Rae L. B. Kursky
Everett,WA
Summary
Dynamic Forest Hydrologist with extensive experience at the US Forest Service, excelling in watershed management and environmental analysis. Proven track record in developing award-winning water conservation initiatives and mentoring teams. Skilled in GIS and effective communication, driving impactful projects that enhance water quality and sustainability.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Forest Hydrologist GS11
US Forest Service
Everett, WA
07.2020 - 06.2025
- Assisted in managing supplies, logistics, and budgetary tasks for projects.
- Participated in hydrologic investigations for multipurpose project planning and design.
- Compiled investigation data into long-range plans for watershed management use.
- Evaluated land management impacts on water resources to identify issues and concerns.
- Conducted water resource inventories to support land management planning procedures.
- Analyzed watershed condition data to identify trends and ensure Forest Plan compliance.
- Coordinated climate change documentation with Washington Office Climate Change Initiative team.
- Facilitated monthly Forest Leadership Meetings and recorded meeting minutes.
Watershed Program Manager (Detail) GS12
US Forest Service
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Provide professional and technical mentoring and support to Hydrologist staff and support Ranger Districts on a wide range of program and technical issues.
- Responsible for program and technical leadership, target attainment monitoring and reporting, and support water quality, watershed restoration, water rights, soil conservation and other science-based partnerships.
- Develop partnerships and agreements for watershed restoration and water quality through coordination with state and federal agencies, municipalities and non-government organizations such as watershed councils.
- Interpret policy or program materials from higher authority or regulatory entities.
- Develop soils and water program priorities based on data collected through the national watershed condition framework, watershed analyses, hydrologic function, soils inventory and assessment, water quality, and Best Management Practices (BMP's).
- Prepare reports on a variety of complex projects involving analysis of data collected and the environment from which it was collected.
Program Consultant & Water Conservation Aide
City of Flagstaff Utilities
Flagstaff, AZ
02.2020 - 06.2020
- Enforced city water conservation ordinances and ensured compliance with zoning law restrictions.
- Notified appropriate departments of municipal water system leaks to facilitate prompt repairs.
- Presented analysis of City turf rebate program, revealing 60% success rate and recommendations for improvements.
- Showcased accomplishments of updated Water Conservation Program to City Council as a collaborative effort.
- Developed award-winning water conservation initiatives aligned with City Council goals and best management practices.
- Drafted inaugural strategic climate change plan with input from Sustainability department and Flagstaff Water Services.
- Collaborated with Quality Control staff on environmental impacts of reclaimed water use, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Educated over 48,000 community members through video tutorials, events, and public service campaigns.
Agriculture Extension Agent
Peace Corps
Paraguay
09.2017 - 11.2019
- Authored community resource assessment to identify needs in rural subsistence farming community.
- Increased community food production by 20% among households and 15% overall.
- Reduced soil erosion through tree planting, contour cropping, drainage clearing, and municipal collaboration.
- Evaluated agricultural impacts of land management on water resources and soil conservation.
- Conducted workshops and mentored individuals to promote positive environmental behavior changes.
- Coordinated local experts and partners to design and implement sustainable activities with fisheries resources.
- Developed project plans while managing stakeholder expectations and facilitating technical sessions.
- Led trainings on resilience, stress management, and healthy habits for Peace Corps staff and volunteers.
Verde River Technician-AmeriCorps Intern
The Nature Conservancy
Camp Verde, AZ
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Assessed water resources from Verde River to establish irrigation goals.
- Investigated environmental issues on The Nature Conservancy property for compliance with Forest Service standards.
- Authored conservation land management plans for private members per USDA protocols.
- Enhanced water use efficiency for landowners by analyzing irrigation patterns and installing remote head-gates.
- Measured stream flow rate, soil erosion rate, and biodiversity metrics along Verde River.
- Mentored four youth interns in Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future program.
Program Consultant- Database Manager
Hopi Water Resources - R.L.B. Research & Processing LLC.
Flagstaff, AZ
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Conducted comprehensive research on water law and federal resources for tribal communities.
- Authored quarterly and annual Water Quality Assessment Reports following Clean Water Act guidelines.
- Trained 15 tribal members in Excel, database management, and data submission to EPA.
- Identified water quality markers exceeding EPA limits and provided analytical support.
- Collaborated on writing four successful grant proposals, doubling program capacity.
- Prepared hydrological data to inform management strategies for Hopi tribal lands.
- Submitted accurate water quality data to EPA database for compliance.
Visitor Use Assistant Ranger
Yellowstone National Park- Division of Resource and Visitor Protection
Mammoth, WY
06.2015 - 08.2015
- Disseminated information and issued park permits efficiently while managing large sums of government funds.
