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Wildlife Specialist/Nutria Trapper, US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services (WS),
Maryland (September 2006 to present): Currently I am employed by the USDA
APHIS Wildlife Services. As a Wildlife Specialist/Nutria Trapper, I conduct
direct control operations designed to eradicate invasive nutria. I am part of a
team that’s goal is to eradicate nutria to protect threatened marshlands
surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. Various types of traps, firearms, and
detection dogs are used to remove nutria from infested areas. Nutria sign is
readily distinguished from native wildlife species to minimize likelihood of
impacting non-target animals. Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to
navigate work areas and also to record capture information that is then
downloaded into a computer database using Arc View Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). Trap and capture data are recorded on field forms and entered
onto Microsoft Access database, and MIS. Biological data is collected for
disease testing and DNA analysis, and necropsies are performed on nutria. I
also assist with various kinds of research when needed, and aid with training
new wildlife staff and volunteers in program and trapping procedures.
Population census is conducted in areas to determine presence of nutria and
monitoring of previously trapped areas to protect against re-infestation by
nutria. Communication with landowners is a critical task as well. Field
activities are routinely conducted in inclement weather year round throughout
thousands of acres of marsh. Tidal marshes of the Chesapeake Bay can be a
very harsh environment to work, navigate and traverse. Breathable chest
waders and rain gear are worn for protection against the elements. Along with
the job comes experience using a 16ft aluminum john boat, propelled by either
outboard, pro-drive or beavertail motors; experience towing, trailering, and
launching watercraft; and use of ATV’s, canoes and kayaks to access marsh. As
part of a team, it is important to maintain good working relationships with my
peers, supervisor, workers from other agencies, private cooperators and the
general public. At all times federal laws (NEPA and the Endangered Species
Act) are complied with as they pertain to my work. Team members often work
alone in the field, each being responsible for a section of marsh. Team members
may be separated by miles of marsh allowing little or no contact with other
members. Thus, self reliance and organizing and completing assigned tasks
safely and efficiently while alone are achieved.
Besides taking part in the arduous field duties at hand, I serve as Outreach
Coordinator for the nutria program; assist with the program’s computer
network support; and partake with a myriad of other office-related and
program activities. When time permits, I also participate in various other
wildlife damage management projects during temporary details. This entails a
number of wildlife-related projects that other Wildlife Services offices may
need assistance with, along with state and local projects.
Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division (May 2006 to
September 2006): While serving as a member of the small mammal team within
the CT DEP’s Wildlife Diversity Program, I contributed to a small mammal
sampling study. This was my third seasonal experience with the state of CT.
Small mammal trapping took place throughout the state using Longworth,
Sherman, pitfall, and museum special snap traps. Minnow traps were used to
capture minnows for bait. Target species included the southern bog lemming
and the water shrew, both Species of Greatest Conservation Need (GCN) within
CT. we sampled other small mammal species and set for flying squirrels
(trapped with Sherman traps) as well. Small mammal species captured and
handled during small mammal sampling included: masked shrews, meadow
jumping mice, meadow voles, red-backed voles, short-tailed shrews, short-
tailed weasels, water shrew, white-footed mice, and woodland jumping mice.
Weights and measurements were recorded for all species captured in both live
and snap traps. Scat tubes were used to determine small mammal presence at
various trapping locations prior to trapping. Field data was entered using
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A variety of other GCN species observed was also
recorded while in the field. Small mammal traps repair and modification were
routine tasks carried out, and I created data sheets for small mammal field
activities. Wild bats held in captivity for rehabilitation were cared for; and we
conducted bat observations at a private conservation facility. My photography
skills were used to document all field activities for use in presentations,
reports, Connecticut Wildlife Magazine, and so forth (over 2,000 digital images
taken). Miscellaneous office duties and literature review were also
accomplished.
Numerous other wildlife-related activities were implicated during my
employment with CT DEP as well. I participated in raptor callback surveys and
goshawk nest searches; performed owl pellet dissection; aided the Furbearer
Program by performing necropsies on black bears, fishers, and river otters;
inspected crop contents of an eastern wild turkey; and removed the head from
a white-tailed deer suspected of having CWD (tested positive for rabies
instead). I attended wildlife rehabilitators training for rabies vector species;
assisted with First Annual CT Wildlife Conservation Conference between the
University of Connecticut and the CT DEP; and worked in cooperation with
University of Connecticut’s specimen collection facility by providing and
preparing small mammal specimens for collection.
