Christopher Smyczek
Reno,NV
Summary
Accomplished Park Ranger with a proven track record at Washoe County Department of Parks and Open Space, enhancing visitor safety and enriching outdoor experiences through innovative environmental education and interpretive programming. Skilled in natural resource management and adept at fostering community engagement, significantly contributed to wildfire mitigation and the development of the Junior Ranger program.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Park Ranger
Washoe County Department of Parks and Open Space
09.2021 - Current
- Enforced laws and regulations within parks for campgrounds, trails, nature preserves and roadways.
- Developed and contributed to park programming including the new Junior Ranger program, Wildlife Wednesday presentations, guided Ranger Walks and the Lazy 5 Summer Music Series.
- Coordinated volunteer projects to clean and beautify parks, restore native vegetation, preserve historic sites, and mitigate wildfire damage.
Seasonal Park Ranger
Washoe County Department of Parks and Open Space
04.2020 - 09.2021
- Maintained and operated a campground, trails, historic sites, and recreational facilities.
- Implemented new and often changing policies to protect park visitors during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, including sanitation, distancing, group restrictions and facility closures.
- Performed extensive vegetation removal to make Davis Creek Park a fire resilient zone.
- Educated visitors on area wildlife and regional history during tours and presentations.
Forestry Technician (Recreation)
United States Forest Service
04.2018 - 09.2021
- Managed campgrounds and recreational facilities including over 500 individual and group campsites.
- Served as Forest Protection Officer, enforcing federal law regarding visitor and resource protection on National Forest lands.
- Developed and presented interpretive programming on natural and cultural history.
Interpretive Park Ranger
National Park Service
05.2017 - 10.2017
- Researched, developed and presented interpretive programming on natural and cultural resources.
- Provided visitor services including fee collection, safety and security services, and answering questions including those regarding controversial and contentious issues.
- communicated and enforced park rules and regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
California State University At San Marcos
San Marcos, CAMaster of Natural Resources (in Progress) - Natural Resources Management
Oregon State University
01-2026
Skills
- Outdoor recreation management
- Environmental education
- Interpretive programming
- Natural resource managemant
- Visitor safety and services
Timeline
Park Ranger
Washoe County Department of Parks and Open Space
09.2021 - Current
Seasonal Park Ranger
Washoe County Department of Parks and Open Space
04.2020 - 09.2021
Forestry Technician (Recreation)
United States Forest Service
04.2018 - 09.2021
Interpretive Park Ranger
National Park Service
05.2017 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Arts - History
California State University At San Marcos
Master of Natural Resources (in Progress) - Natural Resources Management
Oregon State University
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