‘Sierra’ Christopher H. Willoughby
PO Box 1627
Diamond Springs, CA 95619
(530)206-6780 (Mobile)
rangersierra@gmail.com
United States Citizen
RangerSierra.com
OBJECTIVE
To continue the rewarding work as an interpreter, education specialist, visitor use assistant, or outreach
specialist through formal and informal interpretive contacts, experiential education, or interpretive media.
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
Since 2001, I have had the pleasure of 8 years total full-time equivalent experience as an interpretive ranger,
federal fee collector, interpretive planner, lead interpreter, interpretive coach, environmental education
specialist, and as an outreach/volunteer coordinator at 6 national park units, 2 wildlife refuges, and 2
residential outdoor education centers. In all of my interpretive positions with the National Park Service and
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, I have consistently been rated as an overall ‘Superior and Exceptional’ in my
employee performance evaluations (EPAP). I have worked 2 school seasons (18 months) in curriculum based
outdoor education for grades 3 to 12 with Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School, and with NPS park
partner Yosemite Institute. (Please refer to the ‘Detailed Chronology of Work Experience’ section below for
specifics). In my 14 years as a seasonal ranger, I have also picked up several general ranger skills such as first
aid, CPR, high angle rope rescue, search and rescue, and visitor-wildlife encounter management, including
bears.
INTERPRETIVE TRAINING
 Train the seasonal trainer: facilitated dialogue and 21st century techniques for interpretation (40 hours)
March 2015, San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.
 Coaching and training interpreters (40 hours) September 2012, Wrangel St. Elias National Park.
INTERPRETIVE CERTIFICATIONS
NPS interpretive development program peer certification (IDP)
 Interpretive Talk (Module 103).
 Conducted Activity (Module 210).
 Illustrated Interpretive Program (Module 230).
Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands
 Foundations of Interpretation
 Interpretive Talk Advanced Certification
 Local Advanced Coach September 2012 Course, Alaska Region
 Local Advanced Coach Certification for:
o Interpretive Talk,
o Informal Visitor Contacts,
o Conducted Activities.
SECURITY CLEARANCES
MBI Medium Background Investigation, Department of the Interior, January 2014 – As of January 2014,
I have a current favorable medium background investigation clearance for federal positions, and I am cleared
for federal fee collection and employment with the U.S. Department of the Interior.
SKILLS SUMMARY
Interpretive and Volunteer Program Management and Supervision: At Mount Rainier National
Park in 2008 I was responsible as the lead interpreter for managing the operation of a visitor center that
saw up to 1000 contacts per day. I coordinated the interpretive program offerings, prepared and
implemented staff training, and performed scheduling, coaching, and mentoring for up to 5 staff and up to
20 trail patrol (Meadow Rover) volunteers. For my 2013 and 2014 winter seasons at Pinnacles National
Park, my duties as the lead interpretive ranger included scheduling the interpretation and education staff,
creating the schedule of offerings for interpretive programming, and acting as the official supervisor for 4
resident volunteers. I was responsible for checking them into housing, coordinating background checks,
training them about the NPS and the interpretive operations, scheduling their duties, providing feedback
and evaluation, and scheduling volunteer appreciation events for them such as a going away party in their
honor.
Public Relations: At Pinnacles National Park in 2014 and 2015, I served as the contact for two separate
stories and was interviewed by the local TV news for rock climbing and high visitation times of the park.
Interpretive Program and Recreation Facility Planning: For the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in
southern Nevada, I was responsible for building an interpretive program from the ground up including
creating an annual work plan for visitor services operations for two refuges, planning area trails, creating
area interpretive themes, collaborating on interpretive panels, refining campground rules and operations,
serving on a committee for fielding input from local native tribes, and managing up to 10 incidental and
residential (camp host) volunteers. I also served as a member of the regional planning team for a new
visitor center and master interpretive plan at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. I took on the
project of planning, environmental compliance and initial construction of the new Davenport Trail at
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. I served on the design and plan team of a new visitor contact station,
and was a key part in creating the facilities and circulation plan for Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. I
was a team leader and complied the ideas of other refuge staff, partners, and a consultant and
incorporated these on a map of the refuge that inculded the needed utilities, roads, trails, tables, shade
structures, interpretative waysides, restrooms, signs, highway improvements, and other needed capital
improvements for the refuge.
Outreach and Special Events: In 2011-2012 for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, I created, planned and
assembled educational, interpretive, and outreach programs for events on and off the wildlife refuges in
the area. These included open houses, outreach tables at local community events, special programs for
members of a nearby Indian reservation, and curriculum-based field trips for a local school groups of up
to 130 students. These events required me to organize up to 35 area volunteers, partnering agency
representatives, refuge friends group members, and regional U.S. Fish & Wildlife staff to run the events
and programs. I saw the need and organized area specialists to present a day of site knowledge training
for staff and volunteers, and taught the geology session myself. I used my media skills to create flyers,
social media postings. I successfully wore ‘many hats’ and managed my time effectively between many
projects and duties during my term with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in southern Nevada.
Interpretive Techniques: My field techniques include an interpretive program that inspires awe in an
active volcano, a personal conversation about camping by a calving glacier in Alaska, or in the stories of
creation time by indigenous cultures of Glacier Bay, Alaska. I use my skills and appropriate techniques of
story telling, games (Mount Rainier trivia contest), music (I play a native American styled flute), guided
hand gestures (using our hands to create a tectonic model of Mount Rainier), living history (John Muir),
guided imagery, illustrations (PowerPoint slide show with animations and photos of Glacier Bay) and
quoted passages to create effective interpretive programs. Visit http://rangersierra.com/interpretiveprograms/ to watch sample videos of my program techniques and public speaking skills (Note, my face is
visible in these videos)
Interpretive Media My skills in writing, computer software, photography, and video production are used
for creating site bulletins, video podcasts, and other interpretive media (see RangerSierra.com for samples
of my media. I have also extensive experience with group management in an outdoor setting with leading
school groups ages 8 to 18 for a week in Yosemite and Los Angeles, as well as adult visitors in off-trail
discovery day hikes in Denali National Park and Preserve. I am also adept at interpreting potential
controversial topics with tact and diplomacy, such as climate change (I link climate change into most of
my national park programs as at least a subtopic, as part of the National Park Service Call to Action
initiative). In addition I use my interpretive writing skills for the park website, site bulletins and postings
on social media.
