Samantha Ortiz
Las Vegas
Summary
Rangeland Management Specialist with experience and knowledge of range management and soil and water conservation. I provide guidance, assistance and training to field personnel to ensure that conservation plans provide for technically accurate and adequate practices and measures. I serve as rangeland consultant and advisor to numerous ranchers and farmers in the assigned area of responsibility.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
North Area Rangeland Management Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
04.2024 - Current
- Detailed to work on the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Conservation Restoration Plans as a team lead. Meet with USDA clients and non-USDA landowners to assess natural resources that were damaged by the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon fires and floods. Develop conservation plans and cost estimates that are provided to the landowners to submit to FEMA for compensation. Oversee all teams, and check plans completed by the teams for accuracy and completeness. Collaborate with the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office to make necessary changes and corrections to submitted plans.
- Assist field office staff with developing conservation plans and resource management plans (RMS) to address soil, water, air, plants, animals, plus human and energy (SWAPA+HE) elements. Addressing resource concerns, such as improving the energy efficiency of agricultural operations, contributes to the national goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels, reduces energy costs, and helps producers stay economically competitive.
- Provide technical guidance and assistance to field office staff and landowners on such topics as range management, soil erosion, pest and invasive species control, livestock management, forest management, and water quality.
- Provides guidance, assistance, and training to field personnel to ensure that conservation plans provide for technically accurate and adequate practices and measures.
Rangeland Management Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
02.2019 - 04.2024
- Use the nine steps of conservation planning to develop conservation plans.
- Obtained Level V Certified Conservation Planner.
- Provide leadership in the completion of Rangeland Health Assessments for each range, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) applications.
- Detailed to work on the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program with planning practices to restore the environment after the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire, I collaborated with other agencies such as Tierra Y Montes Soil and Water District, City of Las Vegas, NM State Forestry, the United States Forestry, and the Hermits Peak Watershed Alliance.
- Assist landowners with alternatives to addressing resource concerns by using resource concerns identified by local work groups, along with alternatives from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Conservation Practices Physical Effects (CPPE) matrix.
- Work with landowners to develop conservation plans that address resource concerns, and ensure accurate and adequate practices and objectives.
Education
Master of Arts - Agriculture Extension Education
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM12-2012
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM12-2007
Skills
- Skilled in Spanish writing and speaking
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proficient in use of ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth, Onyx, and Conservation Desktop for mapping and producing shapefiles
- Certified UTV operator
- Proficient operating 4x4 vehicles and safely towing a trailer
- Skilled in GPS data management
Certification
Level V Certified Conservation Planner
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
North Area Rangeland Management Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
04.2024 - Current
Rangeland Management Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
02.2019 - 04.2024
Master of Arts - Agriculture Extension Education
New Mexico State University
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
New Mexico State University