Victoria Porter

• Returned for an additional season under a higher general schedule grade to continue monitoring efforts of endangered species and removal of non-native, predatory fish species through electrofishing and seining on the Green, White, and Yampa Rivers.
• Assisting with design improvements for new data logging application to benefit cross-functional groups within our organization and training team members on new software.
• Leading exploratory project involving Biomark Submersible Antennas to track movements of non-native fish species to gain better understanding of their behavior; improving electrofishing efficiency and increasing non-native removal numbers.
• Managing and analyzing a large data set to effectively track PIT tagged non-native and PIT tagged endangered species movement throughout the Green River through Microsoft Excel and Biomark Submersible Antenna Readers to assist higher graded biologists with data reporting and endangered species database updates.
• Created and currently implementing an antenna battery log system to track download history, battery replacement deadlines, and scheduling battery allotments for each overnight trip to assist staff biologists in weekly operations.
• Gaining experience as TL (Trip Lead) for overnight camping survey trips and day trips.
• Continuing to prioritize quality data collection and assisting staff biologists with reporting efforts.
• Gaining comfortability in navigating and reading Class III+ whitewater in non-motorized watercraft (raft) while performing safe electrofishing operations.

• Responsible for analyzing sonar recordings to quantify spawning movement counts for Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead Trout for ongoing monitoring efforts on the Eel and Van Duzen Rivers.
• Gained familiarity with ARIS and DIDSON camera assembly, maintenance, and software utilization through months of daily camera footage review.
• Managed daily upkeep of tracking sheets and updating daily movement counts through Microsoft Excel to ensure accurate and timely data reporting.
• Conducted surveys of our stretches by snorkeling, kayaking, and tangle-netting to determine species assemblages to improve our accuracy in sonar counts.
• Collaborated with and participated in spawning redd and carcass surveys with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Watershed Stewards Program.

• Operated and maintained motorized and non-motorized watercrafts while conducting multifaceted fisheries surveys.
• Gained experience handling and PIT tagging native, endangered species for ongoing endangered species monitoring, utilizing HPR Wands to read previously inserted PIT tags, and applying FLOY tags for mark recapture studies.
• Accurately and efficiently collected data and provided additional support for data reporting efforts.
• Conducted non-native species removal and endangered species monitoring through electrofishing and seining surveys on the Green, Yampa, and White Rivers.
• Deployed, retrieved, and downloaded data from Biomark Submersible Antennas to track movement of endangered species throughout the Green River Basin.
• Strengthened capabilities in trailering and boat handling, including launching and retrieval.
• Received a STAR Award for demonstrating extra effort in fulfilling operational needs.

• Responsible for daily baiting and monitoring of camera traps for Osceola Wild Turkeys in Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest.
• Prioritized safety and efficiency while handling explosives for rocket netting operations.
• Conducted blood draws, oropharyngeal/cloaca swabs, applied radio transmitters, and collected physical measurements on live specimens and ensured sample protocols were maintained.
• Tracked individuals released with radio transmitters through the use of radio telemetry to analyze their movement post-capture during their breeding and nesting season.
• Gained experience using Lotek BioTrackers, Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) Receivers, and Lotek Pinpoint.

• Lead a physical habitat sampling team across 5 states to complete contracted sites for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the National Rivers and Streams Assessment survey (NRSA, 2023-2024).
• Managed equipment, completed equipment repairs, and maintained fleet vehicles to company standards.
• Responsible for data compilation, conducting thorough review, and submitting reports in a timely manner.
• Fisheries survey techniques utilized in this position include: Electrofishing, Physical Habitat Assessments, Fish Tissue Collection, Macroinvertebrate Sampling, eDNA collection, Gill Netting, Fyke Netting, Snorkeling, SCUBA, and PIT Tag Monitoring.

• Conducted and administered surveys pertaining to amphibian diversity and public opinion.
• Responsibilities include data management, public relations, maintaining a company vehicle, and coordinating survey schedules.
• Increased public knowledge on amphibian-specific environmental issues through educational conversation with those I encountered, fostering increased awareness and advocacy for the local species within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Minors: Forestry; Watershed Science

• Dean's List - Fall 2019
• Dean's List - Spring 2020
• Dean's List - Fall 2020
• Dean's List - Spring 2021
• Dolly Parton Foundation Scholarship Recipient
• HOPE Scholarship Recipient
• In-State Volunteer Scholarship Recipient
• 3.40 GPA