Wildlife Technician, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Department of
Natural Resources Protection, Connecticut (August 2005 to April 2006): While
working for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation I carried out a fox and
coyote study on the Reservation. This was a contracted 8 month position that I
committed a great deal of volunteer hours to as well. I usually worked
independently; setting padded foothold traps and box traps. I assisted the
Wildlife Biologist with my fox and coyote captures; after they were
immobilized, captures were weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed, and radio
collared. Radio telemetry on collared foxes and coyotes (performed day and
evening surveys) was conducted regularly. I also performed fox den location
and den assessments; set up a wildlife trail camera to monitor fox activity;
processed road kill fox to compare with trapped animal data; extracted teeth
from deceased fox for aging and cleaned skulls from road kill fox and owls for
educational display. New traps were prepared for field use, and trap
adjustments and repairs were completed. Field data was entered using a
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Attendance at a Wildlife Society workshops,
miscellaneous office duties and literature review were also accomplished.
While employed with the Pequot Tribe I worked in cooperation with CT DEP
and contributed to a New England and eastern cottontail study on the
Reservation. Cottontail research was being conducted to evaluate home range
size, habitat and distribution of New England cottontail rabbits. Cottontails
were trapped with box traps and each animal processed before releasing back
into the wild. Cottontails captured were weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed,
and a sample of their DNA collected before being released. A GPS was used to
record where suspect New England cottontails were captured.
Besides canines and cottontails, I also had the pleasure of handling other
furbearer species including fishers, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and so forth.
Evening salamander migration surveys and amphibian audio surveys were
conducted on the Reservation, as well as vernal pool surveys during the spring
months. Vernal pool surveys involved counting the number of wood frog and
spotted salamander eggs, and locating presence of marbled salamander larvae.
I monitored pitfall traps at Reservation housing development culverts, and
recorded weight and measurements of captured salamanders before releasing
them. Conduction of midnight owl callback surveys during winter months, and
monitoring golf cart kills at the tribal golf course (snakes) during summer
months was also accomplished. My photography skills were used to document
all field activities.
Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division (December 2004 to May
2005): This had to be my most favorite experience while employed with the CT
DEP. I aided the Furbearer Program with a black bear study; conducted radio
telemetry on collared black bears; used radio telemetry to determine winter
den locations, and assisted with black bear winter den visits. During winter
den visits sows were weighed, measured, and radio collars refitted or replaced
(bears immobilized); newborn cubs were recorded and weighed; yearling cubs
were weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed, and females fitted with a radio
collar.
Investigation of nuisance black bear complaints including beehive and
birdfeeder damage, porch break-ins, and livestock attacks was another aspect
of this seasonal position. This involved communication with residents who
contacted the CT DEP regarding nuisance bear issues. Persons with concerns
were provided information about black bears in CT and advice was offered
regarding deterring bears from their properties. When bears needed to be
removed culvert traps were set for live capture. Trapped bears were identified
if previously tagged, and released into a nearby state forest. Bears never
trapped before were immobilized, and biological data collected. Dart gun
practice (shooting, loading and unloading darts) was accomplished, along with
investigation of a deceased black bear reported in the CT River.
Necropsies were performed on black bears, bobcats, coyotes, fishers, and river
otters; and extracted teeth for aging. I operated pelt tagging stations, and
assisted with pelt tagging at a private game club fur auction. I maintained the
wildlife sighting, necropsy, and pelt tagging databases using Microsoft Access,
and entered data using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Miscellaneous office
duties and literature review were also accomplished; along with participation
in wildlife tracking workshops. I also assisted with cottontail trapping;
cottontail research was being conducted to evaluate home range size, habitat
and distribution of New England cottontail rabbits. Cottontails captured were
weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed, and a sample of their DNA collected
before being released.
Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division (December 2003 to
April 2004): I performed a myriad of wildlife, fisheries, and forestry-related
duties while employed under the Habitat Management Program. I participated
with a deer drive for a controlled hunt; cleared culverts and water control
structures of beaver debris; and partook in wood duck box construction and
maintenance activities. Wood duck boxes were monitored, repaired/replaced
damaged boxes, and new wood shavings placed inside boxes; I used a GPS to
record box locations. Data was entered using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Miscellaneous office duties and literature review were also accomplished.
