China Ray Granger
Larkspur,CA
Summary
Dynamic outdoor professional with proven leadership as a sea kayak guide in Alaskan fjords, crew lead in remote regions of the Sierra Nevada, and wildlife technician handling avian and amphibian species. Extensive experience in ecological data collection. Skilled in science communication, and adept at managing group dynamics in challenging environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Kenai Fjords Sea Kayak Guide
Kayak Adventures Worldwide
Seward, AK
04.2024 - 09.2025
- Independently guided over 100 day-long and expedition sea kayaking trips. Led over 600 clients across two summer seasons in Resurrection Bay and a remote region of Kenai Fjords NP.
- Managed group dynamics, navigation and safety within complex glacial bays and fjords. Extensive research into tide, wind and weather relationships.
- Contributed to the company's continual 5-star rating and supported implementation of Triple Point Training's risk assessment metrics.
- Facilitated safe and responsible encounters with megafauna such as killer whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, nesting seabirds, and brown and black bears.
- Acted as deckhand on 16' catamaran during ~90 mile rides to remote areas of Kenai Fjords NP
Wildlife Service Technician
A Wildlife Pro
Sacramento, CA
09.2022 - 01.2024
- Strategized mist-netting bird removal in commercial settings. Under a licensed master falconer, assisted with complex raptor and bat removals.
- Safely captured and handled birds, working with 10+ avian species.
- Worked on an on-call basis, servicing sites throughout CA, OR and NV.
- Maintained consistent and professional case management with client managers. Followed up with detailed report preparation. Consistently recorded, compiled and reported data accurately.
Sierra Lakes Crew Lead, Technician
Sadro Lab, UC Davis
Davis, CA
06.2021 - 08.2023
- Accurately collected, processed, recorded, and reported over 750 chemical and biological samples for a long-term study on lake ecosystem productivity in the alpine Sierra lakes.
- Navigated 400+ miles on and off trail, spending over 150 days in remote regions of the Sierra Nevada. Responsible for crew safety, logistics in inclement weather.
- Handled and sampled Pacific chorus frog DNA, aquatic macroinvertebrates and zooplankton. Packed in and operated high-powered data collection equipment.
- Technician in 2021, 2022. Crew lead of backcountry team in 2023.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science + Management. Minor: Writing
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA06-2023
Skills
- Leadership and teamwork in the front and backcountry
- Ecological data collection and entry
- Handling wildlife and avian species
- Science communication
Volunteer Experience
- Outdoor Adventures DEI: Helped raise over $25,000 for an endowment to increase accessibility to UCD programs
- Muir Woods National Monument: 200+ hours interpreting ecological, cultural value of old growth forests for visitors
- Effie Yeaw Nature Center Docent: Guided interpretive walks and animal ambassador experiences for elementary and middle schoolers along the American River Parkway
- UC Davis Rewilding Society: Worked to seed unused land with native, pollinator-friendly plants
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Certification
Wilderness First Responder (2018, 2020, 2022, 2024)
Timeline
Kenai Fjords Sea Kayak Guide
Kayak Adventures Worldwide
04.2024 - 09.2025
Wildlife Service Technician
A Wildlife Pro
09.2022 - 01.2024
Sierra Lakes Crew Lead, Technician
Sadro Lab, UC Davis
06.2021 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science + Management. Minor: Writing
University of California, Davis