Martha Gonzalez
Santa Ana,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented ecologist with exceptional project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Strong background in conservation work.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Seasonal Field Biologist
Santa Ana Watershed Association
Riverside, CA
03.2026 - Current
- Independently conduct Least Bell’s Vireo presence/absence surveys in Riverside and Orange Counties
- Other sensitive species documented: Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, California Gnatcatcher
Natural Resources Intern
Orange County Water District
Corona/Anaheim, CA
03.2024 - 03.2026
- Survey for Least Bell’s Vireo in Prado Wetlands with permitted biologists
- Survey Least Tern nesting habitat
- Ensure progress of mitigation site growth through consistent watering
- Propagate mule fat cuttings for future mitigation sites plantings
- Assist with barn owl banding
- Maintain camera traps and organize/track data
- Survey and maintain Tree Swallow bird boxes during nesting season
- Routinely check for Quagga mussels in water basins
Sustainability Specialist
CR&R Environmental Services
Stanton, CA
06.2022 - 04.2023
- Set businesses up with recycling services to get into compliance with California State Recycling Laws including CA SB1383 (dry recycling & food-waste)
- Served as a liaison between CR&R and City of Laguna Hills communicating compliance progress
- Conducted outreach to ensure residents understood recycling guidelines
- Conducted site visits to record contamination levels in each waste stream and assessed diversion rates
- Compiled reports of data collected to submit to city and CalRecycle
Seasonal Assistant
OC Mosquito & Vector Control District
Garden Grove, CA
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Treated flood channels with mosquito pesticides/larvicides
- Determined most efficient way to go about treating routes
- Recorded all treatments on District iForm software app
- Gathered all adequate supplies and materials daily to complete the task effectively
- Inspected/located mosquito larvae in flood channels
- Mosquito identification and trap setup
Native Seed Collection Intern
Great Basin Institute
Moab, UT
06.2019 - 10.2019
- Planned/prioritized plant collections aided by GIS
- Southwest plant identification skills
- Data entry and organization
Riparian Assistant
Audubon Starr Ranch Bird Sanctuary
Trabuco Canyon, CA
10.2018 - 05.2019
- Planned and carried out restoration seeding/planting of riparian species and coastal sage scrub
- Southwest plant identification skills
- Tree pest and disease surveying i.e. invasive shothole borers
- Vegetation monitoring
- Invasive species plant removal
- Led volunteers to aid in this task
Field Assistant
Santa Ana Watershed Association
Riverside, CA
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Independently maintained cowbird traps on specific routes
- Maintained food/water levels
- Transported captured cowbirds
- Recorded number of cowbirds trapped
- Southwest bird identification skills
National Park Academy Intern
AmeriCorps
North Cascades National Park, WA
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Restoration site monitoring
- Pacific Northwest plant identification skills
- Seed collecting
- Nursery plant care: weeding, watering, transplanting
Education
M.S. - Conservation and Restoration
University of California, Irvine
01-2025
B.A. - Environmental Science, Minor in Global Sustainability
University of California, Irvine
01-2017
Skills
- Proficient in Spanish
- Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Geographic Information System Mapping (GIS)
- Scientific writing
- Field sampling techniques
- Restoration ecology
- Attention to detail
- Research management
Timeline
Seasonal Field Biologist
Santa Ana Watershed Association
03.2026 - Current
Natural Resources Intern
Orange County Water District
03.2024 - 03.2026
Sustainability Specialist
CR&R Environmental Services
06.2022 - 04.2023
Seasonal Assistant
OC Mosquito & Vector Control District
03.2021 - 11.2021
Native Seed Collection Intern
Great Basin Institute
06.2019 - 10.2019
Riparian Assistant
Audubon Starr Ranch Bird Sanctuary
10.2018 - 05.2019
Field Assistant
Santa Ana Watershed Association
03.2018 - 07.2018
National Park Academy Intern
AmeriCorps
06.2017 - 08.2017
B.A. - Environmental Science, Minor in Global Sustainability
University of California, Irvine
M.S. - Conservation and Restoration
University of California, Irvine