I aided the Furbearer Program by locating collared black bears using radio
telemetry; performed necropsies on fishers and river otters. Operated pelt
tagging stations, and assisted with pelt tagging at a private game club fur
auction. I provided assistance to the Fisheries Division via trout stocking along
the Salmon River. I also assisted the Forestry Division with boundary line
marking on state land (established new state boundary lines and re-marked
existing boundaries); this required the use of a compass and topographic maps;
tallied for tree-harvesting project. Participation in a fire management training
course, and assistance with prescribed burns (leaf blowing a fire line, use of
drip torch, clean up with broom and bladder bags) were also accomplished.
Wildlife Field Biologist, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Prairie Management
Program, South Dakota (June 2002 to July 2003): As a team leader for an
endangered species program, I supervised up to 8 Wildlife Technicians and
temporary wildlife staff while employed by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. I
conducted black-footed ferret (BFF) field surveys, and monitored ferrets via all-
night spotlighting surveys, using a GPS to record ferret locations. Ferrets were
live-trapped if they didn’t produce a microchip reading during spotlighting
surveys. Unidentified ferret captures were brought to the study camper,
immobilized, and inserted with microchip implantations. I took part in a
wildlife anesthetizing training in Sybille, Wyoming (U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service permit PRT-704930, sub-permit SP00-27.00 for handling black-footed
ferrets was received however renewal was necessary in 2004). I organized a BFF
release for a new site on the Reservation, arranged the release ceremony to be
conducted by a local Holy Man, and invited guests to a luncheon and
observation of ferrets being released into the wild. Participation in a site visit to
the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation facility while under construction
in Colorado; attendance at BFF committee meetings in South Dakota, Arizona
and Colorado; and attendance at a BFF informational meeting on the Rosebud
Sioux Indian Reservation to offer advice about a BFF project on their
Reservation, was also accomplished.
I implemented black-tailed prairie dog field surveys; used a GPS to record
prairie dog town locations; conducted prairie dog density surveys and live-
trapped prairie dogs for quarantine. Captured prairie dogs were cared for and
held in quarantine for 14 days prior to processing. After quarantine prairie
dogs were euthanized, processed, veterinarian inspected, and carcasses
shipped to a captive BFF breeding facility as food.
Predator control surveys on prairie dog towns within BFF management areas
was performed; I collected blood samples from coyotes harvested during aerial
gun control for disease testing purposes (tested for canine distemper and
tularemia); and accompanied coyote hunters during an aerial search via
airplane for coyotes on a rolling prairie landscape. Data was entered using
Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and I prepared various reports. Miscellaneous
office duties and literature review were also accomplished.
I took part in numerous tribal buffalo roundups (pickups and ATV’s used)
with the Buffalo Program; assisted with sorting and loading at the buffalo
corrals; euthanized injured bison using rifles. Site visits to bison
slaughterhouses in both North and South Dakota were accomplished (when
tribal animals were being delivered). And I witnessed processing at the tribally
owned slaughter unit. Other bison-related duties included: volunteering at an
annual Fair & Powwow for the Buffalo Programs concession stand; assistance
with a buffalo dinner at local Elderly Nutrition Center; attendance at bison-
related meetings (Brucellosis Symposium in Jackson, WY; USDA Hazard
Analysis Critical Control Points training in Eagle Butte, SD; local Interim Board
of Directors meetings and so forth).
When time permitted I also assisted tribal Fish & Game with deer spotlight
surveys; presented a buffalo box educational project to local community
schools and tourism groups; provided wild horse and bison tours; also
photographed tribal wildlife for website and tourism brochures.
Summer Internships:
Miscellaneous Experience:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services (WS),
Maryland (September 2006 to present): Currently I am employed by the USDA
APHIS Wildlife Services. As a Wildlife Specialist/Nutria Trapper, I conduct
direct control operations designed to eradicate invasive nutria. I am part of a
team that’s goal is to eradicate nutria to protect threatened marshlands
surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. Various types of traps, firearms, and
detection dogs are used to remove nutria from infested areas. Nutria sign is
readily distinguished from native wildlife species to minimize likelihood of
impacting non-target animals. Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to
navigate work areas and also to record capture information that is then
downloaded into a computer database using Arc View Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). Trap and capture data are recorded on field forms and entered
onto Microsoft Access database, and MIS. Biological data is collected for
disease testing and DNA analysis, and necropsies are performed on nutria. I
also assist with various kinds of research when needed, and aid with training
new wildlife staff and volunteers in program and trapping procedures.
