Field Experience
Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Forest Service
(2022—Present)
Bitterroot National Forest
Stevensville, MT
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Prepare Section 7 Biological Assessments for federally listed species, including Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus), and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
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Managed Lolo National Forest's wildlife program as Acting Wildlife Program Manager and completed tasks for multiple concurrent projects.
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Ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies, including the Endangered Species Act, Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction, and Programmatic Biological Assessments for Canada lynx and grizzly bears.
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​Use ArcPro to analyze the potential effects of proposed NEPA projects on multiple species.
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Write and critically review NEPA technical reports.
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Conduct various field surveys, including Canada Lynx habitat verification, grizzly bear hair snare stations, winter mesocarnivore monitoring, bumble bee surveys, and nesting raptor monitoring.
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Work at MAPS station mist-netting and banding songbirds.
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Coordinate with external agencies such as Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Conduct community outreach events for children and adults.
A fledgling Osprey begs for food from a nearby adult. Photos courtesy of Sara Harrod.
Leader, Eastern Bluebird Nestbox Trail Project (2016—2018)
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR
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Monitored the nesting activity of native cavity-nesting birds at 150 nest boxes.
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Trapped and banded 277 adult Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis). Banded 916 fledglings.
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Resighted color-banded adults.
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Trained 10 undergraduate and graduate students to monitor nest boxes, resight adults, and band fledglings.
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Provided an interview to a local TV station regarding the project.
An Eastern Bluebird fledgling about to leave the nest. Photo courtesy of Sara Harrod.
Volunteer, Chimney Swift and Avian Malaria Project (2016—2017)
Memphis, TN
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Banded and collected biometric data on adult Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica).
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Collected blood samples for avian malaria testing.
Leader, Freeman Center Nestbox Project
(2013—2014)
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
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Studied the nesting ecology of 5 cavity-nesting passerines (Eastern Bluebirds, Bewick's Wrens (Thryomanes bewickii), Ash-throated Flycatchers (Myiarchus cinerascens), Carolina Chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), and Black-crested Titmice (Baeolophus atricristatus)).
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Monitored 60 nest boxes in a rural setting. Banded 54 adult and fledgling bluebirds.
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Conducted on-site vegetation measurements around nest boxes.
A Chimney Swift decides to hang out on my shoulder after being banded and having a blood sample taken. Photo courtesy of Sara Harrod.
Field Technician, Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo Survey (2012)
Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources
Fort Hood, TX
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Conducted line transect surveys to locate breeding Golden-cheeked Warblers (Setophaga chrysoparia) and Black-capped Vireos (Vireo atricapilla).
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Mapped warbler and vireo territories using GPS.
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Conducted vegetation surveys to assess habitat suitability.
A very healthy Eastern Bluebird fledgling shortly after banding. Photo courtesy of Sara Harrod.
Intern, Large Mammals North (2011)
San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio, TX
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Kept exhibits clean and fed a variety of large animals, including tigers, rhinos, lions, kangaroos, and an ill-tempered cassowary.
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Educated visitors about the individual animals, their species biology, and the exhibits.
One of the San Antonio Zoo's critically endangered Sumatran Tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae). Photo courtesy of Sara Harrod.
A sign on the Fort Hood military post warning personnel about sensitive bird habitat. Photo courtesy of Sara Harrod.
Volunteer, River Otter Survey (2010)
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX
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Conducted field research to determine the presence of river otters (Lontra canadensis) at a local creek.
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Collected photographic evidence of animal activity and identified mammalian tracks.
River Otter tracks found at Peach Creek. Photo courtesy of Sara Harrod.
Natural Resources Specialist (Ranger), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2021—2022)
John Martin Reservoir
Hasty, CO
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Monitored nesting Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) and Interior Least Terns (Sterna antillarum athalassos). Created a multi-year database and compiled historical and recent data.
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Assumed role of Acting Lead Ranger.
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Served as John Martin Reservoir's Public Outreach Coordinator and Albuquerque District's Water Safety Vice-Chairperson.
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Developed photo study to document damage to cultural resources.
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Created active partnerships between the Project and seven outside organizations.
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Organized public outreach events such as National Public Lands Day and Midwinter Bald Eagle Count.
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Led tours of the John Martin Dam and Hicklin Springs Petroglyphs.
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Oversaw the creation of a nest box program.
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Updated and redesigned the Project website.
A banded Piping Plover (left) and newly hatched Interior Least Tern chick (right). Photos courtesy of Sara Harrod.