Caroline Zimmerman
Wisconsin Dells,WI
Summary
Enthusiastic Restoration Ecologist eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Clear understanding of project and personal management and training in equipment use and field implementation. Motivated to learn, grow and excel in the natural resources industry.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CONSERVATION ACADEMY SUPERVISOR
Operation Fresh Start
Madison, WI
09.2021 - Current
- Developed and lead job training program focused on natural resource careers.
- Plan and implement conservations projects throughout Wisconsin.
- Hire and train crew members on equipment use and repair, including chainsaws, brush cutters, and sprayers.
- Lead prescribed fire operations for crew.
- Complete GIS data collection and map making.
- Work with partners including UW-Arboretum, Dane County, City of Madison-Engineering, Groundswell Conservancy, City of Madison-Parks, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills including plant identification.
- Schedule individuals based on projects.
- Developed and implemented safety procedures.
- Developed partnerships with both private, non-profit, and government agencies to place crew members in their next natural resource career.
- Responsible for grant reporting.
CONSERVATION SUPERVISOR
Operation Fresh Start
Madison, Wisconsin
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Supervise crew of 11 disconnected youth ages 16-24.
- Create schedule.
- Coordinate with Dane County to complete specific conservation projects on various sites.
- Lead crew to complete these land management projects which includes chain sawing, brush cutting, and herbicide application.
- Train staff on chainsaw safety and maintenance of equipment.
- Work closely with case management team to provide appropriate resources and an adapted Legacy program for each crew member.
- Contribute to safety policy writing and implementation, GIS story maps, and alumni engagement.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
CONSERVATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
UW-Extension Upham Woods
Madison, WI
05.2019 - 09.2020
- Manage 318 acres including SNA #77 administer/revise Upham Woods management plan.
- Develop and implement wildlife monitoring procedures.
- Coordinate conservation projects for staff, youth, and volunteers.
- Assist with grant writing and budget creation and implementation.
- Responsible for grant reporting and yearly reporting.
- Develop all training material and safety policy for conservation program.
- Member of hiring and recruitment team.
- Train full-time/seasonal staff and instructors.
- Supervise conservation crews.
- Manage conservation shop including maintenance and repair on boats, UTV, trucks, trailers, hand tools, chainsaws, and fire equipment.
- Develop/maintain GIS data.
- Coordinate events with organizations that include Wisconsin River Alliance, DNR, The Nature Conservancy, and others.
- Redesign/maintain trail system used by over 12,000 hikers annually.
- Serve on Upham Woods Advisory Committee and Upham Woods Research and Innovation Advisory Committee.
- Assist UW-Madison researchers and faculty with ongoing research and on-site classes.
- Organized and managed program development from conception through successful execution.
RESTORATON ASSISTANT
PRIVATE LANDOWNER, Oak Grove
Platteville, Wisconsin
02.2019 - 05.2019
- Continued the land management of oak savannas and remnant prairies (300 acres) including chain sawing, brush cutting, and invasive species removal (both pesticide application and hand-pulling).
- Provided input on land management strategies for several of the on-going restoration projects.
GENERAL HERBARIUM ASSISTANT
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Mounted over 200 plant specimens, digitized files, and organized plant species according to family, genus, and species.
- Maintained an effective work area and organized incoming specimens
- Lead data entry for Fish Lake Wildlife Area specimens
Land Steward Intern
The Nature Conservancy
Baraboo, Wisconsin
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Responsible for implementing restoration plans for three different preserves- Honey Creek, Hemlock Draw, and Baxter’s Hollow.
- Managed 7-10 person NCCC team in building 2.2 mile trail through Hemlock Draw.
- Created invasive species map of interior of Baxter’s Hollow via GIS.
- Trained staff on proper trail building techniques, design, and implementation.
- Operated UTVs, chain saws, brush cutters, and hand tools.
- Managed invasive species such as Japanese barberry, mutli-flora rose, garlic mustard, dames rocket, and more.
Volunteer Crew Leader
Ice Age Trail Alliance
Lodi, Wisconsin
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Discussed daily work requirements with crew and assigned skills-based tasks to each member based on ability and experience.
- Trained over 15 volunteers in trail construction and maintenance.
- Monitored team members to verify work quality and address concerns.
- Instructed crew members in safe work practices and methods including tools such as McCleods, pick mattocks, Pulaskis, loppers, shovels, rakes, etc.
- Lead crew to finish Rock of Gibraltar segment and bridge construction.
Education
Professional Masters - Natural Resources Management - Restoration Ecology
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO03.2024
Bachelor of Science - Botany
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI05.2019
High School Diploma -
Baraboo Senior High
Baraboo, WI05.2015
Skills
- Proficient with GIS Data Collection and Map Making
- Proficient with Word and Excel
- Equipment Repair and Maintenance
- Critical Thinking
- Training and Development
- Planning and Coordination
- Excellent Communication
- Data Entry
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Plant Identification
Certification
- Certified Lifeguard/First-Aid/CPR - American Red Cross
- Certified Volunteer Safety Instructor for ATV, Boat, Snowmobile, and Hunter - Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
- Certified Angling Instructor - Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
- ICS-100 certified – FEMA
- S-130/S-190 - NWGC
- L-180 – NWGC
- Boater, Hunter, and ATV certified – Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
- Pesticide applicator category 6.0 certified – Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture
- SAWW Levels I-IV
- Certified SAWW instructor
Timeline
CONSERVATION ACADEMY SUPERVISOR
Operation Fresh Start
09.2021 - Current
CONSERVATION SUPERVISOR
Operation Fresh Start
09.2020 - 08.2021
CONSERVATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
UW-Extension Upham Woods
05.2019 - 09.2020
RESTORATON ASSISTANT
PRIVATE LANDOWNER, Oak Grove
02.2019 - 05.2019
GENERAL HERBARIUM ASSISTANT
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
08.2018 - 05.2019
Land Steward Intern
The Nature Conservancy
05.2018 - 08.2018
Volunteer Crew Leader
Ice Age Trail Alliance
08.2015 - 12.2015
Professional Masters - Natural Resources Management - Restoration Ecology
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science - Botany
University of Wisconsin - Madison
High School Diploma -
Baraboo Senior High
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