Nita Gay Tallent PhD
Wheatland,WY
Summary
Diligent researcher with a proven track record in natural resource inventory, monitoring, assessment, analysis, and reporting. Skilled in ensuring environmental compliance and providing natural resource interpretation. An accomplished leader of cross-functional teams, delivering complex projects within specified timelines and scope. Demonstrating strong leadership abilities and strategic planning skills for seamless execution of initiatives. Efficiently coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously, utilizing effective communication and organizational skills. Consistently achieving project milestones while implementing process improvements.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University of Wyoming
01.2022 - Current
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
- Utilized qualitative research methods to interpret, analyze, and summarize findings.
- Prepared annotated bibliography, white paper, and handbook to summarize findings.
- Collaborated with academic colleagues, government agencies, and conservation professionals on areas of shared research interest, such as outdoor recreation ecology, private land conservation, and natural resource conflict resolution.
- Presented research findings at national conferences, showcasing the department''s academic excellence.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews as part of the pre-research process, identifying gaps in knowledge within the field.
- Contributed to positive team dynamics by providing constructive feedback during group discussions and project planning sessions.
Researcher (Retired Annuitant)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Office of Environmental Planning & Historic Preservation
- Climate Change Subject Matter Expert
- Interagency Natural Resource Specialist - Ensured regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws by providing guidance on proper procedures and best practices.
- Conducted National Environmental Policy Act reviews.
- Developed and implemented new training programs for staff/
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive studies and generate valuable insights.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
- Synthesized large volumes of information, identifying key trends and patterns relevant to research objectives.
- Utilized statistical packages to analyze data and create visualizations.
Associate District Manager (Retired)
Bureau of Land Management
07.2018 - 11.2019
- Retired from Federal Service November 2019
- Wyoming High Plains District
- Supported High Plains District Manager
- Implemented effective time-management strategies to maximize productivity during high-pressure federal land management situations.
- Coordinated with HR department to recruit top talent, creating a high-performing team
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and setting achievable goals for continued success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
Chief of Natural Resource Management & Science
Cape Cod National Seashore, National Park Service
06.2016 - 07.2018
- Natural Resources Branch
- Recruited, mentored, and managed professional, technical, student, and intern staff to ensure appropriate, efficient, and successful oversight of natural resources at popular National Park unit.
- Led day-to-day operations, effective work environment, and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Program Manager Mojave Desert Network Inventory & Monitoring
National Park Service
07.2010 - 06.2016
- Mojave Desert Network Inventory & Monitoring Program
- Developed and implemented inventory and monitoring plans for Mojave Desert National Park Units.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
- Met with stakeholders (NPS Superintendents, Branch Chiefs, NGO Executive Directors) on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
- Demonstrated strong writing and presentation skills to develop briefs, memorandums and analytical reports for clients.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that supported budgetary constraints.
- Trained personnel in equipment use and maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
Research Environmental Scientist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
03.1995 - 07.2010
- Landscape Ecology Branch
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program, Sierra Contaminate Study, and Ecosystem Values Reseach
- Prepared detailed reports on findings from environmental studies, effectively communicating results to stakeholders.
- Prepared detailed scientific reports or presentations based on findings
- Gathered environmental data on condition of natural resources, amphibian loss, and invasive species.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create effective natural resource management plans for deserts, grazing lands, forests, and surface water ecosystems.
- Developed, implemented, analyzed, and reported natural resource condition data.
- Assisted in the development of long-term monitoring plans to track the effectiveness of implemented conservation strategies over time.
- Developed reports and presentations that communicated the results of natural resource management activities to internal and external stakeholders, highlighting successes and opportunities for improvement.
- Performed GIS analysis for mapping critical habitats, identifying priority areas for conservation action, and informing decision-making processes.
- Led training sessions for staff and volunteers on proper field techniques, safety protocols, and data collection methods.
- Produced scientific and technical reports and presentations to communicate results of environmental research.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant / Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Part-Time Instructor / Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Nevada Las Vegas
01.1988 - 01.2002
Natural Resource Specialist (Logistics Coordinator)
DOI Bureau of Land Management
05.1993 - 03.1995
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create effective natural resource management plans for deserts, grazing lands, forests, and surface water ecosystems.
