IRINA BENSON
Roanoke,Virginia
Summary
Enthusiastic Outdoor Recreation Instructor with a true love for adventure and a mission to help others build confidence in the outdoors. Known for making outdoor experiences approachable and meaningful, whether it's hiking, caving, biking, or paddling.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outdoor Recreation Instructor
City of Roanoke
01.2024 - Current
- Create, plan, lead and instruct outdoor recreational activities for all ages and skill levels, including hiking, paddling, biking, caving and environmental programs.
- Ensure participant safety by conducting risk assessments and enforcing safety protocols.
- Help build a welcoming and positive group environment by communicating clearly and leading in an inclusive, supportive way.
- Leads 4 to 5 weeks of Outdoor Adventure Camps for ages 8 to 11 in summertime.
- Obtains special-use permitting for programs and special events
- Help in the planning, execution, and deconstruction of special events such as GO Fest, Short Track, USAC, Happy Valley Grit, Tiny Tot Tri, Youth Mtn Bike Race, VRPS and so many more.
- Inputs program data into Outdoor Budget Sheet to evaluate program success.
- Promote and market programs through flyers and social media.
- Maintains program equipment and gear, perform routine checks, and coordinate repairs or replacements with the supervisor.
- Operates and maintains Outdoor Parks and Rec vehicles and trailers.
Route Setter
River Rock Climbing Gym
06.2023 - Current
- Designs and sets bouldering and top-rope routes of varying grades and styles that emphasize movement variety, creativity, and progressive difficulty.
- Adhere to strict safety standards by performing regular quality checks and adjustments to ensure holds are secure, routes are balanced, and risk is minimized.
Retail Sales Associate & Assistant Store Manager
Walkabout Outfitter
09.2022 - Current
- Advise customers on appropriate gear for activities such as hiking, climbing, paddling, and camping, while educating them on proper product use, care, and safety to help them feel confident and prepared for their adventures.
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of outdoor equipment, including technical apparel, climbing hardware, backpacking systems, and footwear.
- Assisted with interviewing, hiring, and training process of new sales associates.
- Support day-to-day store operations including inventory management, restocking, and merchandising to ensure a well-organized and welcoming retail space.
Aerial Adventure Guide (Ropes Course)
Tree Top Quest @Explore Park
06.2022 - Current
- Guide groups of up to 20 people through ropes course orientation and safety procedures.
- Train new employees on procedures, safety and customer service.
- Inspect courses for potential hazards and arrange for repairs when needed.
- Evacuate/rescue guests in distress from the aerial adventure course following standardized safety protocols as needed.
- Engage safety devices and monitored attraction during operation to reduce safety risks.
- Monitor guests and enforce rules, maintaining safety for visitors and staff.
Propagation Intern
Riverbend Nursery
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports.
- Maximized water conservation, checking sprinkler spray angles and testing digital controller performance.
- Educated employees and members of public on plant biology and health.
- Cultivated soil and added fertilizer, compost, and amendments.
- Maximized operational profits by closely inspecting crops, assessing quality, and identifying problems such as disease or insects.
- Set up and managed plant irrigation systems to maintain optimal flows to different types of plants.
- Consulted with horticultural experts to assess operational strengths and weaknesses and plan enhancements to meet changing demands.
- Researched pests and diseases common to individual types of stock and developed mitigation plans.
- Used skills to grow new plants from seeds, clippings and bulbs.
- Planted bulbs, trees, bushes, and flowers for residential and commercial clients.
HokieHello Leader
VIRGINIA TECH COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCE
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Shared information about student life, academic offerings and healthy decision making with new incoming students.
- Met mentee formally, informally, in-person and virtually to offer support.
- Shared resources, opportunities, and activities to support mentee's learning and development.
- Attended and led meetings with other peer mentors to offer support and standardize resource offerings.
Student Volunteer
VIRGINIA TECH ENVIRONMENTAL COLLATION
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Organized events such as watershed cleanups making Virginia Tech a more sustainable and environmentally friendly place.
Student Volunteer
VIRGINIA TECH HORTICULTURE CLUB
08.2018 - 05.2021
- Assisted in the annual plant sales while learning how horticulture improves the quality of life through sustainability and agricultural practices.
Planting Leader
BIG PLANT
03.2020 - 02.2021
- A key member of the planning team for this annual effort of over 400 students to plant trees along Stroubles Creek, improving the quality of the watershed.
- Made important logistical coordination decisions and lead a pre plant team.
- Provided non horticultural students important instruction on the importance, purpose and techniques needed for a successful meeting of event goals.
- Personally lead 25 student volunteers during the event.
Intern
PWC ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
01.2019 - 08.2019
- Assisted in fieldwork with the County's Reforestation, Stream Restoration, Stream Assessment, and Urban Nutrient Management Programs.
- Prepared, reviewed and updated environmental investigation reports for clients.
- Obtained and maintained permits and plans.
- Formulated and implemented long-range plans for environmental programs.
- Completed complex technical field environmental surveys for development of new construction sites.
- Performed environmental site assessments and provided remediation recommendations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture, Environmental Science
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA05.2021
Skills
- Orienteering & Navigation (map and compass)
- Field identification of birds
- Plant/Tree ID
- Film photography enthusiast
- Outdoor sport climber
- Known for having a creative/artistic eye
- Rider of mountain bikes
Certification
- NOLS Wilderness First Responder
- CPR/ AED/ Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certified
- ACA Kayak/Canoe Instructor
- River Safety & Rescue Level 3
- Leave No Trace 101 Certified
Timeline
Outdoor Recreation Instructor
City of Roanoke
01.2024 - Current
Route Setter
River Rock Climbing Gym
06.2023 - Current
Retail Sales Associate & Assistant Store Manager
Walkabout Outfitter
09.2022 - Current
Aerial Adventure Guide (Ropes Course)
Tree Top Quest @Explore Park
06.2022 - Current
Propagation Intern
Riverbend Nursery
05.2021 - 09.2021
HokieHello Leader
VIRGINIA TECH COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCE
08.2020 - 05.2021
Planting Leader
BIG PLANT
03.2020 - 02.2021
Student Volunteer
VIRGINIA TECH ENVIRONMENTAL COLLATION
08.2019 - 05.2021
Intern
PWC ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT
01.2019 - 08.2019
Student Volunteer
VIRGINIA TECH HORTICULTURE CLUB
08.2018 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Horticulture, Environmental Science
Virginia Tech