Maintenance Ranger Brint Owens

For Brinton “Brint” Owens, a career in service didn’t end with retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard—it simply took a new form. After 26 years in military service, including 20 years in maritime interdiction, he found a new calling: serving the public in a different way as a maintenance ranger at Little Pee Dee State Park.

Brint’s connection to the outdoors started early. "I grew up in the outdoors—camping, hunting, and fishing. I’ve always been on or near the water. I could swim before I could walk or talk,” he says.

Brint went on to have a decorated career in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for 26 years before retiring as a Senior Chief (E-8) in 2020. The majority of his service was spent in maritime interdiction, focusing on narcotics and human smuggling enforcement.  His experience also led him to teach at the Federal Law Enforcement Academy, where he spent six years instructing on the Use of Force and Constitutional/Drug Law.

After years of high-stakes operations and training the next generation of law enforcement officers, Brint was ready for a change—but not a quiet retirement. Instead, he wanted a career where he could serve others, work outdoors, and keep learning something new. That desire led him to South Carolina State Parks.

Brint joined Little Pee Dee State Park in December 2024 as a maintenance ranger. His duties are as varied as the landscape itself. His day-to-day tasks include operating equipment, performing electrical and plumbing work, groundskeeping, retail, customer service, making reservations, and assisting other parks when needed. He enjoys equipment operation and maintenance the most. 

His years of leadership and problem-solving in the Coast Guard have translated well into the parks system. Whether he’s repairing essential infrastructure or ensuring that visitors have a great experience, his work is another way of giving back to the community.

Brint’s passion for service is matched by his love for family. He and his wife, Christy, have four grown children, as well as two grandchildren.

Their household is also home to a small farm’s worth of animals: five dogs, two cats, a bird, two horses, ten chickens, and eight goats.

Brint encourages others to consider a career in parks. His advice? “Maintain a positive attitude and an open mind. Stay flexible.”

His transition from military service to park service is a testament to how skills in leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving can carry over into a new, meaningful career.

Though new to the South Carolina State Parks system, Brint is already making an impact at Little Pee Dee State Park. His dedication, strong work ethic, and love for the outdoors make him a valued part of the team.

Think you might be interested in a job with the South Carolina State Park Service? Click here to see our current, full-time job openings!