Hi, I’m
Megan Oropeza
Harvard,IL
Summary
Results-focused ecologist offers over 10 years broad-based experience in consulting, habitat restoration, property management, leadership, and education. Experienced in large corporate and not for profit environments with in-depth knowledge of native and invasive plant species of the Chicagoland Region.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
4
Certification
Work History
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
Restoration Ecologist
12.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Managed stewardship on over 1225 acres including 3 Illinois Nature Preserves (INP) and 2 INP Buffers.
- Developed habitat management plans to protect endangered species and promote ecological diversity.
- Advised landowners on best practices for managing their properties to support local wildlife populations.
- Provided training to volunteers on safe and proper techniques for brush removal during restoration work days.
- Improved long-term conservation outcomes by mentoring early-career ecologists through practical guidance and professional development opportunities of in-house internship program.
- Managed and supervised all prescribed burn operations on TLC owned properties and contracted sites.
- Helped secure over $150,000 in grants and managed grant-funded restoration projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Gathered data from GIS applications and databases to optimize land use plans.
Pizzo & Associates Ltd.
Crew Lead
09.2016 - 11.2020
Job overview
- Trained new employees in restoration techniques and monitored quality of work to verify high standards.
- Set restoration priorities according to contract time and budget constraints to achieve best outcomes possible.
- Ensured daily safety checks were performed on equipment and vehicles.
- Discussed daily work requirements with crew and assigned skills-based tasks to enable completion of work.
- Collaborated with other Crew Leads to share best practices, driving continuous improvement across teams.
Richardson Wildlife Foundation
Restoration Technician
06.2014 - 09.2016
Job overview
- Controlled invasive species and collected native seeds for on-site restoration projects.
- Contributed research for wetland and prairie reconstruction projects.
- Assisted with prescribed burns of wetland, prairie, and woodland habitats.
- Performed trail maintenance and repaired wood duck and bluebird boxes.
- Conducted various animal surveys including Blanding's turtle, top-spotted minnow, and whitetail deer.
Northern Illinois University
Lab Technician
08.2013 - 05.2015
Job overview
- Maintained a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to strict safety protocols.
- Ensured the health and vitality of plant specimens.
- Contributed to successful research outcomes through accurate data analysis and interpretation.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Assisted in the development of new testing methodologies, leading to more efficient workflows.
- Prepared reagents, media and solutions to use for laboratory testing and analysis.
Education
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Conservation and Biodiversity
05.2016
University Overview
- Minor: Geography
- Geographic Information Systems
- GPA: 3.2
Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL
Associate of Science
05.2013
Skills
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Leadership and team management
- Species identification
- Teaching and training
- Invasive species control
- Prescribed burn management
- Heavy machinery and equipment operations
- Project management
- Technical report writing
- Habitat Restoration
- Grant writing
Certification
- Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (S-130/S-190)
- NSC First Aid
- OHSA 30 Hour Outreach Training Program
- Certified Sawyer
- Arborist – expired
- Herbicide operator’s license – expired
Timeline
Restoration Ecologist
The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
12.2020 - Current
Crew Lead
Pizzo & Associates Ltd.
09.2016 - 11.2020
Restoration Technician
Richardson Wildlife Foundation
06.2014 - 09.2016
Lab Technician
Northern Illinois University
08.2013 - 05.2015
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Conservation and Biodiversity
Waubonsee Community College
Associate of Science
- Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (S-130/S-190)
- NSC First Aid
- OHSA 30 Hour Outreach Training Program
- Certified Sawyer
- Arborist – expired
- Herbicide operator’s license – expired
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