HEATHER SMALLPAGE (they/them)
Yosemite Valley,CA
Summary
I'm a experienced professional with excellent communication, interpersonal, creative thinking skills. I am eager to offer my combined knowledge of backcountry wilderness expeditions and front country customer service skills in collaboration with the National Park Service. I'm someone who operates well in both individual and team capacities, leveraging a seasoned work ethic to quickly adapt to different processes and environments. I'm resourceful and dynamic with a deep passion for our wild spaces. My aim is to support the park services goals of creating opportunities for people to enjoy the National Parks while simultaneously protecting them.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Wilderness Education Park Ranger
National Park Service - 40hrs/week, $19.02/hr
05.2024 - 10.2024
- Educated visitors on area wildlife and regional history during tours and presentations.
- Issued Wilderness Permits, provided education for best practices, and answered questions about trip planning and preservation.
- Enforced laws and regulations within parks for campgrounds, trails, and nature preserves.
- Utilized topography using GPS technology and paper maps when analyzing park parameters and terrain.
- Informed visitors of current and recurring dangers posed by wildlife, terrain and inclement weather.
- Performed search and rescue operations for missing people and coordinated with local agencies for response operations.
- Provided information and guidance for park visitors, answered questions and inquiries and suggested trails for hiking.
- Administered first aid to visitors suffering from falls and minor injuries and contacted paramedics for hospital transport in serious cases.
- Incorporated humane wildlife suppression measures to keep animals from getting too close to visitors.
Rock Climbing Guide
El Potrero Chico Guides - $260/Day
12.2024 - 04.2025
- Provided instruction for climbers looking to further their knowledge and safety practices in engaging and positive ways.
- Developed clinics and courses for members of the LGBTQ+ community to foster inclusion and diversity.
- Developed personal knowledge of El Potrero Chico to enhance quality programming on adventure education trips.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Greeted guests warmly and explained what to expect on travel tours.
- Offered physically and emotionally safe and supportive environment for education, cooperation and fun utilizing hands-on activities to foster individual growth.
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
- Sustained friendly, courteous communications with visitors throughout each tour.
Rock Climbing Instructor
Flash Foxy - 2 Clinics/Month, $400/Clinic
03.2024 - Current
- Fostered climbing clinics and space for a diverse range of women, queer, trans, and LGBTQ+ community members.
- Provided feedback, guidance and support to students on participation and performance.
- Met needs of different participants by adapting teaching materials and methods.
- Created interactive activities to engage participants and maximize learning.
- Assisted people in developing self-advocacy, communication, and support skills.
- Conducted classes and workshops for students on special topics of interest, like anchor building and rescue techniques.
- Supported humans in identifying, setting and achieving personal goals.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth in themselves and in climbing spaces.
Rock Climbing Guide / Naturalist
Naturalists at Large - 40+hrs/week, $235/day
09.2023 - Current
- Exercised sound judgment while performing complex tasks at elevated heights without direct supervision
- Identified potential hazards while aloft and implemented appropriate corrective action measures accordingly
- Performed routine maintenance on climbing gear including harnesses, ropes, lanyards, and helmets
- Provided guidance, instruction, and encouragement students on proper technique
- Researched new routes regularly to provide clients with fresh challenges
- Encouraged team building among participants by engaging in group activities before each climb
- Adapted teaching style to meet individual needs by tailoring instruction to each climber's level of expertise
- Utilized effective communication strategies to ensure client safety while providing an enjoyable experience
- Demonstrated superior customer service skills while guiding rock climbing tours for up to 10 people
- Trained new guides in backcountry skills including map reading, plant identification, Leave No Trace principles, fire building techniques and animal tracking methods
- Participated in training courses and professional development opportunities to improve teaching skills
Lead Instructor
Outward Bound California - 40+ Hrs/week, $135/da
05.2021 - 04.2024
- Facilitates and debriefs physical, emotional, and mental challenges students face in the backcountry for up to a month
- Teaches and navigates off trail terrain and risk management
- Created and maintained a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students and co-workers
- Promoted diversity awareness by incorporating cultural perspectives into instruction
- Developed an extensive knowledge of local wildlife and vegetation to ensure the safety and enjoyment of guests on outdoor excursions
- Integrated current events into course curriculum to promote real world applications
- Provided first aid care when necessary; administered medication if needed; contacted emergency services when required
- Enforced rules established by land management agencies regarding camping permits and trail closures; reported violations when applicable
- Collaborated with other staff members to ensure smooth operation of daily activities
- Maintained a positive attitude throughout each tour even under difficult circumstances; encouraged guests to remain calm during challenging situations
- Managed food storage procedures while camping outdoors; ensured that all food waste was disposed of responsibly according to Leave No Trace guidelines
- Maintained accurate records of daily activities including mileage traveled, locations visited, wildlife sightings, incidents, and important information
Rock Climbing Guide
Mojave Guides - 40 Hrs/week, $225/day
02.2021 - 04.2024
- Ensured compliance with the National Park Service regarding access rights and environmental protection
- Assisted novice climbers with belaying techniques and route selection
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability in challenging situations
- Utilized effective communication strategies to ensure client safety while providing an enjoyable experience
- Responded quickly to emergency medical situations when necessary
- Established rapport with clients by demonstrating enthusiasm for the sport
- Developed extensive knowledge of equipment and safety protocols, including proper harness fitting and knot tying
- Adapted teaching style to meet individual needs by tailoring instruction to each climber's level of expertise
Trips Program Assistant / Rental Sales Associate
Center for Outdoor Adventure - 20 Hrs/week
11.2017 - 05.2021
- Assisted customers with selecting appropriate merchandise based on individual needs and preferences
- Implemented strategies for boosting overall performance of staff development through training programs and mentorship initiatives
- Performed cashiering duties accurately, including processing payments, issuing receipts, and handling returns and exchanges efficiently
- Supervised daily activities of junior staff members ensuring tasks are completed according to established standards and offering mentorship
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team environment
- Conducted regular inspections of rental equipment before releasing it to customers
- Developed strong customer service skills to ensure a positive experience for every customer
- Drove company vehicles across various types of terrain and roadways safely
Sales Representative
Midwest Mountaineering - 20 Hrs/week
02.2017 - 04.2021
- Communicated product features, advantages, and benefits to customers
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills when dealing with client inquiries
- Managed customer accounts by providing accurate information on product availability and pricing
- Developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills by interacting with customers on a daily basis
- Adapted to and remained flexible in changing, fast-paced work environment
Office Assistant
Glacier Guides and Montana Raft - - 40hrs/week
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Greeted visitors in a professional manner and provided assistance when necessary
- Answered incoming calls promptly and professionally; took messages or transferred calls to appropriate personnel
- Provided customer service support via phone or email inquiries related to products or services offered by the organization
- Managed office supply orders and inventory to support availability
- Prepared invoices for payment processing and tracked accounts receivable and payable activities
Education
Bachelor of Arts - ANTHROPOLOGY
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN05.2021
Skills
- Risk Assessment
- Educational Activities
- Plant Identification
- Critical Thinking
- Permit Processing
- Guest Experience
- Natural Resources
- Environmental/Conservation awareness
- History Knowledge
- Route planning expertise
- Incident Management
- Cultural History Preservation
Certification
- Wilderness First Responder
- AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
- Leave No Trace Educator
- CPR/AED
Timeline
Rock Climbing Guide
El Potrero Chico Guides - $260/Day
12.2024 - 04.2025
Wilderness Education Park Ranger
National Park Service - 40hrs/week, $19.02/hr
05.2024 - 10.2024
Rock Climbing Instructor
Flash Foxy - 2 Clinics/Month, $400/Clinic
03.2024 - Current
Rock Climbing Guide / Naturalist
Naturalists at Large - 40+hrs/week, $235/day
09.2023 - Current
Lead Instructor
Outward Bound California - 40+ Hrs/week, $135/da
05.2021 - 04.2024
Rock Climbing Guide
Mojave Guides - 40 Hrs/week, $225/day
02.2021 - 04.2024
Office Assistant
Glacier Guides and Montana Raft - - 40hrs/week
06.2019 - 09.2019
Trips Program Assistant / Rental Sales Associate
Center for Outdoor Adventure - 20 Hrs/week
11.2017 - 05.2021
Sales Representative
Midwest Mountaineering - 20 Hrs/week
02.2017 - 04.2021
- Wilderness First Responder
- AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
- AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
- Leave No Trace Educator
- CPR/AED
Bachelor of Arts - ANTHROPOLOGY
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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