Andrew Pitko
Kent,OH
Summary
Hardworking professional with impressive skills in the Environmental field. Committed to Conservation and Parks.Well-versed in methods to manage and protect a park landscape. Seeking a full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, relevant academic coursework, and problem-solving skills within the Conservation and Environmental Field. My involvement and leadership at Kent State University has allowed me to greatly understand, work with, and help many diverse groups of people preparing me to interact well with the public and coworkers. My experiences from the University of Akron Police Academy has further strengthened skills of professionalism, obligation, leadership, integrity, courage, and excellence in my everyday life.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Law Enforcement Park Ranger
Summit Metroparks
07.2023 - Current
- Enforced violations of park rules and other laws. Provides information, education, and assistance to park visitors in a friendly and respectful manner. Advises park visitors of park district rules and regulations for the purpose of education, prevention and deterrence.
- Patrolled assigned park properties by motor vehicle, on foot, on bicycle and all-terrain vehicle to provide a deterrent to potential violators.
- Enforced Ohio laws and Park District rules and regulations with tact, diplomacy, discretion, respect, impartiality, and without discrimination. May enforce applicable municipal ordinances when directed by supervision.
- Administers special use, lodge and shelter permits. Admits groups to lodges and shelters and monitors their use. Secures the facility upon departure of the group.
- Participated in the safety, risk management, and resource protection programs of the Park District. Monitors environmental and other natural conditions such as flooding or wind storms, to adequately warn park patrons of potential threats to safety. Takes appropriate action after consultation with supervision to close areas or facilities as appropriate for the conditions.
- Investigated and reported on suspicious activities. Apprehended, cited, and arrested violators when appropriate. Appeared in court as a witness when required.
Park Technician I
Summit Metroparks
04.2023 - 07.2023
- Responsibilities included performing a wide range of maintenance and simple construction tasks, some of which include substantial manual labor outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Operated and performed routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
- Knowledge of and ability to use hand power tools in the maintenance of park land, buildings, facilities, and equipment.
- Operated trucks, tractors, mowers, and various tools, equipment, and machinery used in park maintenance and development functions.
- Performed preventative, routine, and major maintenance to park land, buildings, and facilities.
- Performed duties assigned by the Park Supervisor or Crew Leader.
Part-Time Park Maintenance Worker
Mill Creek Metroparks
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Responsibilities included performing all tasks assigned by the Operations Supervisor (Gardens Focus), including daily maintenance of Gardens (weeding, edging, mowing, fertilizing, deadheading, mulching, and litter pickup)
- Assisted with mechanical system maintenance and repair including fountains, irrigation, and greenhouse equipment.
- Kept grass, trees and landscaping beds in professional condition with regular care.
- Operated project specific vehicles and equipment including, but not limited to: Park vehicles; such as utility vehicles, snowplows, skid steer loaders and other large equipment.
- Secured park gates or doors at closing time and unlocked at opening (key holder).
- Helped lead and direct volunteers and seasonal staff.
Park Intern
Mill Creek Metroparks
03.2021 - 08.2022
- Responsibilities included performing all tasks assigned by the Operations Supervisor (Gardens Focus), including daily maintenance of Gardens (weeding, edging, mowing, fertilizing, deadheading, mulching, and litter pickup)
- Kept grass, trees and landscaping beds in professional condition with regular care.
- Operated project specific vehicles and equipment including, but not limited to: Park vehicles; such as utility vehicles, snowplows, skid steer loaders and other large equipment.
- Developed and implement educational activities, lessons, signage, and displays for youth, adults, and the general public.
- Assist with teaching and leading educational activities for Family Fun Fridays, Veggie Gardens, other youth programming, and the general public.
- Formulated and created an intern research project.
- Created a public provided invasive plant pamphlet distributed throughout the Metroparks.
- Invasive Plant focus (helped teach and record informative videos for the Metroparks)
Seasonal Park Laborer
Mill Creek Metroparks
03.2019 - 03.2021
- Responsibilities included performing all tasks assigned by the Operations Supervisor (Gardens Focus), including daily maintenance of Gardens (weeding, edging, mowing, fertilizing, deadheading, mulching, and litter pickup).
- Maintained grounds by trimming, weeding and general clean-up.
- Performed planting, watering, mulching and edging of lawns.
- Removed weeds, hazards and debris from common pathways to improve usability.
- Handled hedge, bush and shrub trimming.
- Identified and removed invasive plants and noxious weeds for garden aesthetics and ecosystem health.
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Kent State University
Kent, OH05.2025
Ohio Peace Officer Certification - Policing
University of Akron Police Academy
Akron, OH12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Conservation Biology
Kent State University
Kent, OH05.2023
Skills
- Wildlife Protection
- Outgoing
- Organized and Coordinated
- Problem Solving Skills
- Vehicle, Hand and Power Tool Operation
- Knowledge of native/invasive plant and animal species
- Experience using GIS
- Community Relations
- Attention to Detail
- Evidence Collection
- Firearms Proficiency
- Physical Fitness
- Conflict Resolution
- Public Safety
- Environmental Conservation
- Interpersonal Communication
- Report Writing
- Teamwork Abilities
- Community Outreach
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Emergency Response
- Visitor Relations
- Park Supervision
- Grounds Maintenance
- Resource Monitoring
Timeline
Law Enforcement Park Ranger
Summit Metroparks
07.2023 - Current
Park Technician I
Summit Metroparks
04.2023 - 07.2023
Part-Time Park Maintenance Worker
Mill Creek Metroparks
09.2022 - 04.2023
Park Intern
Mill Creek Metroparks
03.2021 - 08.2022
Seasonal Park Laborer
Mill Creek Metroparks
03.2019 - 03.2021
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Kent State University
Ohio Peace Officer Certification - Policing
University of Akron Police Academy
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Conservation Biology
Kent State University