Population census is conducted in areas to determine presence of nutria and
monitoring of previously trapped areas to protect against re-infestation by
nutria. Communication with landowners is a critical task as well. Field
activities are routinely conducted in inclement weather year round throughout
thousands of acres of marsh. Tidal marshes of the Chesapeake Bay can be a
very harsh environment to work, navigate and traverse. Breathable chest
waders and rain gear are worn for protection against the elements. Along with
the job comes experience using a 16ft aluminum john boat, propelled by either
outboard, pro-drive or beavertail motors; experience towing, trailering, and
launching watercraft; and use of ATV’s, canoes and kayaks to access marsh. As
part of a team, it is important to maintain good working relationships with my
peers, supervisor, workers from other agencies, private cooperators and the
general public. At all times federal laws (NEPA and the Endangered Species
Act) are complied with as they pertain to my work. Team members often work
alone in the field, each being responsible for a section of marsh. Team members
may be separated by miles of marsh allowing little or no contact with other
members. Thus, self reliance and organizing and completing assigned tasks
safely and efficiently while alone are achieved.
Besides taking part in the arduous field duties at hand, I serve as Outreach
Coordinator for the nutria program; assist with the program’s computer
network support; and partake with a myriad of other office-related and
program activities. When time permits, I also participate in various other
wildlife damage management projects during temporary details. This entails a
number of wildlife-related projects that other Wildlife Services offices may
need assistance with, along with state and local projects.
Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division (May 2006 to
September 2006): While serving as a member of the small mammal team within
the CT DEP’s Wildlife Diversity Program, I contributed to a small mammal
sampling study. This was my third seasonal experience with the state of CT.
Small mammal trapping took place throughout the state using Longworth,
Sherman, pitfall, and museum special snap traps. Minnow traps were used to
capture minnows for bait. Target species included the southern bog lemming
and the water shrew, both Species of Greatest Conservation Need (GCN) within
CT. we sampled other small mammal species and set for flying squirrels
(trapped with Sherman traps) as well. Small mammal species captured and
handled during small mammal sampling included: masked shrews, meadow
jumping mice, meadow voles, red-backed voles, short-tailed shrews, short-
tailed weasels, water shrew, white-footed mice, and woodland jumping mice.
Weights and measurements were recorded for all species captured in both live
and snap traps. Scat tubes were used to determine small mammal presence at
various trapping locations prior to trapping. Field data was entered using
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A variety of other GCN species observed was also
recorded while in the field. Small mammal traps repair and modification were
routine tasks carried out, and I created data sheets for small mammal field
activities. Wild bats held in captivity for rehabilitation were cared for; and we
conducted bat observations at a private conservation facility. My photography
skills were used to document all field activities for use in presentations,
reports, Connecticut Wildlife Magazine, and so forth (over 2,000 digital images
taken). Miscellaneous office duties and literature review were also
accomplished.
Numerous other wildlife-related activities were implicated during my
employment with CT DEP as well. I participated in raptor callback surveys and
goshawk nest searches; performed owl pellet dissection; aided the Furbearer
Program by performing necropsies on black bears, fishers, and river otters;
inspected crop contents of an eastern wild turkey; and removed the head from
a white-tailed deer suspected of having CWD (tested positive for rabies
instead). I attended wildlife rehabilitators training for rabies vector species;
assisted with First Annual CT Wildlife Conservation Conference between the
University of Connecticut and the CT DEP; and worked in cooperation with
University of Connecticut’s specimen collection facility by providing and
preparing small mammal specimens for collection.
Wildlife Technician, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Department of
Natural Resources Protection, Connecticut (August 2005 to April 2006): While
working for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation I carried out a fox and
coyote study on the Reservation. This was a contracted 8 month position that I
committed a great deal of volunteer hours to as well. I usually worked
independently; setting padded foothold traps and box traps. I assisted the
Wildlife Biologist with my fox and coyote captures; after they were
immobilized, captures were weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed, and radio
collared. Radio telemetry on collared foxes and coyotes (performed day and
evening surveys) was conducted regularly. I also performed fox den location
and den assessments; set up a wildlife trail camera to monitor fox activity;
processed road kill fox to compare with trapped animal data; extracted teeth
from deceased fox for aging and cleaned skulls from road kill fox and owls for
educational display. New traps were prepared for field use, and trap
adjustments and repairs were completed. Field data was entered using a
Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Attendance at a Wildlife Society workshops,
miscellaneous office duties and literature review were also accomplished.
