Michele "Nikki" Johnson
Grass Valley,CA
Summary
Diligent environmental scientist with a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem management and sustainability practices. Contributed to impactful projects, enhancing conservation efforts and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and field research, fostering collaborative team environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental Scientist
CA Department of Water Resources
07.2010 - Current
- Project lead for Georgiana Slough Salmon Migration Barrier.
- Coordinate fish tagging operations, and train staff on proper fish tagging techniques.
- Project Manager for Release Site Predation Monitoring Project (RSPM)
- Spearheaded design and implementation of 2018 and 2019 RSPM study, to quantify predation at fish release sites in the State Water Project
- Served as contract manager and developed and managed task order contracts and managed budgets for contractor support and consultant work performance
- Audited project invoices for accuracy
- Presented findings and recommendations to DWR management, federal, and state regulatory agencies, through meetings, presentations, and site visits
- Project Lead for Delta SWP Fish Facility Performance Evaluations (DFPE)
- Negotiate and develop equipment purchases and requisitions
- Lead and mobilize acoustic fish tracking equipment deployment, mentor new staff in acoustic tagging methods of salmonids
- Optimized staff scheduling and communication between DWR staff, contractors, and Delta Field Division
- Responsible for adherence to environmental laws and permit requirements/constraints, and for quality assurance/quality control of all data collected
- Instrumental in the development and implementation of the Fish Screen Evaluation Program
- Prepared study plans, reports, developed Standard Operating Procedures, compiled, and analyzed data, and collaborated with multidisciplinary technical teams consisting of state, federal and local regulatory agencies for field, technical and environmental compliance support
- Ensured compliance with all state, federal and local environmental laws, and regulations
- Presented findings and recommendations to technical team
- Expert at collecting, preserving, and identifying larval fish species
- Seasoned environmental monitor for aquatic and terrestrial sensitive species for South Delta Temporary Barriers Project, Clifton Court Predation Study, Georgiana Slough Salmonid Barrier, and Roaring River Dredge Project
- Experienced in conducting fish health assessments and tag life studies to determine tag burden on fish fitness, as well as tag function
- Superior proficiency with using DIDSON underwater camera to collect video footage of fish activity and predation at release sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
- Developed and managed project task orders, project budgets, scheduling, project purchasing, and equipment procurement for various projects associated with Delta Conveyance Fish Science Section
Fish and Wildlife Technician
CA Department of Water Resources
01.2010 - 07.2010
- Participated as project lead in Temporary Barriers Monitoring Project
- Daily documentation of fish behavior, health and food intake
- Deployed, maintained, and troubleshot acoustic telemetry equipment from land and water
- Performed routine fish care including feeding, anesthetizing, netting, surgically implanting tags, fish hauling and releases
- Operated small boats, including launching, hauling and towing
- Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Created and maintained databases for various projects
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aide
CA Department of Water Resources
03.2007 - 01.2010
- Participated in field studies and data collection including Temporary Barriers Monitoring Project, and North/Central Delta Salmon Outmigration Study
- Configured, maintained and collected data from acoustic telemetry receivers, maintained detailed notes on the project website
- Assisted environmental scientist and engineers on a research study of the Capture, Handling, Transport and Release (CHTR) process at the Skinner Fish Salvage Facility to examine the effects of predation from fish and birds on salvaged fish at release pipes in the California Delta
- Operated DIDSON underwater SONAR camera and analyze video footage
- Facilitated the development a library database for environmental reports, documents, and publications
- Contributed to gill-netting efforts and electrofishing surveys for predatory fish
- Held state scientific collecting permit for fisheries surveys
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aide
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
04.2006 - 12.2006
- Conducted angler interviews to collect data for the management of striped bass
- Verified information collected from Peterson-Disc tags returned by anglers, entered data into a database, and created commendation cards for anglers that returned tags to the Department
- Participated in a mark-recapture study using gill-nets to estimate the abundance of green and white surgeon in San Francisco Bay
- Assisted in setting and lifting gill-nets, removing sturgeon from nets and measuring, tagging and releasing sturgeon
- Correctly identified species of sturgeon, as well as by-catch species, and prepared tags and datasheets for the study
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA01.2004
Skills
- Project management
- Task order management
- Project Invoicing and purchasing
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Collaboration with federal and state agencies, universities and consultants
- Data evaluation and application
- QA/QC on environmental data
- Knowledge of environmental laws
- Animal husbandry
- Survival and mark/recapture studies
- Fish passage improvement projects
- Water quality analysis
- Environmental monitoring
- Standard operating procedures
- Data collection and analysis
- Preparing written reports
Volunteer Experience
- Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART), 01/2024, Present, Grass Valley, CA, Animal Handling and Awareness Training, CalTOPO training, FEMA 10.A Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness, FEMA 11.A Animals in Disasters: Community Planning, FEMA 100.B Introduction to Incident Command System ICS-100, FEMA 200.C Basic Incident Command Systems for Initial Response ICS-200, FEMA 700.B An Introduction to the National Management System, FEMA 800.D National Response Framework, an Introduction, Volunteer as an animal rescuer and truck/trailer lead to assist in rescuing animals during emergencies.
- Hamilton Raptor Center, 11/2023, Present, Penn Valley, CA, Rescue and rehabilitate injured raptors, including hawks, eagles, vultures, and owls., Prepare food, clean cages, administer IV fluids and oral medications, creance and release healthy birds.
- NorCal Bats, 01/2024, Present, Auburn, CA, Provide transport for injured and abandoned bats.
Training
- Successfully completed the Department of Water Resources' Project Management Workshop, as well as other job-related training courses (ie. Water Law, NEPA/CEQA, Ecology of Pacific Salmonids).
- Motorboat Operator Certification.
- CPR certified.
Publications
"Efficacy of an Acoustic Tag with Predation Detection Technology", Andrew A. Schultz, Virginia B. Afentoulis, Curtis J. Yip, Michele N. Johnson, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 37, 3, 2017
Timeline
Environmental Scientist
CA Department of Water Resources
07.2010 - Current
Fish and Wildlife Technician
CA Department of Water Resources
01.2010 - 07.2010
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aide
CA Department of Water Resources
03.2007 - 01.2010
Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aide
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
04.2006 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies
California State University, Sacramento
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