Tammy Cooper
Mullens,WV
Summary
Dynamic leader with proven expertise in environmental education and team management, notably at Division of DNR (WV State Parks). Excelled in conservation strategies and effective communication, achieving significant advancements in community engagement and habitat protection. Skilled in species identification and fostering teamwork, consistently delivering results beyond expectations. Experienced Naturalist who thrives on adventure and evangelizing environmental protection subjects through educational programming for visitors and travelers. Solid understanding of outdoor safety, animal behaviors and topographical challenges and how to adjust programs to meet visitor limitations. Team-minded individual with extensive knowledge of wildlife biology, plant identification and bird identification.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Naturalist/Activities Coordinator
Division of DNR (WV State Parks)
03.2019 - Current
- Promoted conservation strategies to different community and youth groups.
- Teamed on delivery of informative educational programs on area history, geological environment, and wildlife.
- Promoted education on ecology, natural resources and environmental concerns to visitors through captivating presentations, elaborate exhibits, and hands-on workshops.
- Planned activities like nature hikes to educate children and adults about issues facing local habitats.
- Supervise seasonal employees.
- Oversee the daily operations of a year round Nature Center.
- Manage revenue receipts, bank deposits and cash funds
- Write monthly reports.
- Assist Park Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent in daily operations.
- Manage and oversee management deer hunts within the State Park.
- Working independently putting into practice established instructions, policies and methods.
- Schedule and train employees.
- Supervise and manage large volunteer groups.
- Set work expectations and priorities.
- Build enticing packages within room master.
- Hold interviews for potential employees.
- Recommend qualified candidates for employment.
- Hire staff.
- Engage in public speaking engagements.
- Defuse guest complaint.
- Plan new hiking trail development.
- Supervise trail coordinator.
- Work a nontraditional schedule.
- Work holidays and weekends.
- Demonstrate exceptional customer service and hospitality.
- Build and maintain structures.
- Supervise and manage construction of new builds.
- Collaborate with WV biologist to identify methods to protect species.
- Planned highly engaging outdoor recreation and environment education programs for on-site and off-site delivery.
- Provided age-appropriate interpretive programs for children enrolled in day camps and nature education programs.
- Analyzed Diana Fritillary data to determine appropriate ways to protect wildlife ecosystems.
- Contributed to conservation efforts by monitoring and reporting on flora and fauna populations within the park.
- Developed relationships with local schools, community groups, and nonprofit organizations to promote environmental education and awareness initiatives.
- Created spreadsheets to track visitors, animal activities, environmental conditions, and other key metrics.
- Actively participated in regional networks of naturalists to share knowledge about best practices in conservation biology, ecological restoration techniques, or advancements in climate change adaptation strategies.
- Managed the park's native plants, propagating plants for use in habitat restoration projects or educational activities at the nature center.
- Supported wildlife management initiatives by conducting habitat assessments and recommending appropriate interventions.
- Assisted with grant writing efforts to secure funding for park projects, including habitat restoration and educational programming.
- Collaborated with research teams to gather data on species distribution, abundance, and behavior for further analysis.
- Increased awareness of local ecosystems by conducting guided nature walks and presentations for park visitors.
- Educated students about natural habitats through hands-on activities during field trips to the park.
- Attended Hospitality Conferences.
- Attended SSPPS Southeast State Parks Program Seminar
- Attended Superintendent Conferences.
- Registering for Fall 2024 Forest Fire Class.
- Registering for pool operation certification.
Correction Officer 1
Southern Regional Authority
01.2015 - 03.2019
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Optimized resource utilization by reallocating personnel based on workload assessment resulting in balanced workload distribution among the team members.
- Reported safety and fire hazards observed on routine patrols and during inspections.
- Conducted surveillance to detect suspicious activity.
- Managed budgets effectively, prioritizing resource allocation for maximum impact on departmental goals.
- Supervised and maintained order within the jail.
Correction Officer 2
Stephens Correction Facility
02.2013 - 02.2014
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Optimized resource utilization by reallocating personnel based on workload assessment resulting in balanced workload distribution among the team members.