Educational Programming: I have served as an education specialist for two school years, delivering
California state standard curriculum-based programing for residential environmental outdoor educational
organizations in Los Angeles County and Yosemite National Park. I created programming for 5 days in an
outdoor setting for up to 21 students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds ranging in age from 8 to
18 years old. My activities included (but not limited to) an animal skull identifications class, geology
puzzle to create Yosemite Valley, a San Andreas fault earthquake model, and leading science based
educational campfire songs, and seizing educational opportunities that arise (a lizard crawls up the leg of
the teacher). In southern Nevada, I created, coordinated, planned, and executed educational field trips for
up to 130 students at local area refuges. This required contacting school teachers and principles,
coordinating transportation grants, and recruiting area partnering agency education specialist to assist
with larger groups. I also did environmental education programing on several overnight trips into the
Yosemite National Park backcountry.
Computer and Media Skills: I am comfortable on both Windows and Mac OS operating systems in the
following capacities:
 Microsoft Office: I am proficient in the use of Excel, Word, and Publisher
 Desktop publishing: I frequently create flyers, maps, short videos, newsletters, forms, signs,
interpretive panels, and other media using Adobe Creative Suite (Creative Cloud) software:
Illustrator, Photoshop, Camera Raw, Acrobat Pro, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
 Image Processing: I am proficient in Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge and Camera Raw from Adobe
Create Suite to archive, touchup and enhance photographs for print and online media.
 I use wireless microphone and video camera equipment, including a Digital SLR Canon 5D Mark iii,
to shoot video footage of landscapes, interviews, and narratives for parks and wildlife refuges.
 For multimedia interpretive products such as podcasts, video, and sound mixing, I am proficient
with Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple iMovie, Apple GarageBand.
 I use Apple iOS 8 for iPhone, and Google applications such as Calendar, Drive, and sheets for keeping
track of appointments, contacts, reference, bird and other wildlife identifications, as well as
coordinating and communicating with partners, staff, and volunteers.
 At Pinnacles National Park, I was responsible for updating the Park Website using the CMS login and
Common Spot editing software. I used my writing skills to update and improve the messaging in
the Plan Your Visit section of the website.
 During my year (2011-2012) at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and at Pinnacles National Park, I was
part of setting up the social media (mostly Facebook pages) for the two refuges I worked at.
 I have served as a member of the social media team at Denali, Pinnacles, and Mount Rainier National
Parks, as well as Pahranagat and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuges.
 Please visit RangerSierra.com for samples of my media projects.
Wildlife-Visitor Management: On several occasions at Mount Rainier, Denali, Glacier Bay, and Yosemite, I
have been called upon to provide visitor safety in a calm and courteous manner when photographers and
other onlookers get too close to wildlife. At Denali, I took the lead for a few incidents when a Grizzly Bear
was too close to the visitor center and everyone had to stay indoors. Recently at Mount Rainier, I was the
first ranger on scene in the picnic area to maintain a perimeter to keep visitors from getting too close to a
roving bear in the picnic area.
Visitor Use Assistance (Fee Collection): I have a valid clearance and 10 months experience for collecting
federal entrance fees, park passes, and associate bookstore sales. My end of shift reports at Pinnacles
National Park were very consistently accurate. I supervised, mentored and trained new staff and
volunteers who had adequate background clearances in fee collection and visitor center operations at
Pinnacles National Park.
Search and Rescue I have been a ground search team leader for 4 large search and rescue incidents at
Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Parks. At Mount Rainier, I have taken a 20 hour course in basic
search and rescue that included Patient packaging and carryout, navigating with map, compass and GPS,
preventative search and rescue, estimating probability of detection, and flying in helicopters for searching
and moving from one search area to another. I was one of the few interpretive rangers on the searches,
and my competence and participation was appreciated very much by other divisions.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Spanish: I have used my conversational skills to orient Spanish-speaking visitors at Mount Rainier, Yosemite,
Santa Monica Mountains, Denali, Glacier Bay, and Pinnacles National Parks. I also used my Spanish for
teaching students at Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School. I spoke Spanish while traveling
independently in Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia for 4 months in 2005. I was an A student
for my two years of Spanish courses in high school.
EDUCATION
MS Geology December 1997, University of Nevada, Reno; Reno, NV 89557, GPA 3.7
Thesis: Character, timing, and rate of late Quaternary faulting on the northwestern side of the Ruby Mountains
and East Humboldt Range, Northeast Nevada; Advisor: Dr. Steven G. Wesnousky, Center for Neotectonic
Studies.
BS Geology May 1994, California State University, Sacramento; Sacramento, CA 95819, GPA 3.5
AS Geology June 1991, Sierra College; Rocklin, CA 95677
High School Diploma Graduated June 1988; El Dorado High School, Placerville, CA 95667
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
 STAR(Special Thanks for Achieving Results) award, Pinnacles National Park (2014)
 On the Spot Award, Mount Rainier National Park (2004)
 Outstanding Graduate Student (1997), Board of Regents, University and Community College System of
Nevada.
 U.S. Geological Survey / Mackay School of Mines Research Fellowship (1996-1997).
 Outstanding Student Research Award (1996), Geological Society of America.
 Senior Achievement Award (1994), CSU Sacramento Alumni Association.
 Sacramento State Rowing Team, letter 1993, 1994.
 Geology Student of the Year (1991), Sierra College Geology Department.
 Sierra College Science Club President (1990-1991).
