Taylor Merchant
Rapid City,MI
Summary
I have a background in freshwater science with an emphasis on sustainability, because I have always wanted to protect our fresh water resource here in Michigan. I have worked for multiple environmental agencies, including Great Lakes Environmental Center (GLEC), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, pursuing my role in protecting the water we love. My eight year experience as a laboratory technician has taught me that I am more people oriented and thus want to pursue a career where I can help the community. Moving forward, I am investing in a career that highlights my attributes such as communication, empathy, kindness, and determination. I thrive on ensuring people have the best experience at the company I work for.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technician
Great Lakes Environmental Center
05.2018 - Current
- Communicates with Public Water Systems on data related inquiries as well as delayed kit issues.
- Assembles sampling kits and ships them to small and medium public drinking water systems required to participate.
- Weighs method-specific preservative chemicals into sample bottles in preparation for their inclusion in the kits.
- Organizes the work area and kit paperwork.
- Second to manager in leadership role communicating with teammates on tasks and job specific duties.
- Maintained laboratory equipment, performing calibration and troubleshooting as needed.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
Waitress
The Leland Lodge
06.2015 - 08.2024
- Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
- Delivered exceptional customer service in high-volume dining environment.
- Mentored junior waitstaff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team atmosphere.
- Thoroughly enjoyed the regular customers (locals) and cultivated relationships with tourists.
Seasonal Secretary
Department of Natural Resources MI
04.2017 - 08.2017
- Gained knowledge in policies of Michigan Laws to reiterate back to the public, DNR Digests.
- Edited SDS sheets for the field office, MI OSHA.
- Conducted research on an array of natural resources management.
- Provided customer service by answering the phones and questions related to the DNR, as well as being a face for the DNR when people visit.
- Scheduled meetings and room blocks for various organizations.
Summer Ranger
Department of Natural Resources MI
05.2016 - 10.2016
- Greeted a multitude of people daily to sell the recreation passport and introduce them to park amenities.
- Worked with Camis; Camping Management Systems.
- Represented the MI DNR to local lake associations to ensure collaboration and protection of private property, Cathead Bay Association.
- Utilized education to answer public questions.
- Developed adult and children programs.
- Provided hands on maintenance, i.e. water pumps.
Sales Representative
Jim Blanchard
06.2008 - 08.2010
- Gained knowledge in an abundant amount of metals, agates, and jaspers.
- Traveled all over Michigan and adapted to multiple people groups.
- Communication skills and sales experience in polishing, presenting, and selling jewelry.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Freshwater Science And Sustainability
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12-2019
Associate of Arts - Freshwater Studies Program Global Policy
Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City, MI12-2017
Associate of Science - General Studies
Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City, MI12-2016
High School - undefined
West Senior High School
Traverse City, Michigan06.2011
Skills
- Outgoing and positive with a strong belief in team work
- Extreme attention to detail
- Excellent customer service
- Personable and energetic
- Cleanliness per residential and commercial cleaning experience
- Exceptional organizational and computer skills, including data entry, building test kits, calibrating probes, standard operating procedure editing, creation of filing systems, and building task boards
- Proficient in Microsoft, especially Excel and Access
- Embraces challenges and enjoys complex problem solving
- Multitask oriented but can also focus on a project to ensure completion
- Excellent communication skills including presentation of educational material to public audiences, including the 2014 Freshwater Summit
- Experienced in water chemistry field work as an intern for Central Michigan University's Biological Station on Beaver Island, 2014
- Collaborated with an international student team reporting on water quality test results in Costa Rica, 2015
Accomplishments
● Vice President of the Freshwater Science and Sustainability Student Organization at Western Michigan University
● Leelanau State Park Friends Group Board Member
● Dog mom to a rescue golden retriever
Timeline
Laboratory Technician
Great Lakes Environmental Center
05.2018 - Current
Seasonal Secretary
Department of Natural Resources MI
04.2017 - 08.2017
Summer Ranger
Department of Natural Resources MI
05.2016 - 10.2016
Waitress
The Leland Lodge
06.2015 - 08.2024
Sales Representative
Jim Blanchard
06.2008 - 08.2010
High School - undefined
West Senior High School
Bachelor of Science - Freshwater Science And Sustainability
Western Michigan University
Associate of Arts - Freshwater Studies Program Global Policy
Northwestern Michigan College
Associate of Science - General Studies
Northwestern Michigan College