LILY K BENSON
Norfolk,MA
Summary
Dedicated wetland scientist and ecologist with expertise in field research and strong interpersonal communication skills. Practiced wetland delineation technologist, experienced in both field data collection and data QA/QC. Demonstrates laboratory proficiency with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all analyses. Adept at navigating remote locations using 4x4 vehicles, including UTVs, safely and responsibly. Committed to scientific outreach and advocacy for underrepresented students in STEM, exhibiting persistence and dedication in all fieldwork endeavors.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Wetland Delineation Field Technologist
Western EcoSystem Technologies (WEST)
06.2024 - 09.2025
- Used ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and Wildnote to delineate wetlands and waterbodies in a clear and efficient manner.
- Used Excel for data QA/QC after the field seasons conclusion in order to conclude that all collected data was clean and understandable to others.
- Collected and analyzed soil samples using Munsell color charts, texture, and depth characteristics to deduce the possibility of a wetland.
- Identified all wetland-associated plants present within the study sites in order to locate any present wetlands.
- Collected data on the presence of threatened plant and animal species with drastic influence on the ecosystem such as Little Bluestem, prairie dogs, and the highly endangered Dakota Skipper.
Endangered Yellow-Legged Frog Field Technician
US Forest Service
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Surveyed USFS land for the location of endangered Foothill Yellow-Legged Frogs and Sierra-Nevada Yellow-Legged Frogs to solidify the conservation of both species.
- Successfully identified, handled, and pit-tagged species protected by the Endangered Species Act on a persistent team of three in difficult terrain, including bushwhacking and steep cliffs.
- Used Avenza, ArcGIS, and compasses to navigate through the forest safely.
- Used in-reach devices and USFS radios to maintain contact, all with emphasis on responsibility for the safety of myself and others on the team.
- Collaborated with team members and supervisors daily to plan out and execute exactly how to approach difficult terrain while maintaining a positive attitude and clear communication.
Bird Banding Field Research Technician
UTennessee
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Used bird banding data to investigate what ecological role frugivorous birds play in previously deforested areas that are in several different stages of recovery under Dr. Nicole Lussier.
- Worked in extremely unpredictable conditions such as tropical storms and sloped terrain all with optimism and determination.
- Carried out safe and effective mist netting and bird banding of passerines, some of which were endemic or endangered species.
- Collected and analyzed scat samples as well as viewed camera trap data, both in order to observe the dietary habits of several frugivorous bird species.
- Worked closely with graduate and undergraduate students from several universities across the US, along with local Ecuadorian scientists and guides.
Education
B.S. - Biology And Environmental Science
Wheaton College
MA05.2023
Skills
- Data Collection and Analysis: Wildnote, Field Maps, Avenza, Excel, R Thorough and precise in both laboratory and field settings Detail oriented and neat data keeper
- Fieldwork: Wetland delineation, piloting 4x4 vehicles including UTVs, soil sampling, plant identification, mist netting and bird banding, pit-tagging, camera trapping, collecting ornithological scat samples, hiking in difficult terrain and weather
- Laboratory Skills: Prioritizing safety and cleanliness in a lab setting, microscopy, staining techniques, use of Polymerase Chain Reaction machines
- Interpersonal Skills: Maintaining a positive attitude in the midst of difficult field conditions, collaborating with a variety of personalities on one cohesive team, maintaining responsibility and dependability when handling high-stakes data
Timeline
Wetland Delineation Field Technologist
Western EcoSystem Technologies (WEST)
06.2024 - 09.2025
Endangered Yellow-Legged Frog Field Technician
US Forest Service
06.2023 - 09.2023
Bird Banding Field Research Technician
UTennessee
06.2022 - 09.2022
B.S. - Biology And Environmental Science
Wheaton College