Matthew Schwarz
Pierre,SD
Summary
As a seasoned Environmental Contaminants Specialist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I excel in wildlife toxicology and project management, driving significant wildlife conservation efforts on public and tribal lands. I've worked with seven Tribal Nations in the Dakotas to address water quality and/or recover federally endangered black-footed ferrets. My communication and problem-solving skills have been pivotal in developing partnerships that have advanced ferret recovery, restored wildlife habitat, and enhanced water quality.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental Contaminants Specialist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pierre, SD
09.2000 - Current
For the last 20+ years, I've provided technical assistance and guidance on contaminant and wildlife issues, including:
- Served as the field lead and grant project officer for contaminant investigations and wildlife recovery efforts.
- Preformed Natural Resource Damage Assessments, and Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations.
- Conducted spill response planning, wildlife mortality investigations, and water quality reviews.
- Reviewed scientific manuscripts, pollutant discharge permits, and pesticide application proposals.
For the last six years, I've been the SD ES Field Office primary contact for black-footed ferret recovery in South Dakota. I've assisted recovery efforts at eight ferret reintroduction sites in South Dakota by:
- Serving as Project Officer for grants and agreements.
- Performing plague mitigation, habitat mapping, and capture surveys to vaccinate ferrets.
Head Carpenter
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey
Ellenton, FL
12.1995 - 07.1997
- Supervised and trained stage crew for Walt Disney's World on Ice Aladdin.
- Conducted the construction of the set and stage, managed packouts, and travel.
- Implemented stage cues and pyrotechnics during shows performed in Europe, South America, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Toxicology
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX05-2003
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Health
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO08-1995
Skills
- Project Management
- Environmental monitoring
- Excellent communication
- Problem-solving
- Networking
- Self-Directed
Accomplishments
National Grasslands Prairie Partner Award 2024
Star Award Black-footed Ferret Recovery 2024
Certification
- Certified in 40 hr Hazwoper
- Commercial and tribal lands certified pesticide applicator
- Federal MOCC, Airboat, and ATV operator certified.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Environmental Contaminants Specialist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
09.2000 - Current
Head Carpenter
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey
12.1995 - 07.1997
- Certified in 40 hr Hazwoper
- Commercial and tribal lands certified pesticide applicator
- Federal MOCC, Airboat, and ATV operator certified.
Master of Science - Environmental Toxicology
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Health
Colorado State University
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