Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Dawson Swanson

Pine Grove,CO

Summary

Wildlife management professional with extensive experience and a proven track record of achieving natural resource protection objectives. Committed to enhancing team performance, while providing exemplary customer service experience, and streamlining operational processes. Driven to mentoring and empowering team members to excel in their roles while ensuring the protection and enhancement of wildlife resources. Strong leadership skills complemented by effective planning and organizational capabilities.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

District Wildlife Manager I,II, III

Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Denver, Colorado
04.2002 - Current
  • Oversaw daily operations of wildlife management programs and initiatives.
  • Coordinated community outreach events to raise conservation awareness and education.
  • Collaborated with local agencies to enhance habitat restoration efforts located within Area 1
  • Participated in stakeholder meetings to provide project updates and gather community feedback.
  • Conducted field law enforcement, ensuring compliance with hunting and fishing regulations.
  • Managed habitat improvement projects, including timber management and wildland fuels reduction.
  • Executed grant submissions to secure funding for outreach and education.
  • Implemented hunter recruitment programs, including clinics and mentored outreach activities.

Utility Worker I / Terrestrial

Colorado Division of Wildlife
Fort Collins, CO
06.2001 - 08.2001
  • Executed capture and collaring of mule deer fawns to support wildlife research.
  • Monitored collared fawns, ensuring data accuracy for behavioral studies.
  • Conducted recovery of collars and assessed causes of death for wildlife management insights.
  • Utilized GIS mapping and GPS technology to pinpoint locations effectively.
  • Delivered public education initiatives to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
  • Performed telemetry to track movements and habitat usage of collared fawns.
  • Operated and maintained off-highway vehicles and all-terrain vehicles for fieldwork activities.

Utility Worker I / Temporary Property Technician

Division of Wildlife
Durango, Colorado
05.1999 - 08.1999
  • Temporary work crew lead.
  • Addressed habitat improvement concerns to enhance ecosystem health and meet State Wildlife Area (SWA) standards.
  • Constructed and maintained fences to support wildlife management goals.
  • Managed restroom facilities' cleanliness to promote visitor satisfaction.
  • Maintained and repaired roads for safe access within SWAs.
  • Removed non-native weeds to restore native vegetation.
  • Addressed maintenance needs of CDOW-owned lakes and riparian waterways, ensuring ecological balance.
  • Transported injured wildlife for rehabilitation and care.
  • Assisted in fish population sampling and bear trapping operations.

Education

Colorado Peace Officer Standards Training

Red Rocks Community College
Denver, CO
08-2002

Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
05-2002

Skills

  • Law enforcement expertise
  • Community outreach
  • Conflict resolution
  • Effective communication
  • Customer service
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Staff training and development
  • Defensive tactics instruction
  • ASP baton instruction
  • Wildland firefighting
  • Outdoor recreation education and instruction
  • Employee development - OSS
  • Peer support - Centershot Blue

Certification

  • ASP Instructor
  • DT Instructor
  • Colorado Peace Officer Standards Training Certification
  • NASP level II Instructor
  • 4-H Shooting Sports / Archery Instructor
  • Red Card Certification
  • Ice Rescue Certification

Affiliations

  • Outdoor enthusiast
  • Accomplished Archer

Accomplishments

  • Wildlife Employee Protection Association - Valor Award recipient
  • 2021 Outstanding Team Award
  • John D. Hart Wildlife Officer of the Year recipient 2023
  • North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association - Outstanding Service Award recipient 2024

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

District Wildlife Manager I,II, III

Colorado Parks and Wildlife
04.2002 - Current

Utility Worker I / Terrestrial

Colorado Division of Wildlife
06.2001 - 08.2001

Utility Worker I / Temporary Property Technician

Division of Wildlife
05.1999 - 08.1999

Colorado Peace Officer Standards Training

Red Rocks Community College

Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology

Colorado State University

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