Nikole Bisjak
Sunshine Coast,QLD
Summary
Summary Motivated and hardworking individual with experience in sustainability, conservation, parks and environmental management, field research, monitoring, interpretation and planning. Having worked in numerous positions in the environmental sector my skills include environmental rehabilitation, research and monitoring, habitat restoration, creative problem-solving, and educational programming. Able to communicate effectively and positive team member, is a strong writer and project leader Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Personable Ranger actively pursuing an opportunity to leverage knowledge of resource monitoring and sample collection illustrated over years of experience. Highly skilled in supervising park visitors to maintain safety and adherence to rules. Accustomed to efficiently completing required documentation such as incident reports and collection data.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Natural Areas Technician
Evolve Environmental Solutions
- Revegetation and environmental regeneration specialising in natural areas restoration
- Carried out on-ground tasks related to sustainable natural areas planning and conservation management
- Duties included Weed, Pest and Disease control -Natural Areas Habitat creation -Large-Scale Planting operations -Erosion and sediment control -Bio-retention repairs and maintenance -Maintenance of native plant and species
- Report writing and toolbox research on safety in the field and plant ID
- Conducted site-specific Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) daily
- Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) maintenance of ponds -Waterbody maintenance -Rubbish management
- Supported conservation efforts by helping to monitor and assess health of wildlife and habitats.
- Supported reforestation efforts by planting trees on land which was logged, destroyed in forest fire or cleared by industrial use.
- Promoted reforestation by reintroducing grass and groundcover plants into area to prevent soil from being washed or blown away.
Ranger
Department Of Conservation
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Monitoring and protecting native flora and fauna and management of local species and ecosystems
- Assisting in conservation law compliance
Integrating Kaupapa Maori with conservation management - Assisting with search and rescue and medical evacuation operations
- Providing conservation education and interpretation
- Habitat restoration, revegetation, animal and plant pest management including wetland, alpine and forest restoration programmes, including trapping and monitoring
- Reporting and fulfilling work orders and objectives with reports and documents
- Maintenance and cleaning of campground facility, huts, day-use areas, and trails in rugged and remote terrain and forests
- Taking campground payments and reservations, patrolling campgrounds and day-use areas, checking compliance from guests: Preparing and issuing invoices, receipts for payments
- Providing advice, assistance, and backcountry information to visitors
- Maintaining the safety and quality of tracks, bridges, structures, and signs
- Oversaw volunteers and seasonal workers on assigned projects and inspected work for quality control, proper use of equipment and participant safety.
- Operated and maintained vehicles, tools and equipment to perform enforcement, patrol, construction and maintenance duties.
- Enforced rules and regulations to protect public and environment and issued citations for patterns of non-compliance or extreme violation.
- Investigated, documented and submitted incident reports for violations and code of conduct infringements.
- Developed and maintained accurate logs, reports and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
Interpreter and Dolphin, Guide
Boat Crew Dolphin Encounter
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Guide and engage with our guests and ensure memorable experiences while delivering excellent customer service
- Delivered engaging dolphin and whale interpretation programming with information on the native ecology, local geography, marine life, and sustainability practices to our guests
- Organized, cleaned, and fitted swimmers snorkelling equipment
- Delivered detailed safety briefing on boating, swimming, and snorkel safety
- Taught snorkelling lessons to guests -Recorded sightings and took photographs of whales in the area to assist the Department of Conservations ‘Research and Monitoring of Whales’ in the area
- Guided swim using visual and physical monitoring, communicating thoroughly and ensuring guests were safe in and out of the water
- Cleaned marine and main base facilities, washed and organised gear and equipment
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
- Communicated professionally with customers, answering questions and addressing concerns to boost satisfaction.
- Adapted to unexpected schedule changes by being flexible and adjusting itineraries to keep tours moving smoothly.
- Continued learning and updating knowledge about tour areas, culture and history to provide accurate, timely and exciting information to tour groups.
- Answered questions, pointed out important features and offered further details about special exhibits to educate visitors.
- Trained to handle medical issues and accidents to take appropriate action and promote safety and well-being of tour groups.
Program Manager
Into The Wild & Banff After School Club
01.2018 - 01.2019
- In charge of planning and delivering environmental education programming and outdoor school activities
- Plan monthly programming calendars
- Create detailed Daily Activity Plans
- Wrote monthly Newsletter for Parents
- Organise and prepare a snack for the children
- Supervised children in the classroom, outside and on field trip outings
- Build positive relationships with the children and demonstrate respectful, positive interactions with children and guide them within a caring and nurturing environment
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
Crew Leader
Alberta Jr Forest Rangers & Wildfire Management
03.2018 - 10.2018
- In charge of the supervision and direction of a sub-leader and crew of eight team members
- Wildfire management training gaining forest firefighting skills, brush clearing fire smarting, tree planting
- Conducted research and data collection for the AB government Fish and Wildlife Department, forestry management blocks, and wildfire districts
- Developed and implemented safety standards and procedures in work and activities our crew undertook
- Organizing and delivered training and evaluations for the crew, addressed and resolved issues with the crew, fostered collaboration and cooperation with staff
- Promoted team building and outdoor experiences through work projects, natural resource management and career awareness opportunities in Forestry and Wildfire Management
- Health and Safety was #1 priority in managing and mitigating our crew in and out of the firebase
- Trained employees in time management and proper ways to complete job duties.
