Samantha Jarvis
Parks and Conservation Professional
Ocala,FL
Summary
Dynamic conservation professional with a strong focus on program management and public outreach. Successfully secured grant funding to enhance educational initiatives and foster community engagement, while leading interdisciplinary collaborations that drive impactful conservation efforts.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Outdoor Historic Resource Archaeologist
City of Ocala, Recreation and Parks
Ocala
01.2023 - Current
- Led program analytics, compliance tracking, and longitudinal data collection across park initiatives, identifying trends, evaluating data quality, and informing strategy for conservation and community engagement efforts.
- Conducted and supported user-centered research through citizen science programs (e.g., bioblitzes, eBird, iNaturalist), gathering qualitative and quantitative insights on user behavior, participation, and data contributions.
- Translated research findings into technical reports, actionable recommendations, and presentations for city leadership and board members, advocating for user needs and improved program outcomes.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with scientists, historians, technologists, and field staff to integrate research insights into planning, product-like program development, and public-facing experiences.
- Managed and mentored a team of 6 staff while coordinating multi-stakeholder projects, ensuring timely delivery, clear communication, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Secured grant funding and led outreach initiatives, using audience insights to design educational materials, improve user engagement, and expand participation in conservation and citizen science programs.
Compliance Specialist/Marine Facility Operating License Program Manager
Broward County Government, Environmental Planning and Community Resilience
Fort Lauderdale
04.2018 - 12.2022
- Launched annual radio ad campaign and secured procurement of specialized digital marketing platforms to enhance outreach.
- Managed communications and fees for boating sites license program covering over 500 facilities.
- Coordinated with engineers, contractors, and legal representatives to ensure compliance with FWC manatee protection plan.
- Executed coastal property surveys to gather data for environmental impact analysis.
- Reviewed permit applications to verify compliance with environmental standards.
- Collected data on mortalities and incidents in designated manatee zones to support conservation efforts.
- Analyzed submissions and quarterly reports from media and 'I Spy a Manatee' mobile app to track growth trends.
- Facilitated workshops educating community members on compliance requirements.
Utility Arborist and Vegetation Dispatcher
ACRT Services, on behalf of Florida Power and Light
Fort Lauderdale
10.2016 - 04.2018
- Audited completed work by contractor vegetation crews to verify adherence to project specifications
- Monitored trimming and removal prescriptions from team members to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
- Collaborated with cities to schedule preventative maintenance and provide updated maps, enhancing community awareness and planning
- Highlighted community events in company newsletter
Parks and Natural Resources: Education and Volunteer Specialist
Manatee County Government
Bradenton
07.2014 - 09.2016
- Developed and delivered training sessions for volunteers on oyster bag filling, shoreline plantings, and coastal cleanups
- Native animal conservation (Scrub Jay and Gopher Tortoise), wildlife management, and exotic vegetation removal
- Evaluated applications, drawings, specifications, vendor insurance, and permits to ensure compliance for beach and park events
- Created and scheduled engaging social media content across multiple platforms to promote park events and initiatives
- Developed and delivered training sessions for volunteers on oyster bag filling, shoreline plantings, and coastal cleanups
- Native animal conservation (Scrub Jay and Gopher Tortoise), wildlife management, and exotic vegetation removal
- Evaluated applications, drawings, specifications, vendor insurance, and permits to ensure compliance for beach and park events
- Created and scheduled engaging social media content across multiple platforms to promote park events and initiatives
Club Supervisor and Instructor
Title Boxing Club
West Bloomfield
05.2013 - 06.2014
- Led staff in enhancing member retention, managing client accounts, and coordinating kids’ activities
- Created social media content to promote events and increase engagement
- Coordinated marketing opportunities, fundraisers (Susan G. Komen and Home Fur-ever), and retail displays to drive sales
Activity Director for Memory Care, Assisted and Independent Living
Kingston Residence
Santa Fe
11.2011 - 12.2012
- Contributed to dementia/Alzheimer care plans and assessments to ensure tailored support for residents
- Developed weekly calendars, special events, newsletters, and client activities to enhance resident engagement
- Established recycling program for residents and staff across 4 buildings to promote environmental awareness
National Park Service Ranger
White Sands National Monument
Alamogordo
05.2011 - 09.2011
- Led interpretation tours on preservation, geology, wildlife, and desert safety
- Documented mammoth trackways at Gentry-Franco site and performed trail and boardwalk maintenance to ensure visitor safety and site preservation
- Assisted Resource Division with laying traps in grids for wildlife studies and maintaining off road vehicles for field operations
- Developed and implemented “Crafty Kids” program, enhancing youth engagement with nature through hands-on activities
Educational Assistant / Camp Co-director
Las Cruces Museum of Natural History
Las Cruces
05.2011 - 09.2011
- Designed and implemented children’s programs, camps, tours, and science lessons, fostering engagement and learning.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences for diverse student groups.
- Assisted educators in developing engaging lesson plans and activities.
- Supported museum staff during educational programs and events.
- Enhanced exhibits to promote environmental awareness and improve animal care at the Nature Center.
Education
MS - Parks & Natural Resource Management
Slippery Rock University
04-2016
BS - Individualized Studies: Fish & Wildlife / Education Psychology
New Mexico State University
05-2012
Skills
- Cultural resource management
- Field research
- Archaeobotany
- Environmental compliance
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Adaptive learning
- Public outreach
- Communication skills
Awards
- NACo Achievement Award: Manatee Protection Plan Education and Awareness, 2020
- Manatee County Employee Appreciation Award, 2016
Certifications And Workshops
- Pollinator Ambassador Academy, UF/IFAS Marion County, 2026
- Arizona State University, Indigenous Conservation Collaborations, 2026
- Project WILD Facilitator, 2024
- American Heart Association CPR AED, 2023
- National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward, 2016
Timeline
Outdoor Historic Resource Archaeologist
City of Ocala, Recreation and Parks
01.2023 - Current
Compliance Specialist/Marine Facility Operating License Program Manager
Broward County Government, Environmental Planning and Community Resilience
04.2018 - 12.2022
Utility Arborist and Vegetation Dispatcher
ACRT Services, on behalf of Florida Power and Light
10.2016 - 04.2018
Parks and Natural Resources: Education and Volunteer Specialist
Manatee County Government
07.2014 - 09.2016
Club Supervisor and Instructor
Title Boxing Club
05.2013 - 06.2014
Activity Director for Memory Care, Assisted and Independent Living
Kingston Residence
11.2011 - 12.2012
National Park Service Ranger
White Sands National Monument
05.2011 - 09.2011
Educational Assistant / Camp Co-director
Las Cruces Museum of Natural History
05.2011 - 09.2011
MS - Parks & Natural Resource Management
Slippery Rock University
BS - Individualized Studies: Fish & Wildlife / Education Psychology
New Mexico State University