● Natural resource stewardship: Creation and execution of stewardship plans to increase diversity within native plant communities. Operations include vegetation management through cultural, chemical and mechanical methods as well as the implementation of prescribed fire. Timber stand improvement projects, native seed collection and invasive species management are regular work activities. This work entails the operation and maintenance of various equipment such as skid steers, tractors, chainsaws, brush cutters, various herbicide application equipment, fire ignition and extinguishing devices, among others.● Floristic surveys: Proficiency in the identification of plant species in the tallgrass prairie, savanna and forested ecosystems of Iowa. Surveys include documentation of species richness, generalizations of relative abundance and stewardship recommendations. GPS coordinates are provided to clients for species encountered that are of conservation concern or to assist in early detection and eradication of new invasive populations. Surveys have resulted in the discovery of previously unknown remnant prairies and populations of conservative species.

● Sustainability: Designed a framework to aid host organization in participating in a prominent nationwide sustainability initiative, the Programa Bandera Azul Ecología (PBAE). This initiative encompassed a rigorous assessment of the company's current consumption metrics, including fuel, water, and electricity, with the goal of formulating a sustainability plan to achieve an annual reduction of 1% in consumption.● Education: Developed a series of environmental education presentations, aligned with the core themes of the PBAE. These presentations effectively bridged the gap between program objectives and the company's current operations, offering practical guidance to optimize resource utilization and attain PBAE compliance.● Language & Culture: I conducted all internship work activities and completed corresponding deliverables in Spanish. In addition to language immersion, my stay with a host family provided invaluable insights into Costa Rican culture.

● Landscape Design: Create job site plans with satellite images of customer’s property. Create designs to scale for rain catchment gardens and edible landscapes. Integrate native & edible plants or plants that offer other benefits to the environment. Design landscapes in accordance with grant program specifications to take advantage of cost share programs. ● Crew Lead: Operation of heavy equipment such as skid steers, & concrete saws. Maintain team safety and morale. Oversee team activities to ensure quality work and provide instruction as needed.

● Forestry: Identification of trees and shrubs in all seasons. Timber stand improvement activities. Operation and maintenance of equipment from small engines to heavy equipment. ● Prairie Restoration: Identification of various native and exotic plants. Lead restoration activities of groups of volunteers and co-workers including native seed collection and invasive species control. Seed and maintain prairies with hand tools and machinery such as tractors.● Prescribed Fire: Fire implementation in various seasons and habitats including forest, prairie and wetland settings. Understanding of how weather conditions, topography, ignition patterns and fuel types influence fire behavior. Use of various firing and fire extinguishing devices.

● Land stewardship: Worked with a team and independently to control invasive species and promote native diversity in native prairie and woodland ecosystems. Hand collected seeds from remnant prairies throughout the growing season. Engaged in timber stand improvement activities including felling and girdling of unwanted species. Safe handling and application of herbicides.● Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Operation and maintenance of hand and power tools, such as brush-cutters, hand saws, and chainsaws. Operation of ATVs and winches.