Jessica Paul
Johnston,IA
Summary
Hardworking land steward with a passion for learning and ecological restoration. Proven ability to lead a group or work independently through all seasons of field work. Quick to adapt and ready to tackle new challenges for the benefit of Iowa's native ecosystems.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Prescribed Burn Contractor
Self-employeed
04.2025 - Current
- Executes prescribed burns in both urban and rural settings for local biologist Trelen Wilson
- Maintains situational awareness; assessing risk, monitoring weather and ensuring safety
- Keeps ecological objectives, smoke management, and efficiency in mind when applying various ignition patterns
- Adapts to new tasks, equipment, and ever changing crew members with ease while communicating clearly and maintaining a positive attitude
Land Steward
Polk County Conservation - Green Iowa AmeriCorps
11.2023 - Current
- Assisteded Natrual Rescource Technicians with all manner of ecological restoration tasks, such as: manual & chemical methods of invasive species management, prescribed burns, timber stand improvement, native seed harvest & processing, tree planting, & biocell installations
- Utilized Field Maps to record GIS data about ongoing restoration projects, invasive species infestations, sensitive plant populations, & potential seed harvest locations
- Built a new soft trail at Easter Lake Park to highlight a newly restored woodland and increase community engagement with our county's natural areas
- Led volunteers and other AmeriCorps members in appropriate land stewardship activities
- Frequently utilized trailers, UTVs, brush cutters, chainsaws, and hand tools to aid in land restoration efforts while keeping a "Safety First" mindset
- Conducted a research project exploring the viability of harvesting Spring Ephemerals and other woodland species for biodiversity enrichment in woodland & savannah restoration efforts
- Collaborated with USDA Woody Plants Curator to locate and protect the genetic integrity of the Morus rubra populations at Chichaqua Bottoms-Greenbelt
Bar and Restaurant Manager
Mucky Duck Pub
11.2021 - 10.2023
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service
- Carefully interviewed, selected, and supervised staff with the goal of maintaining restaurant standards and creating a healthy work culture
- Monitored inventory of supplies and purchased orders to maintain adequate stock levels
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts
Server Shift Leader
Mucky Duck Pub
12.2017 - 11.2021
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular and new customers
- Oversaw daily operations of service team, delegated tasks, and trained new staff
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate restaurant goals such as upselling certain items, addressing product availability issues and other communication concerns
Design Drafter
Swan Creek Cabinet Company
11.2014 - 10.2017
- Developed CAD drawings from hand sketches, technical drawings, verbal instructions, and site visits
- Calculated dimensions and allowances with accurate precision for project specifications to scale
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices
- Received incoming shipments, compared contents against associated records and transmitted to proper department
Education
Associate of Science -
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA05-2025
Skills
- Iowa Pesticide Applicator License
- National Wildland Fighter Coordinating Group Firefighter Type 2
- Native & Invasive Plant Identification
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Microsoft Excel
- Intermediate Spanish
- Customer Relations
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Identification & Solving
- Operational Efficiency
- Risk Management
- Small Engine Troubleshooting
Timeline
Prescribed Burn Contractor
Self-employeed
04.2025 - Current
Land Steward
Polk County Conservation - Green Iowa AmeriCorps
11.2023 - Current
Bar and Restaurant Manager
Mucky Duck Pub
11.2021 - 10.2023
Server Shift Leader
Mucky Duck Pub
12.2017 - 11.2021
Design Drafter
Swan Creek Cabinet Company
11.2014 - 10.2017
Associate of Science -
Des Moines Area Community College
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