Molly Connerton
Depew
Summary
Accomplished Environmental Practitioner specializing in wetland science and regulatory compliance with over 25 years of experience. Proven track record in managing complex regulatory projects, conducting wetland delineations, and fostering inter-agency collaboration to achieve compliance and environmental preservation.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Regulatory Project Manager
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Vicksburg
12.2023 - Current
- Evaluated general permits (GPs), letters of permission (LOPs), and standard permits (SPs) across multiple districts in Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) to support workload sharing initiative.
- Trained and mentored MVK employees on regulatory processes from other MVD districts to enhance team competence.
- Led MVD PDT with regulators from MVN, MVP, and MVR to develop standard operating procedures (SOP) guidance document for workload sharing.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for completing Jacksonville (SAJ) Regulatory projects for MVK under the Section 404 program.
Regulatory Technical/Team Leader
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Buffalo
08.2008 - 12.2023
- Serve as a Technical/Team Leader PM for the Buffalo Regulatory Dept. Execute permits for Section 404 and Section 10 activities.
- Conducted field wetland delineations, jurisdictional determinations, and mitigation planning to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Managed large complex commercial development permits that involved significant wetland impacts, comprehensive environmental assessments (EAs), and compliance with Section 404 (b)(1) guidelines.
- Managed large industrial development permit addressing Section 106 and Tribal Nation consultation, ensuring stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance.
- Chosen for project management role at regulatory headquarters during six-month temporary detail. Facilitated development of national decision document templates, enhancing regulatory processes.
Led coordination efforts for regulatory executive seminar to promote effective communication. - Act as NY wind power POC, accountable for reviewing large-scale wind projects necessitating interagency cooperation (USEPA) for impact assessment and USFWS for ESA issues.
Biologist
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
Albany
08.2003 - 08.2008
- Accountable for biological assistance conservation planning, biological ranking, and wetlands reserve management (wrp), wildlife habitat incentives, and conservation reserve programs.
- Demonstrated skills in wetland and wildlife management, including design and implementation of restoration projects, construction of low berms, and vegetation planting.
- Coordinated wildlife planning outreach, improving interagency communication with state and federal agencies on WRP non-traditional projects for endangered bog turtle across 180 acres and initiatives for Karner blue butterfly and grasslands.
- Organized workshop with NRCS on "Grazing for Wildlife Habitat Restoration,” earning Individual Excellence Award for research on endangered bog turtle.
Wetland Restoration Biologist
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Cortland
02.2002 - 07.2003
- Surveyed grassland birds and monitored invasive plants such as purple loosestrife and phragmites in wetland habitats.
- Conducted studies on grassland bird habitat, invasive vegetation and water quality.
- Designed and implemented a fish passage system in a restored wetland area.
- Skilled in wetland restoration design / practices, water control structures, dike, and pothole construction skills.
- Demonstrated research writing skills and provided detailed reports on wetland delineations.
Education
MS - Fisheries Biology
SUNY College of Environmental Science And Forestry
Syracuse, NY08-2003
BS - Environmental Forest Biology
SUNY College of Environmental Science And Forestry
Syracuse, NY12-1995
Skills
- Environmental assessments
- Mitigation strategies
- Wetland restoration
- Data analysis
- ArcGIS and GPS
- Survey equipment operation
- Report writing
Accomplishments
Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service
Timeline
Regulatory Project Manager
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
12.2023 - Current
Regulatory Technical/Team Leader
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
08.2008 - 12.2023
Biologist
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
08.2003 - 08.2008
Wetland Restoration Biologist
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
02.2002 - 07.2003
MS - Fisheries Biology
SUNY College of Environmental Science And Forestry
BS - Environmental Forest Biology
SUNY College of Environmental Science And Forestry