DETAILED CHRONOLOGY OF WORK EXPERIENCE
Lead Park Ranger (Interpretation) (July 12, 2015-September 23, 2015)
GS-0025-07, Full Time 40 hours/week
Mount Rainier National Park
(Ohanapecosh Visitor Center)
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Laura Abbott (May Contact)
Laura_Abbott@nps.gov, (360)569-2211
DUTIES:
 Implement and mentor staff on new facilitated dialogue interpretive techniques for roving informal
interpretation and formal illustrated campfire presentations, and children’s Junior Ranger programs
 Orient, train, and coach new staff to interpretive operations and area resources
 Coach and mentor interpretive rangers and on interpretive techniques and methods in accordance with
the NPS interpretive Development Program (IDP)
 Research, prepare and present Junior Ranger programs, illustrated campfire programs, and
interpretive talks for diverse audiences ranging from 5 to 100 in number, and incorporating interactive
techniques such as facilitated dialogue.
 Lead and create content for Facebook and other social media content for the east district of the park
 Coach staff on individual programs and provide feedback via oral dialogue and written narratives.
 Rove area trails, and coordinate wands and other route markers during snow melt-out season.
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Share hikes, create a dessert contest, and other recreational opportunities with coworkers off hours to
create a good sense of workplace and community satisfaction amongst employees and partners.
Lead weekly meetings for staff, with kudos, encouragements, logistics, and safety announcements.
Be available to mentor and provide assistance for new staff whether on or off the job, as staff all live in
the same park housing.
Serve as the ‘go to’ person for resolving conflicts with difficult visitor interactions.
Maintain order and efficiency in visitor center operations.
Lead Park Ranger (Interpretation) (Dec 1, 2014-May 30, 2015)
GS-0025-07, Full Time 40 hours/week
Pinnacles National Park
5000 Highway 146
Paicines, CA 95043
Supervisor: Jan Lemons
Jan_Lemons@nps.gov, (831)369-4486
DUTIES:
 Serve as main support that was dedicated only to Interpretive program, as chief as for Law
Enforcement and Interpretation, including training, administrative paperwork associated with
onboarding staff and volunteers, purchasing supplies, and staffing schedule.
 Prepare and conduct 80 hours of interpretation and orientation training for a staff of 8 paid and
volunteer interpreters.
 Assist acting chief in conducting interviews for hiring interns and volunteers
 Supervise, direct and mentor interns and volunteers.
 Coach, train, and mentor all paid and volunteer interpretive staff for interpretive operations of the
park.
 Serve as a resource specialist for park staff and volunteers on the history and geology of the San
Andreas fault and the formation of the Pinnacles rock formations.
 Plan and implement interpretive program operations, offerings, and scheduling for busy spring season.
 Coordinate with media specialist for nonpersonal interpretive services such as social media, video
shorts, program bulletin board announcements, wayside exhibit upgrades, and special event notices.
 Assign and coordinate collateral duties for volunteer and paid staff.
 Serve as the ‘go to’ person for resolving conflicts with difficult visitor interactions.
 Create and coordinate staff schedule for fee collection and interpretive staff of 15 people.
 Correspond with teachers, then track, schedule and coordinate education programming for school
fieldtrips to the park.
 Assist chief with tracking and monitoring budget for fiscal year 2015 for interpretation division.
 Purchase via online ordering needed supplies for interpretation in accordance to budget constraints.
 Track orders and purchases of needed supplies.
 Prepare, plan and present interpretive programs (guided walks, illustrated programs, and interpretive
talks) as model examples for other staff; topics included California condors, bats, wildflowers, geology,
climate change, and native Amah-Mutsun culture.
 Attend 40 hours facilitated dialogue training with the National Park Service.
 Train staff and implement new facilitated dialogue interpretive techniques into formal programming.
 Mentor and train 6 youth ranger corps members (18-25 years old) for visitor service operations like
parking and informal contacts.
 Incorporate facilitated dialogue and dialogic arc interpretive techniques into my traditional programs.
 Update park website content in both images and written material related to cave status, park alerts,
and interpretive program offerings.
 Model interpretive program standards by conducting formal and informal interpretive programs
(guided walks, roving interpretation, illustrated programs, interpretive talks, curriculum based
educational programs)
 Partner with other divisions such as resources for coordinating education and interpretation training
for their staff.
 Collaborate with resources staff to cover outreach and education special events.
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Schedule and plan special events such as Junior Ranger Day.
Collect fees at visitor center desk for passes and park entrance.
Conduct cash register sales for cooperation association
Communicate with staff of varying work shifts using email programs (Google) and bulletin boards
Staff visitor center information desk, answer visitor inquiries via telephone, email, and walk-in
Utilize Google Documents/sheets to share and coordinate schedules, program ideas, photos, outlines,
video and other data with staff.
Operate scanner, fax, laminator, and large laser printer for interpretive division.
Maintain sensitive personell information in secure locked files cabinets, and on encrypted laptop. This
includes coaching feedback, federal forms, and performance evaluations.
Purchase equipment and supplies in accordance with Pinnacles NP guidelines, and spending limits.
Fill out and review Concur travel request and vouchers for conference attendance.
Maintain good standing with government-issued credit card
Mentor and train staff to input time and attendance with DOI Quicktime program.
Coordinated several guest speakers for interpretive training using Google Documents, sending
invitations, phone calls, and reserving space for presentations in the park for training.
Coordinate issue of housing keys and room occupancy for interpretation staff and volunteers.
Collect and distribute inter office and postal mail to area ranger station, visitor center, and housing
area.
Maintain inventory of roving supplies such as guidebooks, identification cards, counters, radios, first
aid kits and other property.
Fill out and file accountable property forms for interpretive staff.
Lead Park Ranger (Interpretation) (May 20, 2014-September 20, 2014)
GS-0025-07, Full Time 40 hours/week
Mount Rainier National Park
(Sunrise Visitor Center)
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Brandi Stewart (May Contact)
Brandi_Stewart@nps.gov, (724)968-9491(mobile)
DUTIES:
 As part of a team, prepare and present 80 hours of seasonal training for interpretive staff, interns, and
volunteers for both districts of the park.
