Kyle Francis
Environmental Scientist
Pleasant Point (Sipayik),ME
Summary
I am an Environmental Project Manager for the Passamaquoddy Tribe, supporting and leading a range of environmental projects that protect our lands, waters, and community health. My interest in environmental work began in high school through salmon stocking and fin clipping projects, and I continued building experience with the Sipayik Environmental Department starting in 2014 through the WaYS (Wabanaki Youth in Science) program. These early experiences grounded my learning in Wabanaki knowledge and connected me deeply to the stewardship responsibilities of our people. Over time, I witnessed the growing need for environmental capacity within the Tribe and the impacts of declining species and environmental change on our community, concerns about drinking water quality, cultural sites and resources, and overall health. These experiences guided me toward this work long before I fully recognized it. Hardworking, dedicated, and committed to expanding my skills so I can continue serving the Tribe and supporting the long term wellbeing of our homelands, waters, and future generations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental Project Manager
Sipayik Environmental Dept
05.2023 - Current
- Assisted with acoustic tagging of American Shad
- Attended a training course on how to amplify Environmental DNA
- Collected and analyzed scale samples for repeat spawning
- Trained on how to properly collect water samples for TTHM, coliform, heavy metals, nutrients, and PFAS analysis
- Fish counted multiple rivers and helped compile/graph the data since 2022
- Stayed up to date on current industry best practices through attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions focused on environmental management topics.
- Assisted in removal of fish passage barriers
- Assisted in building and installing frames/structures for underwater cameras
- Performed technical assistance for other environmental organizations
- Assisted in American Eel studies
- Secured funding through successful grant writing.
- Increased eDNA sampling capacity by improving and streamlining collection methods.
- Trained in sediment core collection and analysis.
- Trained in identifying sedimentation rates and operating RTK equipment.
- Expanded departmental and tribal capacity by securing funding, advancing scientific training, promoting youth education, and forging institutional partnerships that strengthened research.
Environmental Technician
Sipayik Environmental Dept
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Collected water samples from semi processed, processed and raw water.
- Assisted with data management for regulatory and operational reporting.
- Assisted in installing and maintaining data collection instrumentation.
- Performed statistical analysis of environmental data.
- Prepared samples for testing and analysis.
- Supported air quality monitoring efforts by calibrating/installing equipment.
- Helped fish count multiple rivers
- Performed lab analysis on prepared samples
- Trained on how to use YSI data instruments for water quality monitoring
Vinyl Installer
Restoration Unlimited Of Maine
05.2020 - 11.2022
- Maintained a safe work environment, adhering to safety guidelines and protocols during installations.
- Exceeded client expectations with precise cutting and seamless application of vinyl materials for various surfaces.
- Performed removal of old vinyl or other materials, preparing surfaces for new installations without causing damage to underlying structures.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely completion of vinyl installation.
- Tended to machines, troubleshot malfunctions and completed basic repairs to keep equipment fully functional and well-maintained.
- Worked with diverse types of weather
Seasonal Worker/Harvester
Self Employed
01.2010 - Current
- Clamming
- Wrinkling
- Blueberries
- Tips/Wreaths
- Glass Eel
Education
High School Diploma -
James Madison Preparatory Charter High School (Online/Remote
Environmental Training - Environmental Studies Grounded in TEK
Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS Program)
Skills
- Field data collection
- Equipment Operation
- Heavy Lifting
- Data reporting
- Data Interpretation
- Laboratory skills
- Water Quality Analysis
- Instrument Calibration
- Trained in canoe safety/rescue
- Experienced expeditionist taking part in numerous multi day cross country, snow shoe, canoe and hiking expeditions involving ecological research and survival training
- Grant Writing
- First Aid and CPR Certified
Timeline
Environmental Project Manager
Sipayik Environmental Dept
05.2023 - Current
Environmental Technician
Sipayik Environmental Dept
05.2022 - 05.2023
Vinyl Installer
Restoration Unlimited Of Maine
05.2020 - 11.2022
Seasonal Worker/Harvester
Self Employed
01.2010 - Current
Environmental Training - Environmental Studies Grounded in TEK
Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS Program)
High School Diploma -
James Madison Preparatory Charter High School (Online/Remote