Nicole Cooper
San Diego,CA
Summary
Knowledgeable Restoration Ecologist with solid background in conducting detailed research and data analysis. Experienced field ecologist, focusing on vegetation surveys in San Diego, CA. Supported multiple projects by taking on leadership roles; gathering, organizing, and interpreting complex information; contributing to impactful academic publications. Demonstrated proficiency in using statistical software and strong written communication skills. Known for organization, reliability, adaptability, and the swift capacity to learn and apply new skills.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
San Diego State University Soil Ecology Restoration Group
San Diego, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Experience conducting site assessments; developing project goals and objectives; and preparing plans of action such as weed management plans for grant submittal.
- Conducted Sensitive Species Vegetation Surveys in the Coronado Naval Base area with ability to identify plants in the field.
- Report writing for quarterly, annual and final reports.
- Vegetation and tree stand surveys working with United States Forest Service in Cleveland National Forest.
- Guest speaker at San Diego State University.
- Research Assistant II from July 2024-May 2025.
Water Quality Monitor - Volunteer
San Diego Coastkeeper
San Diego, CA
05.2024 - Current
- Collected and tested water samples at various sites for dissolved oxygen, PH, salinity, and temperature levels.
- Trained new volunteers on the scientific equipment used in the field, proper data collection and quality control practices.
Habitat Restoration Technician
San Diego Canyonlands
San Diego, CA
11.2022 - 04.2024
- Cleanup and restoration of San Diego's canyons, creeks, and trails, as well as other tasks related to the support of a safe and healthy natural environment in San Diego.
- Training of new restoration technician personnel on tools in regards to safety, proper cuts, and maintenance.
- Working with volunteers and newly hired technicians, giving interpretive hikes on native flora, educating with a hands on approach.
- 100 hours of Nesting bird surveys; 80 hours of general bird monitoring.
- Restoration field work such as weeding, planting, watering, trail maintenance, and trash and debris removal, graffiti paint-out, and installation of erosion control measures.
- Use of tools and equipment such as Chainsaws, Hacksaws, Loppers, Hedgers, and the regular maintenance of tools.
- Extensive experience working with GIS - Field Maps and GPS equipment, vegetation surveys to document rare vegetation, and percentages for BMZ work.
Education
Anthropology
San Diego State University
San Diego, CAAssociate of Arts - Anthropology
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CAField School in Archaeology
Maya Research Program - University of Texas, Tyler
Orange Walk/Blue Creek, BelizeSkills
- Restoration Ecology
- Vegetation Surveying and Environmental Assessment
- Bird Surveying
- ArcGIS and GPS Equipment Experience
- Native/Invasive California Plant Species Identification
- Management/Leadership
- Report Writing
- Flexibility & Problem Solving
- Organization
- Data Collection/Entry
- Archaeological Collections Processing
- Artifact Analysis
- Microsoft Suite
Certification
- Chainsaw Safety Certification
- Qualified Applicators Certificate
- Wildland First Aid
- MCA ENG 1 Medical
- CPR Certification
Timeline
Project Manager
San Diego State University Soil Ecology Restoration Group
07.2024 - Current
Water Quality Monitor - Volunteer
San Diego Coastkeeper
05.2024 - Current
Habitat Restoration Technician
San Diego Canyonlands
11.2022 - 04.2024
Anthropology
San Diego State University
Associate of Arts - Anthropology
San Diego Mesa College
Field School in Archaeology
Maya Research Program - University of Texas, Tyler