While employed with the Pequot Tribe I worked in cooperation with CT DEP
and contributed to a New England and eastern cottontail study on the
Reservation. Cottontail research was being conducted to evaluate home range
size, habitat and distribution of New England cottontail rabbits. Cottontails
were trapped with box traps and each animal processed before releasing back
into the wild. Cottontails captured were weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed,
and a sample of their DNA collected before being released. A GPS was used to
record where suspect New England cottontails were captured.
Besides canines and cottontails, I also had the pleasure of handling other
furbearer species including fishers, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and so forth.
Evening salamander migration surveys and amphibian audio surveys were
conducted on the Reservation, as well as vernal pool surveys during the spring
months. Vernal pool surveys involved counting the number of wood frog and
spotted salamander eggs, and locating presence of marbled salamander larvae.
I monitored pitfall traps at Reservation housing development culverts, and
recorded weight and measurements of captured salamanders before releasing
them. Conduction of midnight owl callback surveys during winter months, and
monitoring golf cart kills at the tribal golf course (snakes) during summer
months was also accomplished. My photography skills were used to document
all field activities.
Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division (December 2004 to May
2005): This had to be my most favorite experience while employed with the CT
DEP. I aided the Furbearer Program with a black bear study; conducted radio
telemetry on collared black bears; used radio telemetry to determine winter
den locations, and assisted with black bear winter den visits. During winter
den visits sows were weighed, measured, and radio collars refitted or replaced
(bears immobilized); newborn cubs were recorded and weighed; yearling cubs
were weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed, and females fitted with a radio
collar.
Investigation of nuisance black bear complaints including beehive and
birdfeeder damage, porch break-ins, and livestock attacks was another aspect
of this seasonal position. This involved communication with residents who
contacted the CT DEP regarding nuisance bear issues. Persons with concerns
were provided information about black bears in CT and advice was offered
regarding deterring bears from their properties. When bears needed to be
removed culvert traps were set for live capture. Trapped bears were identified
if previously tagged, and released into a nearby state forest. Bears never
trapped before were immobilized, and biological data collected. Dart gun
practice (shooting, loading and unloading darts) was accomplished, along with
investigation of a deceased black bear reported in the CT River.
Necropsies were performed on black bears, bobcats, coyotes, fishers, and river
otters; and extracted teeth for aging. I operated pelt tagging stations, and
assisted with pelt tagging at a private game club fur auction. I maintained the
wildlife sighting, necropsy, and pelt tagging databases using Microsoft Access,
and entered data using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Miscellaneous office
duties and literature review were also accomplished; along with participation
in wildlife tracking workshops. I also assisted with cottontail trapping;
cottontail research was being conducted to evaluate home range size, habitat
and distribution of New England cottontail rabbits. Cottontails captured were
weighed, measured, ear-tagged, sexed, and a sample of their DNA collected
before being released.
Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of
Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division (December 2003 to
April 2004): I performed a myriad of wildlife, fisheries, and forestry-related
duties while employed under the Habitat Management Program. I participated
with a deer drive for a controlled hunt; cleared culverts and water control
structures of beaver debris; and partook in wood duck box construction and
maintenance activities. Wood duck boxes were monitored, repaired/replaced
damaged boxes, and new wood shavings placed inside boxes; I used a GPS to
record box locations. Data was entered using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Miscellaneous office duties and literature review were also accomplished.
I aided the Furbearer Program by locating collared black bears using radio
telemetry; performed necropsies on fishers and river otters. Operated pelt
tagging stations, and assisted with pelt tagging at a private game club fur
auction. I provided assistance to the Fisheries Division via trout stocking along
the Salmon River. I also assisted the Forestry Division with boundary line
marking on state land (established new state boundary lines and re-marked
existing boundaries); this required the use of a compass and topographic maps;
tallied for tree-harvesting project. Participation in a fire management training
course, and assistance with prescribed burns (leaf blowing a fire line, use of
drip torch, clean up with broom and bladder bags) were also accomplished.
