Thomas Leicester Email & Phone Number

North Platte, Nebraska, United States

Similar to my previous role, I liaise with private landowners to develop conservation management plans throughout Nebraska's Sandhills. This mainly involves combatting woody encroachment, but also includes grazing plans to benefit both ranchers and wildlife, along with seedings to restore habitat. Beyond these core duties, Audubon's own Conservation Ranching Program is an aspect of this position geared towards enrolling landowners in a system that connects producers to consumers. As a Range Ecologist, I educate and enroll landowners in this program to support ranching and birds among other species while providing consumers with deeper insight about where and how their food is produced.

North Platte, Nebraska, United States

As a Conservation Delivery Specialist, my time is split between working with landowners to address resource concerns on their property, using GIS to map these areas of concern, and applying for state-funding to support these projects. In my focal area of the Loess Canyons, situated in Nebraska's beautiful Sandhills region, woody encroachment by the Eastern Red Cedar is our region's primary challenge. With the onset of modern agriculture, fire was removed from the landscape, leading to a dramatic shift from native prairies to invasive forests. Through Pheasant Forever's partnership with the State of Nebraska, we can provide the financial and technical support to assist rancher-led initiatives that benefit both the prairie-dependent species of Nebraska and ranch profitability.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Committed to workers’ rights, Nichols Kaster law firm defends employees against workplace abuse and violations. As a class action case clerk, responsibilities range from general customer service to document production and organization to client interviews. These responsibilities refined my interpersonal skills along with time management, organization, and teamwork. Most important, my time at NK taught me the intricacies of the legal system and value of supporting others less fortunate.

Barrow, Alaska, United States

From July 2018-August 2018, and throughout July 2020, I assisted Dr. Divoky on collecting extensive data on a bird colony greatly affected by climate change. Data included chick growth, adult size measurements, and dive data to understand how these birds are coping with a rapidly changing environment.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Completed extensive biological surveys to understand the impact of urban development on natural lands while participating in invasive plant control. Also supported restoration of farmlands to natural prairies while learning about the importance of ecological services to neighboring communities.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Worked with customers to find the right products for their needs while organizing merchandise.

Master Of Science - Ms, Agriculture And Development

Taught program with a dissertation, I explored farming systems through analyzing the role and contributions of agriculture.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Environmental Science