James Stiefken
Montgomery,IL
Summary
Resourceful professional skilled in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Offers foundational knowledge in conservation services from field experience and volunteer work. Known for delivering effective solutions through adaptability and a proactive approach. Committed to making meaningful contributions and excelling in team environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Lifeguard
Fox Valley Park District
05.2022 - 04.2026
- Supervised swimmers and ensured the safety of all guests in and around the pool area
- Responded quickly to emergencies, providing first aid and CPR support.
- Monitored aquatic areas to enforce safety rules and prevent accidents.
- Inspected pool decks, equipment, and facilities to maintain safe operating conditions.
- Assisted in the training of new lifeguards on surveillance techniques, emergency response, and customer service.
Farm hand, Stand manager
Feldott farms
07.2020 - Current
- Managed farm equipment operation to maintain consistent agricultural workflow.
- Contributed to fresh crop harvesting by assisting harvest operations.
- Managed company stands; facilitated public interaction and direct sales.
- Operated vehicles, loaders, and hand tools for planting, harvesting, and field preparation tasks.
Field Crew Member
Montana Conservation Corps
05.2026 - 10.2026
- Maintained and repaired historical land at The Raven Ranger Station
- Reclaimed backcountry trail using hand tools along Peterson side hill, restoring safe public access across rugged terrain
- Cleared brush and fallen stick for a prescribed burn in Payette National Forest
- Worked alongside many project partners to accurately and efficiently complete tasks
- Retreaded over six miles of Ralph Thayer Memorial Trail
- Employed UTV skills to effectively haul rock across rough, off-road terrain
- Built rock dams along culverts and trenches to better prevent erosion in Pinedale Wyoming
- Safely operated rigs with and without trailers to deliver the crew and tools across the country
- Acted accordingly in response to smoke and wildfire during peak season
- Operated chainsaws and crosscut saws to clear fallen trees, safely bucked logs and maintained chainsaw
- Followed strict safety procedures for remote work, weather exposure, and backcountry travel
- Coordinated daily work assignments with crew leaders, adapting priorities to changing site conditions
- Maintained camps, tools, and equipment to support safe overnight field operations
- Created healthy crew dynamic and supported members through week long camping excursions
Education
Associates - Applied Science
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, IL12-2025
Diploma - undefined
Oswego High School
Oswego, IL05-2023
Skills
- Certified in CPR, AED, First Aid, and deep water rescues
- Strong situational awareness and decision-making under pressure
- Experienced in operating heavy machinery and hand tools safely
- Class A Sawyer, chainsaw and bucksaw certified
- Knowledge of basic maintenance, repair, and safety procedures
- Trail maintenance
- Heavy lifting
- Physical endurance
- Reliable team player with hands-on problem-solving abilities
- Time management
- Dependable and hardworking
- Trailer hitching and towing
AWARDS
Consistent honor roll presence, Oswego High Technical Honor Society member, Waubonsee President's List.
Timeline
Field Crew Member
Montana Conservation Corps
05.2026 - 10.2026
Lifeguard
Fox Valley Park District
05.2022 - 04.2026
Farm hand, Stand manager
Feldott farms
07.2020 - Current
Diploma - undefined
Oswego High School
Associates - Applied Science
Waubonsee Community College