Tanner Cole
Erie,CO
Summary
Experienced with leading outdoor activities and guiding diverse groups safely. Utilizes effective communication and risk management to create engaging and educational experiences. Track record of fostering teamwork and environmental awareness while ensuring participant safety.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Landscaping Contractor
Self-Employed
Boulder, CO
01.2024 - Current
- Maintain and service all equipment — engines, cutting heads, hand tools — through routine upkeep and hands-on troubleshooting, directly applicable to vessel maintenance and mechanical checks
- Operate independently across multiple client sites in all weather conditions, managing scheduling, logistics, and client communications without supervision
- Build strong situational awareness and adaptability working in physically demanding, variable outdoor environments day to day
Team Captain
Destination Imagination
Colorado
08.2017 - 05.2024
- Captained teams to 1st place at National Competition, leading diverse groups with strong communication, collaboration, and composure under pressure
- Thrived in fast-changing, unpredictable environments — building adaptability and quick thinking directly applicable to dynamic on-water operations
Summer Camp Counselor & Martial Arts Instructor
Karate Dojo
Colorado
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Led and supervised groups of children ages 5–13 through structured daily programming — managing group dynamics, safety, and engagement across a wide range of personalities and ages
- Delivered martial arts instruction as a black belt, adapting teaching style and communication to suit different ages, skill levels, and learning styles
- Maintained a calm, composed presence in high-energy group environments, resolving conflicts and keeping participants safe and on track
- Developed strong instincts for reading a room and adjusting tone, pace, and content — directly transferable to naturalist narration and guest interaction
Project Manager & Construction Lead
Eagle Scout Project — Cal-Wood Education Center
Boulder County, CO
06.2020 - 09.2020
- Managed a multi-site outdoor construction operation with strict safety requirements — coordinating equipment, certified operators, and volunteer teams across concurrent locations
- Demonstrated reliable follow-through, accountability, and leadership under pressure delivering a large-scale project on time for a nonprofit environmental education organization
Education
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder
05-2029
Skills
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Small boat handling
- Current Adult & Pediatric First Aid / CPR / AED certified
- Safety-first practices in dynamic environments
- Lifeguard Certified
- Hands-on equipment maintenance,
- Routine upkeep — applied daily in landscaping operations
- Guest Engagement
- Public communication
- All-weather operations
- Comfortable in remote and rugged environments
Certification
- Lifeguard Certified
- CPR Certified
- AED Certified
- First Aid Certified
- Google Foundations of Project Management Certification
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Outdoor Recreation
- Camping
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Sailing
AWARDS & HONORS
- American Kenpo Karate Black Belt,
- Eagle Scout (Gold & Silver Palm)
- Order of the Arrow
ALASKA CONNECTION
Family is from Alaska — familiar with the state, its culture, and its environments.
Timeline
Independent Landscaping Contractor
Self-Employed
01.2024 - Current
Project Manager & Construction Lead
Eagle Scout Project — Cal-Wood Education Center
06.2020 - 09.2020
Summer Camp Counselor & Martial Arts Instructor
Karate Dojo
01.2018 - 01.2021
Team Captain
Destination Imagination
08.2017 - 05.2024
B.S. - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder