Stewardship Manager

• Jul 2022 - Present

Stewardship Specialist

• Feb 2020 - Jul 2022

Field Technician - Level 2

• Sep 2019 - Feb 2020

My position with Black River Habitats entails working with both public and private landowners to conserve native habitats and improve ecological value. Projects involve invasive species surveys and removal, native plant installations, biological surveys, equipment maintenance, and additional duties as required. I often work independently, coordinating with company ownership and landowners to provide first-rate management for our clients. This demands in-field decision making based on environmental conditions and project requirements. Regular use of backpack and boom sprayers, loppers, tractors, chainsaws, augers, and brush saws is required. This position requires strong communication and organizational skills, sound ecological decision making, and creativity to overcome problems as they occur.

Field Technician

• Mar 2018 - Sep 2019

As a member of the plant health team, this position's primary purpose was to create and manage a noxious weed eradication program on a 1,500 acre farm. My duties included scouting, spraying, and mapping all noxious weeds, as well as adjusting operations to prevent their spread. Other responsibilities involved scouting for pests and diseases, collecting plant and soil samples, collecting inventory data, and performing field trials. I often engaged with representatives of other organizations in order to learn and discuss practices to help improve our ability to grow healthy plants, and educated employees on noxious weed prevention methods. This position required sharp organizational, project management, and critical thinking capabilities to solve multi-faceted problems.

Habitat Technician

• Jun 2016 - Feb 2018

As a Habitat Technician, my work was done in the field assessing ecosystem threats, then planning and implementing strategies to restore and maintain ecosystem integrity. I participated in large scale restoration projects including native plantings, wetland mitigations, rare plant monitoring, prescribed burns, biological surveys, invasive species removal projects, and many more. I led and trained volunteers and interns on the safe use of equipment, seed collection, and invasive species removal. I believe this position has prepared me to succeed in the planning, preparation, and implementation of natural resource projects. Projects required working knowledge of GIS and regular use of chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, backpack sprayers, brush saws, and more.

Intern

• Feb 2016 - May 2016

As a Naturalist Intern, I assisted in all aspects of educational programming for both school aged children and adults. I Led volunteers during events including invasive species removal work days, education programs, and plant sales. In this position, I greatly enhanced my ability to educate and to connect all ages with the outdoors. I enjoyed working alongside Nature Center visitors with a wide range of education and experiences. As a Naturalist Intern, I assisted in all aspects of educational programming for both school aged children and adults. I Led volunteers during events including invasive species removal work days, education programs, and plant sales. In this position, I greatly enhanced my ability to educate and to connect all ages with the outdoors. I enjoyed working alongside Nature Center visitors with a wide range of education and experiences.

Field Technician

• May 2015 - Aug 2015

Served as a Field Technician on a black ash wetland forest study. Identified herbaceous plant community and calculated percent ground cover, performed seedling surveys, and assessed shrubby plant community. Built on skills in scientific procedure, communication, and plant identification. Often worked long hours independently. Excellent use of both map and compass as well as GPS was required. Served as a Field Technician on a black ash wetland forest study. Identified herbaceous plant community and calculated percent ground cover, performed seedling surveys, and assessed shrubby plant community. Built on skills in scientific procedure, communication, and plant identification. Often worked long hours independently. Excellent use of both map and compass as well as GPS was required.

Intern

• May 2014 - Aug 2014

Planned and implemented small scale agricultural systems, identified wild plants and researched edible properties, created educational book on wild edible plants, educated guests and volunteers. Built on skills in teaching, leading small teams, plant identification, agricultural planning, and teamwork. Planned and implemented small scale agricultural systems, identified wild plants and researched edible properties, created educational book on wild edible plants, educated guests and volunteers. Built on skills in teaching, leading small teams, plant identification, agricultural planning, and teamwork.