Michael VanBuskirk
Angora,MN
Summary
Highly knowledgeable Scientist with a strong understanding of scientific methodologies and research techniques. Proven ability to manage laboratory operations and lead teams in conducting complex research projects. Strengths include data analysis, problem-solving, hypothesis testing, and report writing.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Aquatic Scientist/Environmental Investigator
Texas Commission On Environmental Quality
Tyler , TX
1998.10 - Current
- I currently work as an Aquatic Scientist in the Surface Water Quality Monitoring (SWQM) Program which monitors and evaluates physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of aquatic systems. This includes collecting and evaluating water, sediment, fish tissue, and biological community samples. (17 years)
- I also served as an Environmental Investigator conducting compliance investigations at industrial, municipal, and government facilities. This required knowledge of state and federal rules regarding industrial and solid waste; treatment, storage, and disposal requirements for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes; operational requirements for petroleum storage tank facilities; operational requirements for wastewater treatment facilities; and water rights. (9 years)
- During my time as an Environmental Investigator and Aquatic Scientist, I also served on the Emergency Response Team. This involved responses to incidents such as train derailments, hurricane damage, tornado damage, and releases of hazardous/non-hazardous materials into the environment. (9 years).
- For three of my years on the Emergency Response Team, I served as the Emergency Response Coordinator. In this role, I coordinated the emergency responses for the TCEQs Tyler Office (23 counties) and managed a team of Emergency Responders.
Chemist
Ana-Lab Corporation
Kilgore , TX
1997.09 - 1998.10
- Environmental testing on liquid and solid wastes.
- Field-collected samples from railcars and monitoring wells.
- Familiar with the following tests/extractions: oil and grease, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure extraction on solid and liquid, soil extractions for instrument measurements, viscosity testing, cyanide distillations, ammonia nitrogen, and phenols.
Forest Service Aid-Volunteer
Harding University Brackett Library
Randall , WA
1992.05 - 1992.08
- I served as a research assistant for Dr. Debra Mueller and the Randle Ranger District of the US Forest Service.
- Monitored, captured, and/or tracked the Northern Goshawk, Northern Spotted Owl, and the Marbled Murrelet.
- This involved locating nest sites, tagging juvenile birds, and radio tagging adult birds.
Education
Master of Science - Aquatic Biology And Limnology
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX1997-08
Bachelor of Science - Biological And Physical Sciences
Harding University
Searcy, AR1994-08
Skills
- Boat Mounted Electrofisher
- Backpack Electorfisher
- Habitat Analysis
- Aquatic Survey Techniques
- Water and Sediment Collection Techniques
- Large and Small Boat Operation
- Numerous Hours Operating Boats on Lake and Rivers
- Nekton and Benthic Macroivertebrate Identification Skills
- Management and Response Design Skills
Affiliations
- Mountain Climber. Successfully climbed all 58 of the 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado
- Fisherman
- Backpacker
Timeline
Aquatic Scientist/Environmental Investigator
Texas Commission On Environmental Quality
1998.10 - Current
Chemist
Ana-Lab Corporation
1997.09 - 1998.10
Forest Service Aid-Volunteer
Harding University Brackett Library
1992.05 - 1992.08
Master of Science - Aquatic Biology And Limnology
Stephen F Austin State University
Bachelor of Science - Biological And Physical Sciences
Harding University
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