen some hiking trails at some point,” he said.