- Drove innovation within the department by promoting creative thinking and supporting new initiatives.
- Reported safety and fire hazards observed on routine patrols and during inspections.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to inform strategic planning processes and measure progress towards goals.
- Conducted surveillance to detect suspicious activity.
- Supervised violent inmates.
- Implement rules.
- Transported Inmates to and from courts within the county a crime was committed.
- Testified in court during certain criminal cases.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
Building Maintenance Supervisor
Rundle & Rundle Rentals
04.2003 - 02.2012
- Optimized resource allocation by carefully tracking inventory levels of tools, materials, and equipment needed for maintenance tasks.
- Increased building safety by implementing regular inspections and addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Managed a team of maintenance technicians, providing ongoing training and support to ensure their success.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, leveraging these connections for priority service when urgent needs arose.
- Maintained accurate records of all maintenance tasks completed, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of facility needs, prioritizing projects based on budget constraints and overall impact on the property.
- Enhanced tenant satisfaction through proactive communication and prompt resolution of maintenance concerns.
- Collaborated with contractors during construction projects to ensure high-quality results aligned with project specifications.
- Succeeded in maintaining a clean, well-organized work environment that promoted efficiency and safety for both staff members and tenants.
- Reduced maintenance costs by negotiating with vendors for more cost-effective service contracts.
- Improved building efficiency by upgrading outdated equipment and systems to energy-saving alternatives.
- Coordinated scheduling for routine maintenance tasks, minimizing disruption to tenants'' daily activities.
- Completed daily, weekly, and monthly checklists on building equipment to maintain records of scheduled maintenance procedures.
- Repaired and replaced faulty wiring, light fixtures and other electrical components to reduce risks.
- Tested fire safety and emergency systems and inspected fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems.
- Inspected building systems to evaluate HVAC, electrical and plumbing maintenance needs.
- Quickly responded to internal service calls regarding malfunctioning equipment and completed repairs.
- Responded to emergency fire alarms, plumbing leaks and power outages to implement swift resolutions.
- Installed new locks, door handles, and door closers.
- Performed minor wall repair, installed drywall, and applied wallpaper.
- Supported safety with well-maintained grounds, parking lots and landscaping.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Bluefield State University
Bluefield, WV04.2024
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Southern West Virginia Community And Technical College
Mount Gay, WV05.2011
High School Diploma -
Pineville High School
Pineville, WV05.1994
Skills
- Photographic documentation
- Species identification
- Forest Inventory
- Activity Planning
- Animal behavior observation
- Event Planning
- Conservation strategies
- Group Activities
- Ecological assessment
- Environmental education
- Group Presentations
- Invasive Species Control
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Relationship Building
- Team building
- Self Motivation
- Task Prioritization
- Goal Setting
Certification
- Certified in Wilderness First Aid
- Certified (CIG) Interpreter
- Certified (CPR)
- Certified Emergency Medical Technician
Hobbies
My hobbies are
- Riding my 2007 Harley Davidson Road King
- Kayaking the many lakes and rivers here in WV
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Caving
- Flea Markets
- Playing the drums
- Meeting new people
- Being spontaneous
Additional Information
I am a leader and a problem solver. I work great with people and have high standards. I take pride in my ability to overcome obstacles, adapt to my surroundings and complete my duties. I am dedicated and loyal. If you are looking for a leader, a mentor, self motivated, individual I am that candidate.
Timeline
Naturalist/Activities Coordinator
Division of DNR (WV State Parks)
03.2019 - Current
Correction Officer 1
Southern Regional Authority
01.2015 - 03.2019
Correction Officer 2
Stephens Correction Facility
02.2013 - 02.2014
Building Maintenance Supervisor
Rundle & Rundle Rentals
04.2003 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Arts -
Bluefield State University
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Southern West Virginia Community And Technical College
High School Diploma -
Pineville High School
- Certified in Wilderness First Aid
- Certified (CIG) Interpreter
- Certified (CPR)
- Certified Emergency Medical Technician
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