 Orient, train, and coach new staff to interpretive operations and area resources
 Coach and mentor interpretive rangers and volunteers on interpretive techniques and methods in
accordance with the NPS interpretive Development Program (IDP)
 Research, prepare and present guided walks, illustrated programs, and interpretive talks for diverse
audiences ranging from 5 to 100 in number.
 Lead and create content for Facebook and other social media content for the east district of the park
 Coach staff on individual programs and provide feedback via oral dialogue and written narratives.
 Orient and welcome concession staff to the resources and NPS mission. I was able to inspire several
employees to be volunteer meadow rovers, and to become citizen or Junior Rangers. Many staff choose
to also wear ‘do not be a meadow stomper’ buttons on their work uniforms.
 Rove area trails, and coordinate wands and other route markers during snow melt-out season.
 Share hikes, create a dessert contest, and other recreational opportunities with coworkers off hours to
create a good sense of workplace and community satisfaction amongst employees and partners.
 Lead weekly meetings for staff, with kudos, encouragements, logistics, and safety announcements.
 Be available to mentor and provide assistance for new staff whether on or off the job, as staff all live in
the same park housing.
 Serve as the ‘go to’ person for resolving conflicts with difficult visitor interactions.
Lead Park Ranger (Interpretation) (December 8, 2013-May 15, 2014)
GS-0025-07, Full Time 40 hours/week
Pinnacles National Park
5000 Highway 146
Paicines, CA 95043
Supervisor: Nichole Andler (May Contact)
Now at Great Basin National Park (775)234-7521
Nichole_Andler@nps.gov
DUTIES (In addition to duties listed above for Pinnacles National Park 2015):
 I was awarded a STAR award and rated as EXCEPTIONAL (5) on my performance evaluation for my
efforts at Pinnacles
 Research, prepare and present guided walks, illustrated programs, and interpretive talks for diverse
audiences ranging from 5 to 100 in number.
 Coordinate with law enforcement and natural resource staff to schedule activities and duties for
Ranger Corps youth members.
 Create interpretive program offerings for busy spring season.
 Oversee program statistic collection and make decisions on program offering schedule adjustments.
 Use InDesign and Illustrator to create interpretive offerings poster
 Submit interpretive photos and text to Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets for the park
 Create and edit photo and text content on official Pinnacles National Park Website using Common Spot.
Lead Park Ranger (Interpretation) (January 27, 2013-June 8, 2013)
GS-0025-07, Full Time 40 hours/week
Pinnacles National Park
5000 Highway 146
Paicines, CA 95043
Supervisor: Nichole Andler (May Contact)
Summer 2014—On Detail at Great Basin National Park (775)234-7521
Nichole_Andler@nps.gov, (831)389-4486 ext 265
DUTIES (In addition to duties listed above for Pinnacles National Park 2014-2015):
 Conduct interview about fee-free day with local television news station while on duty; I acted as the
Public Information Officer (PIO) after getting permission from the park superintendent.
 Coach and mentor up to 9 interpretive rangers and volunteers on interpretive techniques and methods
in accordance with the NPS interpretive Development Program (IDP)
 Create Interpretive Plan for interpretive program offerings for busy season
 Oversee program statistic collection and make decisions on program offering schedule adjustments
 Use Adobe InDesign CC, Photoshop CC, and Illustrator CC to create interpretive offerings poster, as well
as other site bulletins
Park Ranger (Interpretation) (April 23, 2012-September 17, 2012)
GS-0025-07, Full Time 40 hours/week
Denali National Park and Preserve
PO Box 9
Mile 237, Parks Highway
Denali Park, AK 99755
Supervisor: Naaman Horn (May Contact)
Naaman_Horn@nps.gov, 907-683-2294
DUTIES:
 Attend and certify as a Local Advaced Coach (Interpretive Talk) with the Interpretive Development
Program.
 Research, prepare and present guided walks for 10 to 25 visitors in area trails, that meet NPS
standards.
 Staff visitor center information desk.
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Manage up to 200 visitors in dangerous wildlife situations, such as when a grizzly bear approaches the
visitor center or area trails.
Mentor SCA intern interpreters for programs, discovery hikes, and visitor center operational
procedures.
Plan, prepare, and present all day discovery hike interpretive programing with up to 11 visitors in the
off-trail wilderness of Denali.
Serve as a search team leader for area SAR operations.
Submit interpretive content (video, text, and photos) for the park’s official Twitter, Facebook, and
YouTube pages.
Create script, record, and edit a short video for telling my story about diversity in the Department of
Interior and the National Park Service, as part of an Alaska regional project.
Volunteer and serve at an outreach event (Pride Alaska) in Anchorage, Alaska to represent diversity in
the work place for Alaska Regional National Parks, and show relevancy of national parks to an under
represented group in the work force.
I utilized Adobe Premiere Elements video editing software to shoot and create a short video about
diversity in the National Park Service.
Park Ranger: Visitor Services Specialist / Research Associate (April 2011-April 2012)
Term Appointment, Full Time 40 hours / week
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, in partnership with The Great Basin Institute
Pahranagat and Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuges, Nevada
PO Box 510
Alamo, NV 89001
Supervisor: Angelina Yost
USFWS Urban/Vision Coordinator (Now at Falls Church, VA)
Angelina_Yost@fws.gov
(703) 358-2432 (office); (702) 249-2158 (mobile)
SUMMARY:
I was responsible for creating and implementing the interpretive and volunteer program for two
National Wildlife Refuges. This included planning waysides, a new visitor center, new trails,
educational and interpretive programs, outreach, and special events on the two refuges.
DUTIES:
Educational And Interpretive Programming and community Outreach Events
 Organize, prepare and present interpretive techniques and resource knowledge training for area
volunteers and staff.
 Create interpretive and educational programming offering schedule of events each season on both
refuges.
 Create implement and perform interpretive and educational programs for local audiences of mixed ages,
and up to 130 in size.
 Publicize events via social media, email lists, partner websites, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife websites, and local
newspaper and radio stations.
 Visit local schools, organizations, and other community groups to publicize and coordinate events related
to the refuge.
 Create new partnerships such as local library or schools for hosting presentations by myself and other
refuge staff.
 Coordinate amongst staff, volunteers, and partnering organizations for event logistics such as parking,
signage, setting up tents, posting flyers, and offering refreshments etc.
Refuge Partners and Volunteer Program
 Collaborate with the refuge friends groups in staffing events
 Coordinate staffing of events and educational programming for the two refuges amongst myself, other
U.S. Fish & Wildlife coworkers, agency partners, and volunteers
 Supervise and mentor campground host position at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
Interpretive and outdoor recreational planning and development
 Collaborate with the refuge friends groups in staffing events
 Design and update Refuge signs and sign plan
 Plan and design and coordinate the building of new trails on refuge
 Work with refuge manager, and regional FWS representative for compliance on cultural and
environmental assessments for new trails, shade structures, interpretive wayside panels, and benches.
 Coordinate master interpretive plan meetings and provide recommendations and feedback to refuge
manager, and regional visitor services specialist
Administrative
 Prioritize time between multiple competing projects and tasks.
 Organize and secure volunteer forms and personnel files.
 Attend meetings for regional educators and other collaborators.
 Track, verify, collect and compile visitor use statistics on two refuges, using Microsoft Office.
 Create quarterly and annual report for visitor use numbers and patterns for regional visitor services
supervisor.
 Act as an intermediary between regional visitor services supervisor and refuge manager.
Nonpersonal & Multimedia Interpretive Services
 Create the treatment or thematic guiding document for the refuge film project.
 Use Adobe Creative Suite software to produce flyers, site bulletins, interpretive wayside panels, signs,
and short podcast videos.
 Initiate and design two new Facebook pages for each refuge.
 Update internet-based mapping services such as Google Maps to ensure visitors will get proper location
and direction information for visiting the two refuges.
 Set up and connect digital projection equipment for meetings and interpretive programs.
 Consulted by other staff for PowerPoint and other presentation content and delivery style.
 Review and provide comment on new visitor use maps for the two refuges.
 Review and provide comment for historic cabin wayside.
Park Ranger (Interpretation) (April 25 2010 – September 9, 2010)
GS-0025-07, Seasonal, Full Time
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
PO Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826
Supervisor: Tom VandenBerg (May Contact)
Tom_Vandenberg@nps.gov, (907)697-2619
DUTIES:
 Research, prepare and present thematic interpretive programs including cruise ship commentary
(narration), Illustrated programs, two separate guided walks, Junior ranger program, roving, and tourboat
ranger-interpreter duty.
 Safely board cruise ships entering the park via pilot boat and rope ladder.
 Present informal contacts and roving seminar during interpreters seasonal training program.
 Collaborate with other staff to present conducted activity training on one of the park trails.
 Plan, prepare and provide commentary thematic conducted activity in the form of commentary from the
bridge public Address system on board tour boats and cruise ships with audiences ranging from 100 to
2800 passengers.
 Create, and conduct illustrated programs using Power Point in cruise ship theaters with a diverse
audience that ranged from 500 to 1000 people.
 Work as a team and coordinate schedules, and other needs with fellow interpretive staff and cooperating
association staff.
 Incorporate new findings and ways of expressing climate change science in my illustrated program, such
as messages from the director of the park service, and other heads of federal agencies, as well as outlining
the climate friendly parks program for climate change solutions.
 Coordinate with concessions and cruise ship agencies for interpretive events on board.
 Create multimedia interpretive products: souvenir stamp sheet for visitors who forgot their National Park
Passport Books, Highlights of a cruise ship visit to Glacier Bay hand held map, and a 15-minute DVD for
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playing music, sounds, photos and text detailing park interpretive themes. I used Adobe Illustrator,
Photoshop for images and graphics, Adobe Premiere for DVD video, and Apple Garage Band for sound
editing (See http://rangersierra.com/video/).
Tactfully, and respectfully present potentially controversial issues such as the science of climate change to
visitors who disagree with the scientific community. “I didn’t agree with everything you said, but you
made a very nice presentation” was the feedback I received from a friendly visitor after one of my
illustrated programs on climate change during my cruise ship duty.
Provide leadership and support while working as an effective team with 2 other interpretive rangers and
cooperating association bookstore sales person during the intensely busy 12 hour long shifts on cruise
ships.
Write daily reports on the quality of concessions services on cruise ship and tour boat operators and file
them for park management team.
Perform thematic children’s programs (Junior Rangers) on tour boats and cruise ships.
Conduct guided walks ranging from 1 to 6 miles, with audiences ranging from 1 to 15 visitors.
Staff information desk at lodge visitor center.
Park Ranger (Interpretation) (April 20 2009 – September 10, 2009)
GS-0025-07, Seasonal, Full Time
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
PO Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826
Supervisor: Tom VandenBerg (May Contact)
Tom_Vandenberg@nps.gov, (907)697-2619
DUTIES (In addition to duties listed above for Glacier Bay National Park in 2010):
 Tailor and create special interpretive programs for group charters on cruise ships: I created an illustrated
program for 1800 members of the GLBT community on board the MS Westerdam in Glacier Bay.
 Brainstorm, create theme, script, and timeline for a five-minute Glacier Bay National Park website video
production: Glacier Bay Ranger Minutes (which is very similar to a video podcast). I found the need to
create a short video to orient visitors how to get the best experience seeing Glacier Bay via Cruise Ship. (to
view me doing this program, visit Glacier Bay’s YouTube Chanel at http://youtu.be/i6UOtcqhHkM)
Park Ranger (Education and Interpretation) (January 4, 2009-April 3, 2009)
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Supervisor: Barbara Applebaum (May Contact)
Barbara_Applebaum@nps.gov, (805)370-2304
DUTIES:
 Staff information desk at visitor center.
