Karl attended Humboldt State University majored in Geography and minored in Geology.  He has been employed with California State Parks for 38 years;  30 years in the field at North Coast Redwood and Sierra District Parks and 8 years in headquarters performing the Roads and Trails Program Manager and Chief of Facilities Management Division.  Classifications held are seasonal Park Aid, State Park Ranger, Park Maintenance Worker and Supervisors, District Maintenance Chief, and Staff/Senior Park and Recreation Specialists.  During this time, eighteen months was spent working for the California Conservation Corps.