Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
5b
Sierra McQuay

Sierra McQuay

Steamboat Springs,CO

Summary

Dynamic and solutions-oriented program manager with 8+ years of boots-on-the-ground experience in public lands management, including wildlife biology, forestry, fisheries, recreation, and fire/fuels mitigation. Proven leader in field operations, conservation corps management, and building systems that drive mission success in fast-paced environments. Recognized for strong collaboration and teamwork across different agencies, partners, and internal teams. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, data, and logistics coordination. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I bring both professional expertise and a personal passion for hiking, skiing, and exploring public lands—fueling my drive to expand access and create a lasting impact for future generations.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Conservation Program Manager, Field Coordinator

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps
Steamboat Springs, CO
04.2023 - 04.2025
  • Directed recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and supervision of seasonal staff and youth participants across multiple conservation corps models, and education programs.
  • Designed and delivered hands-on training in leadership development, group facilitation techniques, risk management, and a variety of different conservation technical skills (trail maintenance, chainsaw, and crosscut, etc.).
  • Developed program tools including field systems, onboarding processes, policy manuals, seasonal paperwork, and outdoor education curriculum; improving efficiency and grant alignment.
  • Supported project coordination with partners, including the BLM, USFS, and local agencies; helped develop financial agreements, aligned youth projects with conservation and land stewardship priorities, and wrote post-project reports.
  • Maintained internal systems for tracking accomplishments and hours, collecting survey data, and ensuring grant compliance using Salesforce, the CYCA database, and Google and Microsoft systems.
  • Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration with finance, data systems, operations, grant managers, and executive leadership to streamline communication and align program delivery with strategic goals.
  • Oversaw operations of the Yampa Valley Science School, managing staff, student experience, lessons, and logistics for over 300 sixth-grade participants across six different middle schools.
  • Managed risk and ensured program safety through interagency emergency coordination, vehicle training, and compliance with legal standards for youth programming.
  • Conducted outreach efforts with local schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders, as well as interviews and information sessions, to recruit staff and participants; supported the development of job descriptions and applicant tracking systems.
  • Established feedback loops, conducted post-program evaluations, and implemented continuous improvements based on survey data and team input to promote staff growth, program improvement, and participation satisfaction.
  • Drafted annual budget for youth programs, monitored expenditures, and tracked progress towards financial goals.
  • Coordinated scheduling, gear distribution, and site visit logistics.
  • Provided leadership and a calm, professional outlook during times of organizational change, stressful circumstances, or crisis situations.

Biological Technician (Wildlife,Forestry,Fire)

US Forest Service
Hathaway Pines, Kettle Falls, Republic, CO, WA, WA
05.2015 - 11.2021
  • Served as Crew Lead for 3 years, overseeing the successful completion of wildlife surveys, stream assessments, timber stand improvement projects, and habitat enhancement efforts across multiple resource areas.
  • Trained and mentored new and seasonal employees on agency protocols, safety procedures, and proper use of field equipment (e.g., GPS, electrofishing units, chainsaws, GIS tools, etc).
  • Developed and implemented weekly work plans; coordinated logistics with interdisciplinary teams to meet resource management goals efficiently.
  • Conducted daily safety briefings and maintained strict adherence to USFS safety standards in remote and adverse field conditions (including rain, snow, hail, extreme heat/cold).
  • Utilized GIS software to produce field maps and plan surveys; organized pre-season field deployment including equipment distribution, gear inventory, and logistical support.
  • Collaborated with USFS supervisors, contractors (e.g., Great Basin Institute), and partner agencies to align fieldwork with seasonal objectives and public land mandates.
  • Acted as a liaison between public stakeholders, federal personnel, fire crews, and private vendors during routine operations and emergency incidents.
  • Certified Wildland Firefighting Base Camp Manager; managed logistical support operations such as food/water distribution, waste disposal, and interdepartmental coordination for incident response teams.
  • Supported fire suppression and fuels reduction operations, including pile burning, fireline construction, and saw work (A-Faller certified).
  • Constructed, maintained, and deconstructed botany exclosures and fencing infrastructure (barbed wire, t-posts, wooden posts) for habitat monitoring and restoration projects.
  • Tracked timekeeping and pay logistics for multiple private vendors during wildland fire assignments.
  • Managed multiple remote spike camps independently, providing logistical, safety, and operational oversight for extended field deployments.

Ski Instructor

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation
Steamboat Springs, CO
12.2020 - 04.2023
  • Independently sourced and contacted clients to develop personalized lesson plans tailored to skill level, goals, and comfort zones.
  • Instructed and managed ski groups ranging from young children (5+) to adults, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols while fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Provided emotional and physical support to clients as they navigated personal and physical challenges, emphasizing patience, adaptability, and encouragement.
  • Trained and mentored new instructors, sharing best practices and collaborating on the development of innovative, age-appropriate teaching methods.
  • Maintained clear communication with supervisors, colleagues, and clients to align lesson objectives with individual goals and enhance participant experience.
  • Delivered timely progress updates to parents/guardians and managed sensitive situations including injury notification and emotional distress with professionalism and care.
  • Cultivated a safe, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment, adapting instruction to accommodate varied learning styles, physical abilities, and confidence levels.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Wildlife And Fish Management

University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
05-2019

Skills

  • Program Management- Staff Training, Mentorship & Team Development, Program/Curriculum Development, Grant Compliance, Risk management
  • Collaboration Skills- Partnership building, stakeholder relations, interagency communication
  • Software/Tool Proficiency-Salesforce, ArcGIS, Avenza, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar), GPS Tools (Trimble, Garmin)
  • Personal-Strong work ethic, Integrity, Anticipates needs, Detail Oriented, Interpersonal Skills, Solution Oriented
  • Field Logistics and Certifications- Natural Resource Surveys (Wildlife, Fisheries, Timber), Chainsaw A-Felling and B-Bucking certified, Wilderness First Responder (Expires in May 2026), Certified ICS Base Camp Manager (Wildland Fire), Facilitation 101 Certified

Affiliations

  • Thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (2022)
  • Thru-hiked/bike packed the Te Araroa Trail (New Zealand 2023)

Timeline

Conservation Program Manager, Field Coordinator

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps
04.2023 - 04.2025

Ski Instructor

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation
12.2020 - 04.2023

Biological Technician (Wildlife,Forestry,Fire)

US Forest Service
05.2015 - 11.2021

Bachelor of Science - Wildlife And Fish Management

University of Idaho

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