DRISTON LOUIS
Missoula,MT
Summary
Motivated and detail-oriented field professional with direct National Park Service experience seeking a Seasonal Visitor Services Assistant position at Glacier National Park. Bringing hands-on conservation fieldwork, strong communication skills, and a deep personal connection to the Glacier region as a Blackfeet tribal member while being a current student.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildlife Technician
National Park Service, Glacier National Park
West Glacier, MT
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Collaborated with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and multi-agency crews on within Glacier National Park, the Blackfeet Reservation, and National Forest Lands.
- Completed field operations under the Glacier National Park wildlife technician team, developing technical field skills, environmental and animal stewardship practices, and professional communication in a team setting.
- Gained direct on-the-ground familiarity with Glacier National Park terrain, trail systems, and park operations — directly applicable to visitor services and public assistance.
- Practiced safe work habits in remote and hazardous outdoor environments, including tool use, situational awareness, and adherence to agency protocols.
Summer Intern
Piikani Lodge Health Institute
Browning, MT
06.2020 - 08.2023
- Worked with Blackfeet-led interdisciplinary team on the Blackfeet Climate Adaptation Plan and Agricultural Resource Management Plan, collaborating with regional experts, local ranchers, and university partners.
- Conducted soil science field work and GIS mapping, supporting resource management planning relevant to public lands and tribal territories.
- Gained experience in watershed hydrology, wildlife biology, and bio-cultural land-use management — providing strong knowledge base for visitor education and interpretation.
Archery Technician
Straight 6 Archery
Missoula, MT
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Provided direct customer service and technical assistance to a diverse customer base, including youth and adult archers at all skill levels.
- Explained equipment specifications, set up and tuned archery gear, and instructed customers on safe and proper use — demonstrating strong public communication and teaching ability.
- Maintained organized inventory and a clean, professional retail environment.
Native Science Fellow
The Ksik Stakii Project (Beaver Dam)
Browning, MT
06.2019 - 08.2022
- Participated in a Blackfeet Community College watershed restoration initiative, using hand tools and ecological knowledge to restore riparian habitat through beaver dam analog construction.
- Communicated effectively with project leads, university partners (Montana State, Cornell), and tribal community members — demonstrating cross-cultural public engagement skills.
- Applied principles of Indigenous ecological knowledge alongside scientific fieldwork methods in natural resource management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Montana
Missoula, MT12-2026
High School Diploma - undefined
Browning High School
Browning, MT05-2018
Skills
- Public communication and visitor engagement — experienced working with diverse community members across cultures and age groups
- Proficient in GIS mapping software, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and Google Workspace
- Knowledge of wildlife chemical immobilization, ecosystem restoration, and watershed habitat management
- Experienced with a wide range of hand tools and field equipment in outdoor and hazardous environments
- Strong written and verbal communication; capable of delivering clear information to both technical and general audiences
- Deep ties to the Glacier/Browning region being Blackfeet
- CPR/First Aid certified
- Data collection
- GPS navigation
- Field research techniques
Timeline
Wildlife Technician
National Park Service, Glacier National Park
05.2025 - 08.2025
Archery Technician
Straight 6 Archery
10.2022 - 02.2023
Summer Intern
Piikani Lodge Health Institute
06.2020 - 08.2023
Native Science Fellow
The Ksik Stakii Project (Beaver Dam)
06.2019 - 08.2022
High School Diploma - undefined
Browning High School
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology
University of Montana
ADDITIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCE
- WhiteGrass Fire Suppression | Browning, MT — Engine Crew Member
- Dates: Summer 2018 | Hours/Week: [XX hrs/wk] | Pay: [$ /hr]
- Performed hands-on fire suppression work in hazardous outdoor environments; maintained clear radio communication with supervisors and crew members under pressure.
- Blackfeet Nation Fire Cache | Browning, MT — Crew Member
- Dates: Summer 2019 | Hours/Week: [XX hrs/wk] | Pay: [$ /hr]
- Executed fire cache operations in a large team setting; demonstrated reliability, adaptability, and effective group communication in dynamic field conditions.