Wildlife Field Biologist, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Prairie Management
Program, South Dakota (June 2002 to July 2003): As a team leader for an
endangered species program, I supervised up to 8 Wildlife Technicians and
temporary wildlife staff while employed by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. I
conducted black-footed ferret (BFF) field surveys, and monitored ferrets via all-
night spotlighting surveys, using a GPS to record ferret locations. Ferrets were
live-trapped if they didn’t produce a microchip reading during spotlighting
surveys. Unidentified ferret captures were brought to the study camper,
immobilized, and inserted with microchip implantations. I took part in a
wildlife anesthetizing training in Sybille, Wyoming (U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service permit PRT-704930, sub-permit SP00-27.00 for handling black-footed
ferrets was received however renewal was necessary in 2004). I organized a BFF
release for a new site on the Reservation, arranged the release ceremony to be
conducted by a local Holy Man, and invited guests to a luncheon and
observation of ferrets being released into the wild. Participation in a site visit to
the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation facility while under construction
in Colorado; attendance at BFF committee meetings in South Dakota, Arizona
and Colorado; and attendance at a BFF informational meeting on the Rosebud
Sioux Indian Reservation to offer advice about a BFF project on their
Reservation, was also accomplished.
I implemented black-tailed prairie dog field surveys; used a GPS to record
prairie dog town locations; conducted prairie dog density surveys and live-
trapped prairie dogs for quarantine. Captured prairie dogs were cared for and
held in quarantine for 14 days prior to processing. After quarantine prairie
dogs were euthanized, processed, veterinarian inspected, and carcasses
shipped to a captive BFF breeding facility as food.
Predator control surveys on prairie dog towns within BFF management areas
was performed; I collected blood samples from coyotes harvested during aerial
gun control for disease testing purposes (tested for canine distemper and
tularemia); and accompanied coyote hunters during an aerial search via
airplane for coyotes on a rolling prairie landscape. Data was entered using
Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and I prepared various reports. Miscellaneous
office duties and literature review were also accomplished.
I took part in numerous tribal buffalo roundups (pickups and ATV’s used)
with the Buffalo Program; assisted with sorting and loading at the buffalo
corrals; euthanized injured bison using rifles. Site visits to bison
slaughterhouses in both North and South Dakota were accomplished (when
tribal animals were being delivered). And I witnessed processing at the tribally
owned slaughter unit. Other bison-related duties included: volunteering at an
annual Fair & Powwow for the Buffalo Programs concession stand; assistance
with a buffalo dinner at local Elderly Nutrition Center; attendance at bison-
related meetings (Brucellosis Symposium in Jackson, WY; USDA Hazard
Analysis Critical Control Points training in Eagle Butte, SD; local Interim Board
of Directors meetings and so forth).
When time permitted I also assisted tribal Fish & Game with deer spotlight
surveys; presented a buffalo box educational project to local community
schools and tourism groups; provided wild horse and bison tours; also
photographed tribal wildlife for website and tourism brochures.
Summer Internships:
 | Wild Horse Program Field Intern (Predation Project), Pryor Mountain | |
| Wild Horse Range, Montana & Wyoming (Summer 2000): Entailed a predation study on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range in Montana and Wyoming; research focused primarily on predation by black bears and mountain lions on the wild horse herd, and predator distribution throughout the wild horse range. Teamed up with another summer intern for the predator study; involved was extensive hiking in moderate to high elevations, and outdoor work in extreme weather (heat, severe thunderstorms, and tornado); operated 4X4 backcountry roads with both standard and automatic vehicles, and ATV’s. Set scent stations to attract mountain lions and record lion tracks; searched for missing wild horse foals in their last known location, documented predation when kills were discovered, and monitored scavenger activity at known carcass sites. Most scavenger activity involved monitoring black bears at horse carcasses. Other scavenging species included coyotes, insects, and vultures. Interviewed local hunters, ranchers, and Crow tribal members about predation events that took place in the area; mountain lion sightings. Participated in a raccoon hunting excursion; purpose was to witness hound dogs in action (use of a firearm) while on a mountain lion hunt. General maintenance of the Britton Springs Administrative Site cabin and wild horse corrals encompassed other duties. A data summary report was submitted to my supervisor and to my college internship adviser upon completion of the predator study. |
