Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional References
Generic

Brandon Lester

Kirkland,WA

Summary

Experienced professional adept in GIS, project management, and volunteer coordination. Skilled in managing large-scale environmental projects and leading diverse teams. Proficient in designing and assessing trail systems using advanced GIS tools. Recognized for effective stakeholder engagement, enhancing volunteer programs, and a strong commitment to environmental conservation and public safety.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Trail and Volunteer Program Manager

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
01.2022 - Current
  • Spearheaded GIS initiatives using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and Survey 123,
  • Lead creation of trail system designs and field maps for maintenance and construction projects.
  • Conducted comprehensive trail feasibility assessments, enhancing site visit efficiency.
  • Developed and maintained effective project workflows, ensuring seamless operations and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Excelled in stakeholder coordination, managing communication and project timelines with precision and professionalism.
  • Delivered engaging and informative training sessions and workshops utilizing a variety of platforms, including PowerPoint and online tools.
  • Led volunteer program management, including recruitment, training, and development of resources, while fostering community partnerships for program support.
  • Innovated in volunteer tracking methods, improving data accuracy and establishing incentive and appreciation initiatives.
  • Effectively managed volunteer event calendars, ensuring optimal leadership coverage and event success.
  • Secured sponsorships and built strong relationships with community organizations to bolster volunteer program contributions and participation.
  • Oversaw and responsibly managed program and project budgets, including applying for grants and handling bid bonds.
  • Generated invoices and managed financial aspects for trail construction projects.

Maintenance Worker(Trails & Backcountry Utilities)

National Park Service, Mount Rainier National Park
05.2021 - 11.2021
  • Maintained trails and backcountry utilities in a national park, ensuring open and accessible paths for visitors.
  • Skilled in trail construction utilizing sustainably harvested materials.
  • Supervised complex rigging operations for various maintenance tasks.
  • Led volunteer groups in trail maintenance projects, demonstrating strong leadership and coordination skills.

Project Manager

American Conservation Experience
08.2018 - 03.2021
  • Restoration Project Manager 2018-2019
  • Trails Project Manager 2019-2021
  • Developed geospatial databases to support trail construction, habitat restoration, and flood control projects.
  • Utilized ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Collector for data compilation, map creation, and comprehensive project reporting
  • Orchestrated and executed a variety of field projects, managing the scheduling and coordination of multiple crews with precision.
  • Ensured strict compliance with state, city, and federal regulations while working across diverse land jurisdictions.
  • Facilitated exceptional communication and collaboration among staff and project partners across various governmental and private sectors.
  • Responsible for financial oversight, including budget tracking, crew hour logging for invoicing, and generating detailed accomplishment reports.

Rangeland Monitoring Technician

The Great Basin Institute
04.2018 - 08.2018
  • Used ArcMap to create field maps and add data to monitoring database
  • Utilized AIM (assessment, inventory, and monitoring) and IIRH (interpreting indicators of rangeland health) methodologies for data collection on BLM range allotments, facilitating grazing permit renewals.
  • Conducted rigorous quality assurance and control in line with BLM and The Great Basin Institute protocols.
  • Maintained meticulous records, ensuring data accuracy both electronically and in written form.
  • Registered patients by confirming identification, reviewing consultation requests and entering anticipated services to patient log

Senior Crew Leader

American Conservation Experience
03.2016 - 03.2018
  • Led AmeriCorps volunteer groups in extensive outdoor projects ranging from 8 days to a month, in challenging physical environments.
  • Coordinated project logistics with staff and project partners, ensuring seamless execution of tasks.
  • Maintained high standards of work ethic, safety, professionalism, and a safe, inclusive work environment.
  • Implemented job hazard analysis and emergency plans, conducting daily safety briefings to ensure crew well-being.
  • Diligently completed detailed project paperwork, including accomplishments, incident reports, and herbicide application logs.
  • Led trail construction and maintenance projects
  • Directed riparian habitat restoration projects

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Biology - With A Focus in Ecology

Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT

Certificate Programs - ArcGIS Pro And Python

Online
02.2024

Skills

  • Years of experience working in remote, office, lab, and outdoor settings
  • Experience with software such as: ArcGIS 10, ArcGIS Pro, Arc Collector, Arc Online, Survey123, Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Publisher, and Photoshop, Caltopo, and ArcGIS Field Maps

Professional References

  • Mike Westra

Trails Program Director

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance

(425)241-7806

mwestra@evergreenmtb.org


  • Kip Valesano

Former ACE Mountain West Supervisor

American Conservation Experience

(612)-703-5701

kip.valesano@gmail.com


  • James Montgomery

North Trails Supervisor

Mount Rainier National Park

(360)-569-6636

James_Montgomery@nps.gov



Brandon Lester