- Trained backcountry permittees on wilderness conduct in areas with high bear populations.
- Maintained a positive work environment and delivered excellent customer service during high-volume interactions with park staff and the public..
Research Assistant
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
01.2015 - 05.2015
- Contributed to land management planning focused on hydrological evaluations and forest health.
- Developed GIS map, database, and digital archive for historic prescribed burns in Four Forest Restoration Initiative.
- Researched watershed management practices in Flagstaff to recommend enhancements for sustainable water sources.
Education
Yoga Teacher Certificate -
Kootenay Yoga School
Joshua Tree, CA08.2025
Executive Leadership Certificate of Achievement -
American University
Online05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Geology
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ12.2015
Skills
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Watershed management
- Environmental analysis
- Project management
- Data interpretation
- Community engagement
- Technical mentoring
- Strategic planning
- Water conservation
- Effective communication
- Proposal development
- Technical report writing
- Groundwater monitoring
- Water quality assessment
- Hydrogeological investigations
- Field data collection
- Soil sampling
- Microsoft Excel and Word
- Adobe software proficiency
- Field equipment operation
Continued Education Training
- Grants and Agreements Certificate, 11/23, AgLearn
- Key Executive Leadership Program, 05/23, American University
- Project Management Foundations: Teams Certificate, 06/22, AgLearn
- Grit: How Teams Persevere to Accomplish Great Goals Certificate, 01/22, AgLearn
- How to Set Boundaries and Protect Your Time Certificate, 01/22, AgLearn
- Staying Positive in the Face of Negativity Certificate, 01/22, AgLearn
- Practices for Regulating Your Nervous System & Reducing Stress Certificate, 01/22, AgLearn
- History of Federal Tribal Relationships Training Certificate, 11/21, AgLearn
- Improving Your Listening Skills Certificate, 11/21, AgLearn
- Building Effective Allyship Skills Certificate, 08/21, AgLearn
- Ethics and Project Management Certificate, 08/21, AgLearn
- Fire Red-Card, 2022-Present, In-Person S130, S170, S190, A-101, READ/BAER
Personal Information
Title: Forest Hydrologist GS-11
Languages
- English
- Some Spanish
Volunteer Experience
- Agricultural Extension Agent, Peace Corps, Paraguay, 2.5 Years
- Conservation Crew Leader, AmeriCorps, Flagstaff AZ, 2 Years
- Youth Mentor, Young Life, Cincinnati OH & Flagstaff AZ, 7 Years
- Waste Management Organizer, Sun Sounds, Flagstaff AZ, 2 Years
References
- John Kelley, Watershed Program Manager, Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, WA, 760-660-4189, John.Kelley@usda.gov
- Richard Vacirca, Fisheries Program Manager, Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, WA, 775-230-5893, Richard.Vacirca@usda.gov
- Jody Weil, Forest Supervisor, Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, WA, 425-783-6010, Jody.Weil@usda.gov
- Patrick Malone, Director, Key Executive Leadership Programs, American University, 202-885-6271, PMalone@american.edu
- Kris Hennings, Ecosystems Staff Officer, Umpqua National Forest, OR, 541-549-7724, Kristopher.Hennings@usda.gov
- Joseph Blanchard, Watershed Program Manager, Umpqua National Forest, OR, 541-957-3356, Joseph.Blanchard@usda.gov
- Odell Tucker, Public Services Staff Officer, San Bernardino National Forest, CA, 909-382-2618, Odell.Tucker@usda.gov
Industries
- Government
- Agriculture
- Hydrology
- Conservation
- Consulting
- Project Management
- Change Management
Degree
BS, Hydrogeology, Northern Arizona University, 12/15
Timeline
Watershed Program Manager (Detail) GS12
US Forest Service
09.2023 - 01.2024
Forest Hydrologist GS11
US Forest Service
07.2020 - 06.2025
Program Consultant & Water Conservation Aide
City of Flagstaff Utilities
02.2020 - 06.2020
Agriculture Extension Agent
Peace Corps
09.2017 - 11.2019
Verde River Technician-AmeriCorps Intern
The Nature Conservancy
05.2016 - 08.2016
Visitor Use Assistant Ranger
Yellowstone National Park- Division of Resource and Visitor Protection
06.2015 - 08.2015
Research Assistant
Northern Arizona University
01.2015 - 05.2015
Program Consultant- Database Manager
Hopi Water Resources - R.L.B. Research & Processing LLC.
06.2014 - 06.2016
Yoga Teacher Certificate -
Kootenay Yoga School
Executive Leadership Certificate of Achievement -
American University
Bachelor of Science - Geology
Northern Arizona University