- Developed methods, implemented, analyzed, and reported natural resource condition data.
Associate Scientist
Lockheed Systems and Technologies Co.
10.1989 - 05.1992
- Natural Resources Project Lead
- Ensure environmental compliance per National Environmental Policy Act
- Field Technician
- Data analyst
- Reported findings
Life Scientist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
05.1989 - 09.1989
Seasonal Field Technician Alaskan Oil Spill Bioremediation Project
Education
Master of Science - Natural Resources, Environment, & Society
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY08-2024
Ph.D. - Biological Sciences
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV05-2008
Master of Science - Biological Sciences and Statistics
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV05.1998
Bachelor's Degree - Biological Sciences
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV05.1989
Skills
- Owner of Tallent Real Estate Environmental Solutions LLC
- Expertise in environmental compliance, laws, policy, and management
- Extensive expertise in natural resources inventory, monitoring, and assessment development, implementation, and reporting
- Curious, experienced, and thorough researcher
- Certified Leader in Natural Resource Collaborative Practices
- Team leadership and project management
- Quantitative and qualitative research and statistical skills
- Team training and development
Teaching Endorsements & Certifications
- State of Wyoming PTSB Practical Instructor Permit, 02/20/20-11/14/25, Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- State of Wyoming PTSB substitute permit, 02/20/20 - 11/14/25
- National Association for Interpretation Interpretive Guide, 04/26/2024
- Collaboration Program in Natural Resources, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, 07/2022 - 04/2023
- Wyoming Naturalist Program, University of Wyoming, Biodiversity Institute, 2022
- Outdoor Guide Certification, University of Wyoming, 2021
Awards
- UNLV President’s Selection for Outstanding Graduate Student (PhD) – Spring 2008
- US NPS Inventory & Monitoring Recognition Award 2017
- US NPS Performance Award 2012
- US EPA Award for Sierra Contaminant Study Leadership 2011
- Southern Nevada Federal Executive Association Community Service Award 2001
- ORD Honor Award 2001 for NERL
Events
- 2010, Co-Host Natural Resource Mitigation, Adaption and Research Needs Related to Climate Change in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert Workshop
- 2004, Co-Host International Association of Landscape Ecology Annual Conference
Professional Publicatons
Maples, J., Tallent, N., Rehm, M. & Sharpe, R. (In Preparation). Leave no trace knowledge among climbers in Lander, Wyoming.
Tallent, N. (2024). Tools for Landowners to Have Public Trails on Private Lands. Whitney MacMillan Private Lands Stewardship Program, University of Wyoming
Tallent, N. (2023). Ascending the Challenge. Western Confluence . University of Wyoming. https://westernconfluence.org/ascending-to-the-challenge/
Righetti, T., Gerace, S., Stoellinger, Budowle, R., & Tallent, N. (2022). Incorporation of nuclear in Wyoming’s net-zero energy strategy: Barriers and opportunities related to social license and public perception. University of Wyoming [unpublished report].
Stoellinger, T, Smutko, S., Gerace, S., & Tallent, N. (2022). Clean energy hub stakeholder identification white paper. University of Wyoming [unpublished white paper].
Tallent, N., Budowle, R., & Stoellinger, T. (2022) Annotated bibliography: Community sentiment & public perception of nuclear energy in the western U.S. and beyond. University of Wyoming [unpublished]
Hupp, N. R., M. Lehman, D. Gundlach, G. Moret, and N. Tallent. (2017). Invasive plant species early detection monitoring plan: A tiered approach for the Mojave Desert Network. Natural Resource Report NPS/MOJN/NRR—2017/1447. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Martyn, P, S. Studd, N. Tallent, J. Riedel, K. Brown, B. Heise, J. Kenworthy, M. Patterson, B. Monahan, P. Latham, S.Wesser. (2017). Inventory workgroup recommendations to expedite the completion of vegetation, soils, and geology inventories: FY2016-FY2020. Natural Resource Report NPS/NRSS/IMD/NRR—2017/1556. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Pan, J. J., D. Craig, D. Robinson, D. A. Soukup, L. A. H. Starcevich, N Tallent, and R Truitt. (2015). Integrated upland protocol of the Mojave Desert Network: Volume 1, protocol narrative. Natural Resource Report NPS/MOJN/NRR—2015/1010. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Pan, J. J., D. Craig, D. Robinson, D. A. Soukup, L. A. H. Starcevich, N. Tallent, and R. Truitt. (2015). Integrated upland protocol of the Mojave Desert Network: Volume 2, standard operating procedures. Natural Resource Report NPS/MOJN/NRR—2015/1010.1. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Munson, S., Webb, R., Housman, D., Veblen, K., Nussear, K., Beever, E., Hartney, K., Miriti, M., Phillips, S., Fulton, R., Tallent, N. (2015). Long-term plant responses to climate are moderated by biophysical attributes in a North American desert. Global Ecology and Biogeography.
Pan J. J and Tallent N. G. (2014). Mojave Desert Network integrated upland monitoring: 2012 pilot study for Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/MOJN/NRTR—2014/902. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Pan J. J and Tallent N.G. (2014). Mojave Desert Network integrated upland monitoring: 2012 pilot study for Death Valley National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/MOJN/NRTR—2014/849. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Pan J. J and Tallent N. G. (2014). Mojave Desert Network integrated upland monitoring: 2012 pilot study for Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/MOJN/NRTR—2014/848. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Pan J. J and Tallent N. G. (2014). Mojave Desert Network integrated upland monitoring: 2012 pilot study for Joshua Tree National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/MOJN/NRTR—2014/850. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Pan J. J and Tallent N. G. (2014). Mojave Desert Network integrated upland monitoring: 2012 pilot study for Great Basin National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/MOJN/NRTR—2014/901. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Pan J. J and Tallent N. G. (2013). Mojave Desert Network integrated upland monitoring: 2012 pilot study for Mojave National Preserve. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/MOJN/NRTR—2013/827. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
Caudill C. C., G. J. Moret, A. Chung-MacCoubrey, G. Baker, N. Tallent, D. Hughson, J. Burke, L. A. H. Starcevich, and R. K. Steinhorst. (2012). Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring streams and lakes monitoring protocol: Protocol narrative version 1.0. Natural Resource Report. NPS/MOJN/NRR—2012/593. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. Published Report-2190889.
Tallent, N., M. Nash, C. Cross, L. Walker. (2011).The vegetation and soils of a reservoir drawdown zone in the southwestern United States: Managing a Novel Ecosystem. Western North American Naturalist 71:374-387.
Bradford, D., R. Knapp, D. Sparling, M. Nash, K. Stanley, N. Tallent-Halsell, L. McConnell, S. Simonich. (2011). Pesticide distributions and population declines of California, USA, alpine frogs, Rana muscosa and Rana sierrae. Environmental Toxicology. 30:682-691.
Bradford, D., E. Heithmar, N. Tallent-Halsell, G. Momplaisier, C. Rosal, K. Varner, M. Nash, L. Riddick. (2010). Temporal Patterns of Airborne Pesticides in Alpine Lakes of the Sierra Nevada, California, USA, Environmental Science and Technology.
Norman, L., N. Tallent-Halsell, B. Labiosa, K. Hirschboeck, M. Weber, C. van Riper III, J. Marlow, A. McCoy, F. Lara-Valencia, F. Gray, H. Huth, J. Callegary. (2010) Developing an ecosystem services online decision support tool to assess the impacts of climate change and urban growth in the Santa Cruz watershed; where we live, work, and play. In special edition "Advanced Forum for Sustainable Development" Sustainability doi:10.3390/su10x000x
Momplaisir, G.-M, C. Rosal, E. Heithmar, K. Varner, L. Riddick, D. Bradford, N. Tallent-Halsell. (2010) TalantaDOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2010.02.038
Bradford, D., K. Stanley, L. McConnell, N. Tallent-Halsell, M. Nash, S. Simonich. (2010) Spatial patterns of atmospherically deposited organic contaminants in high-elevation in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry DOI: 10.1002/etc.139
Tallent-Halsell, N. and M. Watt. (2009) The Invasive Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush). Botanical Review 75:292-325
Watt, M, D. Kriticos, K. Potter, L. Manning, N. Tallent-Halsell, G. Bourdot. (2009). Using species niche models to inform strategic management of weeds in a changing climate. Global Change Biology
Kriticos, D., M. Watt, K. Potter, L. Manning, N. Alexander, N. Tallent-Halsell. (2009) Managing invasive weeds under climate change: Considering the current and potential global distribution of Buddleja davidii. Weed Research.
