Nature Preserve Manager

• Apr 2019 - Present

Manager of grounds maintenance of a 289 acre nature preserve in Collin County, Texas.The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is to bring nature and people together. A critical element in this mission is providing a place where future generations can enjoy our native Blackland Prairie in a state similar to what it once was. This element requires both restoration and conservation efforts on the part of the Heard staff and volunteers.Through a process known as biome restoration, we continue to work to return 65-acres of grassland to native plant vegetation through a combination of transplantation and seeding techniques with native plants. The prairie is a critically vital habitat for prairie plant and wildlife species that have less and less natural areas available. Because factors that once kept brush and trees from growing in the prairie have largely been eliminated, if left alone, these plant types would begin to grow in the prairie, returning it to low-diversity upland forest. This type of forest is poor habitat for most native animals. To simulate natural conditions, we eliminate encroaching saplings and trees by mowing, or by conducting prescribed prairie burns. The use of strategic spraying of herbicides is also sometimes necessary to control exotic vegetation. Naturally occurring grazing animals such as deer also help control growth. The Heard seeks to leave our prairie as natural as possible, but realizes that, without intervention, this precious piece of native prairie habitat could be lost forever. Show less

Assistant Nature Preserve Manager (Weekends)

• Jan 2016 - Apr 2019

Assisted in the grounds management of a 289 acre nature preserve in Collin County, Texas.

Janitor

• 2014 - 2016

Front Desk Associate

• 2013 - 2015

Parks Maintenance Technician

• Apr 2018 - Apr 2019

Worked in the maintenance of municipal parks for the Anna Parks and Recreation Department. Performed tasks such as line trimming, edging, tractor mowing, ballfield maintenance, irrigation troubleshooting, herbicide application, painting and more. Worked in the maintenance of municipal parks for the Anna Parks and Recreation Department. Performed tasks such as line trimming, edging, tractor mowing, ballfield maintenance, irrigation troubleshooting, herbicide application, painting and more.

Parks Maintenance Worker

• Apr 2017 - Apr 2018

Oversaw the cleanup of a list of 20+ city parks and ran a trash truck. Removed waste, litter, fallen branches and debris, cleaned up after flooding, and removed hazardous materials from municipal parks in McKinney Texas. Oversaw the cleanup of a list of 20+ city parks and ran a trash truck. Removed waste, litter, fallen branches and debris, cleaned up after flooding, and removed hazardous materials from municipal parks in McKinney Texas.