Phillip J. Ponce
Pueblo,CO
Summary
Dedicated mid-level conservation professional with five years of hands-on experience in youth mentorship, natural resource projects, and field operations. Expertise in project development and organization, along with a strong ability to build collaborative partnerships within conservation and sustainability programs across Colorado’s Front Range. Committed to enhancing member training and field readiness while fostering community relationships to drive impactful conservation initiatives. Passionate about promoting sustainable land stewardship and developing team capacity to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Coordinator
Mile High Youth Corps
07.2023 - 12.2025
- Established rapport and engaged with stakeholders to build lasting professional relationships.
- Managed competing demands and professionally adapted to frequent change, delays and unexpected events.
- Maintained database and spreadsheets with accurate inventory and status.
- Photocopied, distributed and emailed documents to Project Partners.
- Assisted with onboarding newly hired staff members and coached on task prioritization.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and areas of improvement and took corrective action as needed.
Project Mentor
Mile High Youth Corps
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Prepared gear, materials, schedules, and training activities during the off-season, ensuring efficient program operations and field readiness.
- Trained and mentored two MHYC leadership cohorts, developing their professional, personal, and leadership skills for Summer and Fall programs.
- Maintained and repaired vehicles, hand tools, chainsaws, and camping gear to support safe and effective field operations.
- Facilitated youth growth and development through hands-on conservation projects, educational activities, and structured training sessions.
- Coordinated with MHYC partners in the field and office, strengthening relationships and ensuring program goals were met.
- Implemented project planning, scheduling, and workflow systems that improved operational efficiency and team organization.
- Promoted field safety, risk management, and adherence to conservation best practices across all program activities.
Land Conservation Crew Leader
Mile High Youth Corps
01.2021 - 11.2021
- Instructed crew members in safe work practices and methods to reduce work-related injuries and improve project efficiency.
- Discussed daily work requirements with crew and assigned skills-based tasks to enable completion of work.
- Communicated effectively with upper management, team members, and project partners to keep everyone informed.
- Settled crew member disputes by addressing problems quickly and providing successful mediation.
- Established and enforced policies and procedures to maintain high standards of work.
- Cleaned and maintained tools, equipment and worksites.
- Developed member professional skills on various conservation projects across Colorado's Southern Front Range region.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Sociology, Global Environmental Sustainability
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO01.2022
Skills
- Project Management (Natural Resources & Conservation)
- Young Adult Mentorship
- Professional Development Facilitation
- Adaptability in dynamic field and program environments
- Collaborative leadership
- Professional Communication
- Applied conservation skills
- Performance monitoring (Projects and Employees)
- Personnel management
- Cultural competency
- Community outreach
- Data tracking and reporting (Salesforce/Excel/Sheets)
Certification
- Wilderness First Aid - NOLS
- S212 Wildland Chainsaw Operator - B Level bucking/felling - Colorado Firecamp
- Youth Mental Health First Aid - National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Accomplishments
- Coordinated and executed conservation projects, including habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and invasive species management, improving ecological health across Colorado’s Front Range.
- Mentored and trained young adults in safe field practices, environmental stewardship, and project execution, enhancing team performance and confidence.
- Developed project plans, schedules, and resource tracking systems, increasing operational efficiency and ensuring timely completion of initiatives.
- Built and maintained partnerships with community organizations, local agencies, and stakeholders, strengthening collaboration and securing program support.
- Led field teams in safe, high-quality operations, ensuring accountability and effective workflow.
- Designed and facilitated skill-building workshops and training sessions, boosting crew readiness and conservation expertise.
- Streamlined project documentation and data tracking, improving reporting accuracy and reducing administrative time.
Timeline
Project Coordinator
Mile High Youth Corps
07.2023 - 12.2025
Project Mentor
Mile High Youth Corps
01.2022 - 07.2023
Land Conservation Crew Leader
Mile High Youth Corps
01.2021 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Sociology, Global Environmental Sustainability
Colorado State University