Christin Bratton
Buffalo,NY
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), DHS
Florida
01.2023 - Current
- Completed 200+ environmental project reviews and 35+ on-site inspections assessing site conditions, environmental impacts, and compliance requirements under NEPA, ESA, and NHPA, totaling more than one hundred million dollars
- Conducted field observations in variable weather conditions, documenting vegetation, ground disturbance, drainage, and site accessibility constraints
- Maintained accurate, standardized documentation under time-sensitive conditions, ensuring consistency across monitoring and review cycles
- Coordinated with federal and state partners including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USACE, and SHPO offices on habitat-adjacent compliance matters
- Conduct environmental site inspections and compliance reviews for federally funded recovery and mitigation projects across disaster-impacted landscapes.
- Directed Environmental and Historic Preservation compliance supporting FEMA disaster assistance programs, requiring constant coordination with Regional Environmental Officers, Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation leadership, Consolidated Resource Centers, and state and federal partners.
- Managed environmental compliance for Public Assistance across 3-4 concurrent disasters including Hurricanes, Ian, Milton, Helene, Idalia, and Debbie, spanning more than 50 counties.
- Interpreted environmental and historic preservation legislation, regulations, and policy to advise internal and external partners, coordinating with SHPOs, USFWS, NMFS, USACE, DEQ, and EPA to ensure FEMA grant compliance through formal consultation processes.
- Recognized for attention to detail, organization, and ability to self-direct under high review volumes
- Awarded “Employee of the Week” (June 2023)
- Contributed to FEMA internal training materials and authored article for FEMA department newsletter
Founder / CEO / Environmental Writer
Terra on the Bench Studios
Remote & State-wide
11.2023 - Current
- Founded and manage an independent environmental research and documentation platform focused on applied ecology, disaster impacts, and environmental decision-making
• Designed The Bench Decision Framework, including 1 primary infographic and 8+ supporting resources and guides covering media literacy, field documentation, and environmental analysis
• Authored 10+ analytical publications, including applied research papers and collaborative newspaper articles published with 3 editorial outlets
• Produced and hosted 10 podcast episodes addressing environmental systems, policy, and applied science communication
• Developed standardized field notes and observation guides to support consistent environmental documentation and monitoring practices
• Oversaw project planning, editorial timelines, collaborations, and quality control across all deliverables
Groundskeeper / Invasive Species
Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary
Melbourne, FL
10.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducted routine invasive species removal and vegetation maintenance across approximately one acre of wildlife rehabilitation grounds.
- Performed mowing, trimming, and pruning to maintain habitat function and access, removing and properly disposing of approximately 40 cubic yards of vegetative debris.
- Operated and maintained field equipment including lawn mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers in support of site upkeep and invasive species management.
Senior Green Team Member
Groundwork Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
07.2022 - 08.2022
- Participated in 5+ native plant restoration, wildlife conservation, and urban habitat revitalization projects across community and refuge sites.
- Assisted with reforestation and habitat maintenance activities at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, including planting, site upkeep, and invasive plant removal.
- Maintained and monitored multiple community garden plots (approximately 400+ sq ft total), tracking plant health, growth, and maintenance needs.
- Supported community-based environmental education efforts, engaging with 50+ participants on local ecology, conservation, and restoration practices.
Wildlife Conservation
SPCA Wildlife Department
West Seneca, NY
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Assisted with the care, rehabilitation, and release of 10+ injured or recovering wildlife individuals under staff supervision.
- Supported daily husbandry and habitat maintenance activities, including enclosure cleaning, feeding, and condition monitoring.
- Followed established wildlife handling and safety protocols to ensure animal welfare and staff safety.
- Identified injured or abandoned wildlife in the field and assisted with intake and initial assessment under staff guidance.
- Conducted research on emerging trends or issues relevant to the field of wildlife conservation, applying findings to inform decision-making processes in daily work activities.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Science & Sustainability
UNITY ENVIRONMENTAL UNIVERSITY
Unity, ME10.2022
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
Buffalo, NY05.2021
Skills
- Environmental Policy Media Strategy Content Development Journalism Scientific Communication ArcGIS Federal Compliance (ESA, NEPA, NHPA)
- Microsoft Office Technical writing Research and data analysis Efficient multitasking and time-sensitive project delivery Clear communicator of policy and technical matters to diverse audiences
- Co-leading age-appropriate, nature-based learning activities; adapting lessons for diverse learners; facilitating safe, engaging outdoor experiences across varied environmental conditions
- Supporting planning and on-site execution of community events; engaging students, educators, and community partners; assisting with outreach and program promotion
TRAINING
- 0032 - Fundamentals of Historic Preservation Compliance
- 00248 – EHP Compliance, Process and Systems
- 00791 – Interagency Consultation for Endangered Species
- 00727 – Floodplain Management & Wetland Protection
- IS-273 How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map
Timeline
Groundskeeper / Invasive Species
Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary
10.2024 - 01.2025
Founder / CEO / Environmental Writer
Terra on the Bench Studios
11.2023 - Current
Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), DHS
01.2023 - Current
Senior Green Team Member
Groundwork Buffalo
07.2022 - 08.2022
Wildlife Conservation
SPCA Wildlife Department
03.2021 - 05.2021
Master of Science - Environmental Science & Sustainability
UNITY ENVIRONMENTAL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO