Alicia "AJ" Feist
Yelm
Summary
Several years of experience as a Park Ranger with WSPRC, excelling in park operation management and staff supervision. Proven ability to lead successful teams and collaborate with stakeholders, enhancing visitor connection with natural and cultural resources. Skilled in delivering the mission and vision of Washington State Parks.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Park Ranger 3
Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
09.2021 - Current
- Serve as assistant to area manager in all manners relating to successful operation of Nisqually and Tolmie State Parks
- Provid supervisory support to all parks in the Millersylvania Area
- Work collaboratively with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Capital Program Team on development of Nisqually State Park
- Conducted educational programs for visitors on local ecology and conservation efforts.
- Collaborated with local agencies and volunteer groups to coordinate community outreach initiatives, volunteer events and park projects.
- Mentor staff and help develop professional skills in the agency
- Trained new staff on park operations, safety protocols, and customer service standards.
- Implemented sustainable practices to enhance park operations and resource management efficiency.
- Increased park safety by conducting regular patrols and addressing potential hazards in a timely manner.
- Enforced park rules consistently to protect park facilities and resources while creating a safe environment for all visitors.
- Developed strong partnerships with local emergency responders and law enforcement agencies for improved coordination during emergencies or critical incidents.
Park Ranger 3
Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
07.2019 - 09.2021
- Serve as lead law enforcement officer for the area
- Provide supervisory support to the Battle Ground Area parks
- Collaborated with local volunteer groups to coordinate community outreach initiatives, volunteer events and park projects.
- Enforced laws and regulations within parks for campgrounds, trails, and day use areas.
- Trained new team members in all operations and policies while offering mentorship and assistance with duties.
- Continued work on developing partnerships with local law enforcement agencies for improved coordination during emergencies or critical incidents.
- Worked with our Interpretive Volunteer and park staff to develop a Summer Interpretive Program.
Park Ranger 2
Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
10.2016 - 07.2019
- Supervised park aide staff on routine park operation at Beacon Rock State Park.
- Serve as local law enforcement ranger for the park.
- Led ranger programs and community outreach events.
- Coordinated and led work with local volunteer groups.
- Trained new team members on safety protocols, visitor engagement, and emergency response procedures.
Pest Program Trapper
Washington Department of Agriculture
04.2016 - 09.2016
- Applied integrated pest management techniques using environmentally safe products to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Appropriately used provided equipment for data analysis and documentation
- Serve as first point of contact with public regarding implementation of traps
- Work collaboratively with land owners on trap placement
Veterinary Assistant
Southbay Veterinary Hospital
2014 - 06.2016
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations and procedures, ensuring animal safety and comfort for dogs, cats and variety of exotic pets.
- Managed patient records using veterinary practice management software, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
- Educated pet owners on proper care, nutrition, and preventive health measures for improved pet wellness.
- Monitored anesthesia levels and vital signs during surgical procedures, responding promptly to any changes.
- Provide care and husbandry of hospitalized patients.
Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist
Alpine Animal Hospital
2011 - 2014
- Assisted veterinarians during examinations and surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Administered medications and vaccines as directed, maintaining accurate medical records for each animal.
- Educated pet owners on proper care practices and nutrition to promote animal health and well-being.
- Managed inventory of supplies, ensuring availability of prescriptions and veterinary recommended pet food.
- Lead receptionist team with scheduling, daily task orientation and customer interface
Raptor Rehabilitator and Handler
Raptor House
2014 - 2014
- Co-lead weekend raptor program at Suncadia Resort.
- Provided care and husbandry for variety of ambassador raptor species.
- Assist rehabilitation manager with injured raptor care.
- Coordinated logistics for animal transport, optimizing routes and schedules to minimize stress during travel.
Zookeeper Intern
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
2012 - 2012
- Assisted in daily animal care, ensuring health and welfare of diverse species.
- Collaborated with team to maintain clean and safe habitats for wildlife.
- Observed animal behavior, documenting data for enrichment and training programs.
- Supported educational programs by engaging visitors with informative presentations.
Animal Care Technician
Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
2009 - 2012
- Monitored animal health, identifying signs of illness and communicating findings to veterinary staff.
- Maintained cleanliness of animal housing areas, adhering to sanitation standards to promote health.
- Properly sanitize surgical suites after daily surgical procedures
- Sanitize and restock large animal recovery suites
Interpretive Guide
Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium
2015 - 2015
- Led educational programs for diverse audiences, enhancing visitor engagement and understanding of marine life.
- Collaborated with conservation teams to promote awareness of endangered species through interactive programming.
- Safely monitored public interfacing with select hands-on encounter areas
- Reported health concerns of the animals to zookeepers
Bear Care Giver
Bear Center at Washington State University
2013 - 2013
- Care and husbandry of WSU research brown bears
- Assist in data collection and monitoring of bear behavior
- Assist in medical procedures of the bears
Volunteer
International Student Volunteers
2012 - 2012
- Worked on habitat restoration at Phillip Island Natural Areas
- Assist Little Blue Penguin biologist with data collection on local penguin population
Education
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resources- Wildlife Ecology/Pre Vet
Washington State University
Pullman, WA12-2013
Skills
- Park operation management
- Staff supervision
- Leading successful teams
- Working collaboratively with stakeholders
- Instructor in Defensive Tactics and Taser Operation
Accomplishments
- Gold Star Award Recipient- Washington State Parks
- Control Tactics Award Recipient- PLEA- Skagit Valley College
- Represented Washington State Parks in receiving RAIN Outstanding Agency Award in 2023
Certification
- On tract to complete 2 year certification course with National Association of State Park Directors Leadership School
- CJTC Certified Level 1 Defensive Tactics Instructor
- Axon Certified Taser Instructor
- Certified CPR/First Aid
Timeline
Park Ranger 3
Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
09.2021 - Current
Park Ranger 3
Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
07.2019 - 09.2021
Park Ranger 2
Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
10.2016 - 07.2019
Pest Program Trapper
Washington Department of Agriculture
04.2016 - 09.2016
Veterinary Assistant
Southbay Veterinary Hospital
2014 - 06.2016
Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist
Alpine Animal Hospital
2011 - 2014
Raptor Rehabilitator and Handler
Raptor House
2014 - 2014
Zookeeper Intern
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
2012 - 2012
Animal Care Technician
Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
2009 - 2012
Interpretive Guide
Point Defiance Zoo And Aquarium
2015 - 2015
Bear Care Giver
Bear Center at Washington State University
2013 - 2013
Volunteer
International Student Volunteers
2012 - 2012
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resources- Wildlife Ecology/Pre Vet
Washington State University