Ciara Pualani Ganter
Wailuku,HI
Summary
Dedicated natural resource professional with extensive experience in wildlife conservation and environmental management. Strong background in endangered species monitoring, habitat restoration, GIS mapping, and predator control programs. Adept at coordinating large-scale conservation initiatives, managing budgets, and leading interdisciplinary teams. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills developed through years of customer service and hospitality work, ensuring effective engagement with park visitors, stakeholders, and staff. Passionate about preserving Hawaii's natural resources while enhancing public engagement, outdoor recreation, and visitor experience.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Wildlife Biologist IV
State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife
02.2020 - Current
- Developed a Habitat Management Plan for the 328 acre Alpine Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Conducted ecological research and data analysis on native and endangered species, including the Pterodroma sandwichensis (Hawaiian Petrel, Ua'u) at the Alpine Wildlife Sanctuary and Kamehamenui Forest Reserve.
- Conduct ocean surveys of offshore islets to identify seabird species presence.
- Develop and implement predator control programs to mitigate threats from invasive species (e.g., cats, mongoose, rats, goats).
- Led GIS mapping projects, creating maps for field operations, reports, and presentations.
- Provided logistical support for the Department of Health COVID vaccination distribution centers.
- Served as the Deputy Logistics Officer for Wildland fires within Maui County.
- Reviewed permit applications for potential impacts on protected species, recommending appropriate mitigation measures when necessary.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring adequate resources were available for critical conservation projects without overspending.
- Delivered research results to interested parties via workshops, scientific presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Bartender
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa
12.2015 - Current
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Guide guests through menus while demonstrating thorough knowledge of food, beverages, ingredients, and preparation
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Facility Thermal Systems (FTS) Administrative Assistant
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. (AURA)
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Manage procurement, budgeting, and invoice processing for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST)project.
- Provided administrative and clerical support, including document management and electronic filing.
- Assisted in the creation of a maintenance and inventory database for facility instrumentation.
- Maintain financial records, assist with budget management, and ensure compliance with federal and institutional policies.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.
- Streamlined invoice processing procedures to ensure timely payment of vendors while minimizing errors in financial records.
- Managed expense reports for executive staff members, ensuring accurate documentation of spending for budgeting purposes.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
Natural Resource Technician
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. (AURA)
08.2011 - 12.2018
- Conducted research on native and endangered plant and animal species, particularly the Hawaiian Petrel, 'Ua'u.
- Managed large data sets and performed statistical analysis to assess reproductive success rates.
- Designed and executed a predator control program within Haleakala Habitat Conservation Site.
- Created GIS maps for daily operations, research reports, and presentations.
- Ensured compliance with all state and federal regulations for threatened and endangered species.
Education
B.A. in Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Hawaii at Hilo
05.2011
High School Diploma -
Lahainaluna High School
Lahaina, HI06.2004
Skills
- Natural Resource Management
- Wildlife Conservation & Habitat Restoration
- Staff Leadership & Team Coordination
- GIS Mapping & Data Analysis
- Environmental Policy & Regulatory Compliance
- Emergency & Wildland Fire Response
- Budgeting, Procurement & Grant Writing
- Community Engagement & Public Relations
Publications
Adams J, Felis JJ, Klinger R, Kelsey EC and others (2023) Predicted distribution of ‘ua‘u (Hawaiian petrel Pterodroma sandwichensis) nest sites on Haleakalā, Maui. Endang Species Res 52:231-246., https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01280
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
- Forklift Certification
- Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) Basic Driver Course Certification.
- Wildland Fire Training Certification
- Advanced GIS 9.0/10.0
Awards
- The US Department of Interior's Citizens Award for Exceptional Service
Professional Associations & Community Involvement
- Presenter, Hawaii Conservation Conference - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018
- Volunteer, Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) - Assisted in island restoration and erosion control.
- Volunteer, University of Hawaii at Hilo Genetics Laboratory - Conducted research in gene isolation and cloning of the Metrosideros polymorpha, 'Ohi'a lehua.
Timeline
Wildlife Biologist IV
State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife
02.2020 - Current
Facility Thermal Systems (FTS) Administrative Assistant
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. (AURA)
01.2019 - 12.2019
Bartender
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa
12.2015 - Current
Natural Resource Technician
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc. (AURA)
08.2011 - 12.2018
High School Diploma -
Lahainaluna High School
- First Aid Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
- Forklift Certification
- Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) Basic Driver Course Certification.
- Wildland Fire Training Certification
- Advanced GIS 9.0/10.0
B.A. in Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
University of Hawaii at Hilo
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