Ashton Gonsalves
Healdsburg,CA
Summary
A creative, passionate, and driven natural resources major that loves the outdoors and creating memorable customer experiences - not just transactions. I've worked in retail since 2022 where I've had the privilege to cultivate my love for creating connections, advocating for the outdoors, and curating impactful visual displays whether that be clothing or outdoor related products! With my experience of working for small, family - owned businesses to big corporations, I've familiarized myself to excel in a variety of different work environments. Currently, I'm seeking a part-time or temporary position before I move to Yellowstone National Park to work there this summer!
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Backyard Bird Feeding Specialist
Wild Birds Unlimited
Santa Rosa, CA
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Assisted customers with selecting seed blends, bird feeders, baths, and gifts.
- Received, organized, and stocked multiple pallets of products - including bird seed, feeders, houses, baths, etc.
- Educated customers on safe and efficient bird feeding practices by providing product demonstrations.
- Created educational displays to promote bird conservation and local bird rescues.
- Educated customers about native birds, plants, local parks, and community events.
- Promoted and sold Sonoma County Regional Parks Passes.
- Maintained inventory by assisting with monthly audits, backstocking, invoice matching, and visual merchandising.
Seasonal Frontline Team Member
REI
Santa Rosa, CA
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Efficiently processed numerous customer inquiries including returns, purchases, and online orders.
- Educated customers about local parks, wildlife, plants, and travel experiences.
- Collected donations for the REI Cooperative Action Fund which supports local community nonprofits.
- Promoted and sold Sonoma County Regional Park Passes.
- Assisted with high-traffic sales events including Black Friday.
- Backstocked, organized, and merchandised items accurately to ensure a well-stocked sales floor.
- Promoted and sold memberships.
Task Associate/ Consignment Bar Specialist
Favorite's Consignment
Healdsburg, CA
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Cultivated connections through personalized service and created repeat customers.
- Worked with designer clothing, handbags, and shoes.
- Processed transactions including purchases and returns.
- Received, organized, and logged all consignments.
- Worked with consignors to give them a one-of-a-kind consigning experience.
- Assisted/designed floorsets, window displays, and display cases.
- Screened, tagged, steamed, and merchandised consignments.
Team Member
Plato's Closet
Santa Rosa, CA
01.2022 - 02.2023
- Efficiently processed, organized, and priced new inventory from customer's buys.
- Assisted with high traffic special event days including the 90% Off Clearance Sale.
- Oversaw fitting rooms and provided styling advice.
- Curated slat wall, mannequin, and endcap displays.
- Screened and bought in inventory based on style, trend, and condition.
- Assisted with floorset changes.
- Processed customer trades, purchases, and returns.
Education
Associate of Science - Natural Resources
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA05.2027
Skills
- Cultivating a top-notch customer experience
- POS knowledge
- Executing/designing floorsets, visual displays, and assisting with high-traffic special event days
- Promoting and selling Sonoma County Regional Parks Passes
- Knowledge of local wildlife, plants, and parks
- Detail-oriented
- Receiving, organizing, and merchandising vendor shipments
- Selling and promoting memberships
- Cash handling
- Graphic design and photography
Accomplishments
Honorable Mention - SOCO CLICKS Photography Competition 2025 - Placed in the top 26 out of 300 entries
Timeline
Backyard Bird Feeding Specialist
Wild Birds Unlimited
10.2024 - 09.2025
Seasonal Frontline Team Member
REI
09.2023 - 02.2024
Task Associate/ Consignment Bar Specialist
Favorite's Consignment
02.2023 - 08.2023
Team Member
Plato's Closet
01.2022 - 02.2023
Associate of Science - Natural Resources
Santa Rosa Junior College
Park Experience:
- Ride Alongs with California State Park Peace Officer Cecilia Rejas-
Participated in multiple ride alongs in a variety of different state parks including Trione-Annadel State Park, Sonoma State Historic Park, and Jack London State Historic Park.
- Ride Along with Sonoma County Regional Park Ranger Ryan Conradi-
Joined a ride along overseeing multiple regional parks including Ragle Ranch, Riverfront, and Steelhead Regional Parks.