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 UniversityDeKalb, 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 CollegeSugar 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
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