 Create curriculum for park resources that meet California State educational standards for school grades 3
through 12.
 Present curriculum based educational programs to student groups 3rd to 12th grade, with up to 25
students and adults per group
 Collect fees on behalf of the US government for national park passes at information desk.
 Track, reconcile and file shift receipts and reports after each duty of collecting fees at the information
desk.
 Administer interpretive and educational programs to youth audiences of cultural and socio-economic
diversity reflective of the local urban communities in the surrounding greater Los Angeles and Ventura
County areas.
 Use my conversational Spanish language ability to connect with and interpret to Spanish speaking
students and visitors.
 Coordinate with partner agencies such as California State Parks to protect valuable resources
 Interpret and educate on a wide variety of topics such as California History, Native American culture,
wildfire ecology, environmental science monitoring, Mediterranean ecosystems, recreation, and park
management.
 Maintain and manage a database of school contacts and educational program statistics for biodiversity,
parks as laboratories, and fire ecology programs.
 Plan, conduct, prepare exhibit materials, and staff National Park Service outreach display for
environmental education fair in Los Angeles Metro Area.
Lead Park Ranger (Interpretation) (June 11, 2008-December 6, 2008)
GS-0025-07, Seasonal, Full Time
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisors: Sandi Kinzer & Julia Pinnix (Please Contact Either)
Sandi_Kinzer@nps.gov, (402)376-1901
Julia_Pinnix@fws.gov, (509) 699-9646
DUTIES (In addition to the GS-05 duties listed for Mount Rainier National Park below 2001-2006):
 Manage the interpretive operations of the busy Sunrise Visitor Center (up to 1000 visitor contacts per
day) at Mount Rainier National Park.
 Supervise, mentor, and direct a staff of 5 employees and park volunteers in performing the duties of
running an interpretive program operation and visitor center
 Create and conduct area training for park resources, interpretive programs, and visitor center operations
for the Sunrise region of Mount Rainier National Park.
 Train Staff how to use software on government computers (email Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office, Adobe
Illustrator, Wilderness Permit System).
 Train and be a consultant for NPS graphic and uni-guide standards for area site bulletins.
 Present trainings for staff and volunteers on natural and cultural history of park resources, and the use of
appropriate interpretive techniques for presenting these programs to a diverse audience.
 Train and mentor staff and volunteers on providing excellent customer service in terms of meeting the
needs of visitors for the site.
 Train and mentor staff and volunteers on transactions and tracking funds for cooperative association
book and map sales.
 Train and mentor staff and volunteers to handle visitor complaints and act as the manager on site for
unresolved issues.
 Mentor, train, manage and coordinate local volunteer in parks program for the Sunrise Visitor Center for
up to 20 different occasional volunteers.
 Observe and coach interpretive programs and provide constructive feedback to interpretive staff and
volunteers.
 Encourage and support interpretive staff for participating in the NPS Interpretive Development Program.
 Provide a leadership role and be consulted by staff when regional supervisor was new to area operations.
 Coordinate Volunteer in parks program with the 20+ regular volunteers within the Sunrise area of Mount
Rainier National Park.
 Maintain and manage a database of Volunteer in Parks program, including contact information and hours
donated.
 Partner and collaborate with maintenance, utilities, backcountry, natural resources and law enforcement
divisions for the common goals of serving park visitors, and protecting park resources.
 Coordinate roving patrols in the area for park volunteers and interpretive staff.
Field Science Educator (August 24, 2007 – June 6, 2008) Full Time
Naturebridge: Yosemite Institute (A park partner to Yosemite National Park specializing in educational
programs)
10901 Hwy 140
El Portal, CA 95318
Supervisor: Dr. Adam Burns or Michael Bilodeau (May Contact)
adam@adamburnsband.com, (209) 379 9511
DUTIES:
 Prepare and present thematic educational curriculum, integrating the classroom teacher’s goals and the
Yosemite Institute Core Education Framework and California state learning standards for to K-12th grade
students, including sense of place, stewardship, and interconnections.
 Teach students from the 3rd grade to the 12th grade level that had diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
 Lead bicycle tours for students and adult helpers (chaperones) in Yosemite Valley bike trails.
 Facilitate personal connections between Yosemite and students via educational and interpretative
programs ranging 2 to 5 days in length in a residential outdoor education setting.
 Manage, teach, mentor, and ensure a safe & comfortable learning environment for field groups of 10 to 15
students of varying ages, backgrounds, and interests.
 Work, live, cooperate, with and support coworkers on and off the job—being a part of a collaborative
community professionally and socially.
 Lead school groups on 5-mile adventure hikes on challenging trails in Yosemite Valley in all weather
conditions.
 Lead and educate groups up to 15 students and adult chaperones into the Yosemite backcountry on 2- to
10-day overnight backpacking trips
 Create programs and manage group activities according to the National Park Service policies, guidelines of
safety and resource protection as well as the NPS mission statement.
Interpretive Park Ranger (June 12, 2007-August 23, 2007
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Yosemite National Park
PO Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
Supervisor: Tom Medema (May Contact)
Tom_Medema@nps.gov, (209)372-0642
DUTIES:
 Prepare and present formal interpretive programs: guided walks, evening campfire programs, junior
ranger programs, and special black bear educational/interpretive programs.
 Rove/patrol campground areas for informal interpretation and education on proper food storage in black
bear habitat.
 Conduct guided walks with forest ecology, geology and hydrology themes, ranging 30 to 90 minutes in
length.
 Create site bulletins on area trails, bear facts, and interpretive ranger program announcements, using
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, In Design, and Photoshop) in accordance with NPS standardized
graphical format.
 Staff information center and provide orientation and informal interpretation to visitors at entrance area
to the park.
 Issue backcountry permits, educate visitors on minimum impact practices for wilderness use.
 Introduce junior rangers to activity book award badges to children who completed the program
 Answer telephone inquires from visitors and other park staff.
 Handle stressful situations in busy mid-summer conditions with patience, perseverance, and courtesy and
enthusiasm.
 Create opportunities for informal interpretive connections, using the continuum of Information,
orientation, interpretation.
Outdoor Science School Naturalist (September 11, 2006-June 1 2007 Full Time)
Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School Wrightwood
Los Angeles County Office of Education
PO Box 1561
Wrightwood, CA 92397-1561
Supervisor: Kathleen Mitchell (May Contact)
kathleen@outdoorscienceschool.org, 760-964-0990
DUTIES:
 Instruct 5th and 6th graders in the scientific method, ecological science
 Prepare and present science lessons for an outdoor environment in accordance to State of California
science curriculum guidelines: geology, botany, ecology, and biology.
 Teach outdoor hiking skills to 5th and 6th grade students.
 Ensure safety of up to 20 students while hiking on trails.
 Lead morning and evening programs for up to 100 students.
 Provide direction, mentor and train high school student volunteer counselors/cabin leaders.
 Conduct emergency drills for camp.
 Implement discipline system according to school standards.
 Maintain communications via radio with other staff.
 Administer first aid to students.
Interpretive Park Ranger (June 13, 2006-September 3, 2006)
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Sandi Kinzer (May Contact)
Sandi_Kinzer@nps.gov, (402)376-1901
DUTIES:
 Staff information desk at the busy Sunrise Visitor Center.
 Prepare and present formal interpretive programs: guided walks, evening programs, junior ranger
programs, and map talks in visitor center.
 Act as a lead for the Sunrise Visitor Center operations in absence of designated lead interpreter or
supervisor.
 Provide area operational and resource knowledge for staff when supervisor was new to the park.
 Performed a special detail for the education division in presenting a park geology seminar for local school
teachers.
 Conduct area training for new seasonal interpreters in Sunrise area.
 Conduct guided walks with volcanic geology and subalpine ecology themes, ranging 30 to 90 minutes in
length, with audiences ranging from 3 to 50 people.
 Create site bulletins with Adobe Creative Suite in accordance with NPS standardized graphical format.
Examples of my work include temporary trail signs, program schedules and announcements, interpretive
resource protection signs, and a detailed area map for trails and local facilities in the Sunrise VC area.
 Coordinate roving patrols in the area for park volunteers and ranger staff, when lead interpreter was not
present.
 Prepare and present 30-min guided walk, that was submitted and certified on the first attempt by the NPS
Interpretive Development Program (IDP), Conducted Activity, Module 210.
 Perform interpretive evening programs at campfire program (this program was certified by the NPS
Interpretive Development Program, interpretive talk, Module 103).
 Prepared and presented illustrated slide program Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater, which was
certified on the first attempt by the NPS Interpretive Development Program, illustrated program, Module
220.
 Rove meadow trails to educate and inspire visitors about protecting resources (not picking flowers,
staying on the trail etc.)
 Issue backcountry permits and educate visitors on minimum impact practices for wilderness use.
 Introduce prospective junior rangers to activity book; go over completed books with junior rangers and
award badges and certificates.
 Answer telephone inquires from visitors and other park staff.
 Handle stressful situations in busy mid-summer conditions with patience, perseverance, and friendliness.
 Seize opportunities for informal interpretation, particularly during orientation questions from visitors.
 Answer email and telephone inquires from visitors.
 Assemble and send out information packets in response to telephone or email inquires from visitors.
 Conduct cash register sales with cooperating association (NWIA) for book and map sales in visitor center.
 Assist with responding to medical emergencies, and SAR operations such as the evacuation of patient via
litter on rough terrain.
Interpretive Park Ranger (May 30, 2005-October 10, 2005)
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Sandi Kinzer (May Contact)
Sandi_Kinzer@nps.gov, (402)376-1901
DUTIES (In addition to duties listed above for Mount Rainier National Park 2006):
 Prepare and present 30-min guided walk, that was submitted and certified on the first attempt by the NPS
Interpretive Development Program (IDP), Conducted Activity, Module 210.
Interpretive Park Ranger (April 24, 2004-October 11, 2004)
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Sandi Kinzer (May Contact):
Sandi_Kinzer@nps.gov, (402)376-1901
DUTIES (In addition to duties listed above for Mount Rainier National Park 2005-2006):
 Prepared and presented illustrated slide program Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater, which was
certified on the first attempt by the NPS Interpretive Development Program, illustrated program, Module
220.
Interpretive Park Ranger (June 10, 2003-September 26, 2003)
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Ted Stout (May Contact)
(Ted Stout is now at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. He can be reached at
(208)527-3257 orTed_Stout@nps.gov )
DUTIES (In addition to duties listed above for Mount Rainier National Park 2004-2006):
 Perform interpretive evening programs at campfire program (this program was certified by the NPS
Interpretive Development Program, interpretive talk, Module 103).
Interpretive Park Ranger (June 3, 2002-September 21, 2002)
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Ted Stout (May Contact)
(Ted Stout is currently at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. He can be reached at
(208)527-3257 orTed_Stout@nps.gov )
DUTIES:
 Same as 2003-2006 duties list above
 Coordinate climbing rangers with University of Washington Department of Seismology to maintain the
seismometer at Camp Shurman.
 Participate in the interpretive exhibit planning and designing team for Sunrise Visitor Center.
 Staff information desk at the busy Sunrise Visitor Center.
Interpretive Park Ranger (June 4, 2001-September 22, 2001)
GS-0025-05, Seasonal, Full Time
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue east
Ashford, WA 98304
Supervisor: Lee Taylor (May Contact)
Lee_Taylor@nps.gov
(360)378-2240 (w)
DUTIES (In addition to duties listed above for Mount Rainier National Park 2002-2006):
 Same as 2006-2002, only located on the west district instead of the east side of the park.
 Conduct 45-minute guided walks with sub alpine ecology, geology, and park history themes.
 Perform outreach duties by staffing the Mount Rainier booth at the Washington State Fair.
 Issue climbing, collect climber user fee, check competency of climbing party, and advise climbing party of
current climbing and route conditions.
Engineering Geologist (February 1998-January 2000)
$17.00/hour, 50 hours/week
Cotton, Shires, and Associates Inc.
330 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Supervisor: William R. Cotton, Patrick O. Shires (408)354-5542, losgatos@cottonshires.com
DUTIES
 Conduct field geologic mapping and aerial photograph interpretation of landslide terrain in the San
Francisco Bay Area.
 Perform subsurface investigations via logging trench wall exposures, down-hole investigations, and
cuttings or core from drilling operations.
 Administer earthwork observation, compaction testing, and prepare as-built reports for landslide repair
projects.
 Peer review geotechnical reports, maps, and cross sections of proposed building sites for local
government agencies.
OTHER SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
 CPR and First Aid, valid through May 2016
 High-angle rope rescue training seminar, Mount Rainier National Park, June 2004
 Law Enforcement for the non commissioned ranger training seminar, Mount Rainier National Park, June
2004
 NPS BSAR (Basic Search and Rescue), 24-hour training course at Mount Rainier National Park, June 2003.
 Experience as field researcher for 4 major search and rescue incidents at Mount Rainier National Park.
 Valid California State driver’s license.
 General working knowledge of slide projectors, video projectors, and remote microphone amplifiers.
 Proficient carpentry skills and light maintenance of machinery and automobiles.
PUBLICATIONS
Willoughby, C.H., and Wesnousky, S.G., 1996, Quaternary fault movement on the northwestern side of the
Ruby Mountains / East Humboldt Range, northeastern Nevada: Eos Transactions, American Geophysical
Union, v. 77, No. 46, P. 462.
Willoughby, C.H., and Wesnousky, S.G., 1997, Character of Late Quaternary low angle (?) faulting on the
northwestern side of the Ruby Mountains / East Humboldt Range, northeastern Nevada: Western States
Seismic Policy Council Basin and Range Province seismic hazards summit, program and abstracts, Reno,
Nevada, p. 74.
Wesnousky, S.G, and Willoughby, C.H., 2003, Neotectonic note: The Ruby/East Humboldt Range,
Northeastern Nevada, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, vol. 91, p. 1345-1354.
OUTDOOR SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 I have owned two power boats in the past, and I am proficient in driving a vehicle with a boat trailer,
operating a watercraft in river and lake environments safely and competently. I am also good at routine
maintaining/fixing equipment and engine on board or in the shop.
 Snow skills: I have traveled by snowshoe in remote wilderness settings in the Sierra Nevada near Lake
Tahoe, ascending 10,000 foot peaks. I cross county and alpine skied in these mountains as well for over
20 years.
 In college, for a period of 2 ½ years, I was part of the Sacramento State Rowing Team. I passed mandatory
swim test, and I was trained in self-rescue for rowing shells and sculls. I rowed in boats ranging from 8
oared shells to single (one-person) sculls. These Olympic flat water boats require great skill and balance
to use, and I was able to win races with my ability to move these narrow boats through the water. These
skills would translate nicely to canoes and kayaks.
 I have recreational experience with kayaks and canoes in ocean and river environments. Some of my trips
included a journey down the Stanislaus River in central California for one day, and a 10-day ocean kayak
trip in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska
 I have experience traveling on glaciers for mountaineering on Mount Rainier. I have climbed he mountain
7 times.
 I have over 20 years of experience in backpacking and hiking in rugged mountain environments in Alaska
California, Colorado, Washington, and Nepal. Many of my journeys have been off maintained trails.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
 I have responded to search and rescue operations by serving as a ground search team leader for at
Olympic, Denali and Mount Rainier National Parks.
 I have responded to medical emergencies in my capacity as a ranger and outdoor educator, ranging from
anaphylactic reactions, lower leg injuries, seizure, lower back injuries, knee injuries, minor cuts and
scrapes, and patients experiencing cardiac chest pains in high altitude environments.
INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
 International travel (New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Nepal, India, and
Thailand)
 Backcountry hiking and climbing mountains.
 Inspiring nontraditional audiences to explore the outdoors in their public lands, such as performing
volunteer speaking engagements about national parks in urban areas to LGBT youth.
 I am drawn to Native American Indian spirituality and I participate in ceremonies when invited.
 Posting inspirational nature passages and photos on my personal social media.
 Yoga, fitness, wellness, natural foods.
 Podcast and video production on climate change and sustainability themes.
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Nichole Andler
Chief of Interpretation
Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
(775)234-7521
Nichole_Andler@nps.gov
Julia Pinnix
Visitor Services Specialist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
12790 Fish Hatchery Road
Leavenworth, WA, 98826
(509) 548-2915
Julia_Pinnix@fws.gov
Curt Jacquot
West District Interpreter
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
(360)569-6577
curt_jacquot@nps.gov
Sandi Kinzer
Chief of Interpretation
Niobrara National Scenic River
PO Box 319
Valentine NE 69201
402-376-1901
Sandi_Kinzer@nps.gov
Angelina Yost
Visitor Services Supervisor
Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
4701 North Torrey Pines Road
Las Vegas, NV 89130
(702)515-5453 (w)
(702)249-2158 (c)
Angelina_Yost@fws.gov
Ted Stout
Chief Interpreter
Craters of the Moon National Monument
PO Box 29
Arco, ID 83213
(208)527-3257
Ted_Stout@nps.gov
Amy LaVoie
Refuge Manager
Pahranagat and Moapa Valley NWR
PO Box 510
Alamo, NV 89001
(702)515-5225 (w)
Amy_LaVoie@fws.gov
Tom VandenBerg
Chief of Interpretation
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
PO Box 140
Gustavus, AK 99826
(907)697-2619 (w)
Tom_Vandenberg@nps.gov
Lee Taylor
Superintendent
San Juan Islands National Historic Park
4668 Cattle Point Road
PO Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360)378-2240 (w)
Lee_Taylor@nps.gov