| Bison Research Intern, Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, North | |
| Dakota (Summer 2001): Primary duties involved bison behavioral observations and GPS surveys regarding bison use of the Game Preserve. I created maps using Arc View GIS; worked independently while operating ATV’s and both standard and automatic vehicles. Sullys Hill is comprised of woodland, savannah, prairie and wetland habitats and located on the south shore of Devils Lake, in the center of the Spirit Lake Nation. Other activities accomplished included conducting periodic elk counts, bluebird nest box surveys, and participation in leafy spurge beetle release throughout refuge. I assisted with children educational programs (Kids in Nature Week, Junior Rangers), and partook with the second annual Sullys Hill Birding & Nature Festival (tram tours, educational programs, evening nature hikes). I worked in cooperation Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge (also in North Dakota) while interning at Sullys Hill and participated with duck banding activities. I also assisted with the field dressing of two young bison bulls with tribal members from the Spirit Lake Nation; and participated with tribal wildlife meetings. A data summary report was submitted to my supervisor and to my college internship adviser upon completion of the bison study. |
Miscellaneous Experience:
| Commercial Crab Boat Assistant, Eastern Shore Maryland (summer 2007 | |
| and 2008): Aided with commercial crabbing along the Nanticoke River on weekends/holidays, mostly sorting crabs, baiting lines, pulling lines, cutting bait and painting work boat. |
| Furbearer Trapping Assistant, Eastern Shore Maryland (trapping season | |
| 2007 and 2008): Took part in furbearer trapping on weekends/evenings after work; involved setting traps for fox, muskrat, otter, and raccoon; dressing, skinning, fleshing, and stretching pelts. Also dying and waxing foothold traps. |
| Auction and Banquet Staff Volunteer, Connecticut (spring 2004 and | |
| 2005): Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation CT River Chapter. |
| Wild Turkey Hunting Guide, Black Hills, South Dakota (spring 2004): | |
| Cared for sled dogs, ranch elk, bison and longhorn cattle herds, dug fencepost holes, and hunting cabin maintenance. |
| Buffalo Roundup Staff, Montana (fall 2003): Performed aerial head | |
| counts of bison in mountainous terrain via helicopter, operated entrance gate to corral, cared for bison in corrals (hay and water), and ear tagged bison receiving brucellosis vaccine. |
| Cattle Roundup & Branding Staff, South Dakota (spring 2003 and 2004): | |
| Assisted with cow/calf herd roundup via horseback, and with calf brandings and castrations. |
| Office Assistant/Christmas Tree Staff, Connwood Foresters, Inc., | |
| Connecticut (Holiday Seasons 2003-2005; June-December 2005): Assisted with Christmas tree sales, wreath and garland orders; preparation for the First Annual Holiday Workshop between Connwood Foresters, Inc. and the CT Forest & Parks Association; office related tasks; website design and maintenance. |
| Please visit Field Photo Albums for Field Experience snapshots! | |
| Field Experience |
Current Employment & Related Employment:
Summer Internships:
Miscellaneous Experience:
Please scroll down further to read about each position in greater detail.
| Wildlife Specialist/Nutria Trapper, US Department of Agriculture | |
| (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services (WS), Maryland | ||
| Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of | |
| Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division – Small Mammal Program | ||
| Wildlife Technician, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Department of | |
| Natural Resources Protection, Connecticut | ||
| Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of | |
| Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division – Furbearer Program/Black Bears | ||
| Wildlife Resource Assistant (Seasonal), Connecticut Department of | |
| Environmental Protection (CT DEP) Wildlife Division - Habitat Management Program | ||
| Wildlife Field Biologist, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Prairie Management | |
| Program, South Dakota |
Summer Internships:
| Wild Horse Program Field Intern (Predation Project), Pryor Mountain | |
| Wild Horse Range, Montana & Wyoming | ||
| Bison Research Intern, Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, North Dakota |
Miscellaneous Experience:
| Commercial Crab Boat Assistant, Maryland | |
| Furbearer Trapping Assistant, Maryland | |
| Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation CT River Chapter Auction/Banquet Staff | |
| Wild Turkey Hunting Guide, Black Hills, South Dakota | |
| Buffalo Roundup Staff, Montana | |
| Cattle Roundup & Branding Staff, South Dakota | |
| Office Assistant/Christmas Tree Staff, Connecticut |
Please scroll down further to read about each position in greater detail.