Stanley, K., S. Simonich, D. Bradford, C. Davidson, N. Tallent-Halsell. (2009) Comparison of pressurized liquid extraction and matrix solid phase dispersion for the measurement of semi-volatile organic compound accumulation in tadpoles. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 28:2038-2043.
Tallent-Halsell, N., M.E. Hamilton, L.A. Bice, and R.D. Lopez. (2003) Assessing arid riparian landscapes using remote sensing: The first step. Pages 407-417. In: Faber, P. M. (ed.) 2003 California Riparian Systems: Processes and Floodplain Management, Ecology, and Restoration. 2001 Riparian Habitat and Floodplains Conference Proceedings, Riparian Joint Venture, Sacramento, California.
Tallent-Halsell, N. and L. R. Walker. (2002) Responses of Salix gooddingii and Tamarix ramosissimato flooding. Wetlands 22 (4):776-785
de Soyza, A. G., J. W. Van Zee, W. G. Whitford, A. Neale, N. Tallent-Halsell, J. E. Herrick, K. M. Havastad. (2000) Indicators of Great Basin rangeland health. Journal of Arid Environments. 45:289-304.
Tallent-Halsell, N and Others. 1996. Vegetative Key to Select Trees Shrubs of Southern Nevada. NPS IRMA Data Portal https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2185079
Tallent-Halsell, N.(1995) Training Strategies for Ecological Monitoring Programs: The Forest Health Monitoring Experience. p. 398-408. In: Power, J. M., M. Strome and T.C. Daniel (editors). 1995. Proceedings of Decision Support - 2001 Vol. I, Toronto, Canada September, 12-16, 1994. American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Tallent-Halsell, N.(ed). (1994) Forest Health Monitoring Field Methods Guide. EPA/620/R-94/027. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Kepner, W.G., R.O. Kuehl, R.P. Brechenridge, J.M. Lancaster, S.G. Leonard, D.A. Mouat, T.G. Reinsch, K.B. Jones, A.C. Neale, T. B. Minor, N. Tallent-Halsell. (1994) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program: Arid Ecosystems 1992 Pilot Report. EPA/620/R-94/015. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Tallent-Halsell, N. (1993) Logistics In: Franson, S. 1993. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program: EMAP- Arid Colorado Plateau Pilot Study - 1992 Implementation Plan. EPA/600/7-93. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
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Timeline
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University of Wyoming
01.2022 - Current
Researcher (Retired Annuitant)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
09.2020 - 01.2022
Associate District Manager (Retired)
Bureau of Land Management
07.2018 - 11.2019
Chief of Natural Resource Management & Science
Cape Cod National Seashore, National Park Service
06.2016 - 07.2018
Program Manager Mojave Desert Network Inventory & Monitoring
National Park Service
07.2010 - 06.2016
Research Environmental Scientist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
03.1995 - 07.2010
Natural Resource Specialist (Logistics Coordinator)
DOI Bureau of Land Management
05.1993 - 03.1995
Associate Scientist
Lockheed Systems and Technologies Co.
10.1989 - 05.1992
Life Scientist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
05.1989 - 09.1989
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant / Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Part-Time Instructor / Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Nevada Las Vegas
01.1988 - 01.2002
Master of Science - Natural Resources, Environment, & Society
University of Wyoming
Ph.D. - Biological Sciences
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Master of Science - Biological Sciences and Statistics
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Bachelor's Degree - Biological Sciences
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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