- Monitored team members to verify work quality and address concerns.
- Communicated effectively with upper management, team members, and stakeholders to keep everyone informed.
- Instructed crew members in safe work practices and methods to reduce work-related injuries.
- Established and enforced policies and procedures to maintain high standards of work.
- Settled crew member disputes by addressing problems quickly and providing successful mediation.
- Cleaned and maintained tools, equipment and worksites.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols while operating machinery and equipment.
Interpreter, Presenter
Park Patrol Government of Canada
04.2017 - 10.2017
- Parks Canada, Banff National Park -Educate the public about Parks Canada’s wildlife and public messaging and connect with visitors in Banff National Park day-use areas
- Deliver roves/point duties in regard to the natural and cultural history of the park, specifically related to the needs of the wildlife in the park
- Communicate with dispatch about any compliance issues with guests or wildlife or bear interactions in the park
- Delivered interpretive programs in the park, interactive displays and activities for guests -Delivered and monitored the Xplorers Program for kids
- Assisted with Ecological Integrity Team Rodent Pika Monitoring and surveying of fauna
- Part of Immediate Response Team: Verdant Creek Fire Sunshine Village Closure
- Training Quality Visitor Experience Bear spray training Defensive Driving online Apprentice Interpreter Course Certification, Interpretive Guides Association CLC II/ OHS Level 1 Cultural Resource Management training
- Utilized active listening skills and cultural sensitivity to convey accurate interpretations.
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
- Answered questions, pointed out important features and offered further details about special exhibits to educate visitors.
- Utilized effective communication and problem-solving skills to quickly resolve visitor issues.
Natural Areas Technician
Park Host SeaChange Marine Conservation Society
03.2016 - 10.2016
- Island -Campaigning on environmental issues, restoration of the park, Blue Pheasant and wildlife habitat, Eelgrass restoration -Restoration and maintenance of newly planted native plants in the park; habitat regeneration, revegetation, research and monitoring in Tod Inlet Provincial Park and surrounding areas -Collaboration with local First Nations on projects and meetings -Assisted in delivering environmental programs to visitors and groups and coordinating volunteers with restoration in the park and surrounding areas -Helmsman of a boat used for seagrass bed restoration, conducted eelgrass transplanting in Genoa Bay, Vancouver Island
- Remote Sensing of Fish Populations -Nature Guide and Informational Host: Created educational displays and information boards in the visitor centre’s nature house, held guided tours to visitors in the park -In charge of Social Media for SeaChange; Facebook and Instagram, designed, created and posted interpretive signage and posters in the park
- Supported conservation efforts by helping to monitor and assess health of wildlife and habitats.
- Attended public events to provided information about forestry practices, conservation strategies and sustainability plans.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Canvasser/Fundraiser
Public Outreach
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Greenpeace Canada, Doctors Without Borders, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, , BC
- Campaigning for international charities, fundraising door to door and over the phone
- Processing donations
- Researching and collaborating on charity campaigns and inspiring the public about the organisations
- Presenting information to the public about the charities and organisations work and how they can help make a difference
- Developing a solid rapport and building relationships with community and stakeholders, engaging the public on the charities
- Responded to customer questions and objections to address concerns and build rapport.
- Met and exceeded daily and weekly targets to contribute to overall fundraising success.
Education
BA Social Sciences - Geography and Environmental Studies
My studies at the University of Victoria included focusing on Environment and Sustainability and Urban, Health and Development Geography. Completed the Clayoquot Sound Field school, with fieldwork in Ecology, Weather data collection, Sand Dune Surveying, Environmental Assessment and Management. Plant and Animal Identification, and Community Wildlife Reporting Project in the Community Engaged Conservation for the District of Tofino. Conducted a research project on safe and sustainable bike lanes with the City of Victoria. Completed Intro to Cartography, Maps and ArcGIS, Parks Management. Research and projects on Environmental Assessment and Marine Protected Areas. Chair member of the Society of Geographers for UVic and was on the Geography in Schools Program board.
Skills
- GIS Applications
- Resource Conservation
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Educational Outreach
- Forest Ecology
- Conservation Strategies Support
- Digital Mapping
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Team Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Program Reviews
- Guided Park Tours
- Park Regulations and Safety
Accomplishments
- Society of Geographers UVic: Chair member “Geography in Schools”
- Swan Lake Nature House: Helping the naturalists, creating arts and crafts, and setting up educational presentations for children
- Peninsula Streams Society: Environmental education; helping with invasive species pull while helping with the guidance of middle school children for the environmental event day “Creatures of Habitat”
Certification
-Manual Driver Licence -White Card Construction Safety Card Australia -Current First Aid and CPR -Operate and Maintain 4WD Vehicle training by Government of Alberta - Interpretive Guide Association Level 1 -Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate (Maritime) Canada -Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A) -Incident Command System ICS-100 Certification -Brush Saw training -Pleasure Craft Operator Boating Licence Canada -WHMS and OHS Training -Canadian Firearm Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) -Fire Ant Training
Languages
French
Elementary
Timeline
Ranger - Department Of Conservation
09.2021 - 05.2022
Interpreter and Dolphin, Guide - Boat Crew Dolphin Encounter
01.2020 - 01.2021
Crew Leader - Alberta Jr Forest Rangers & Wildfire Management
03.2018 - 10.2018
Program Manager - Into The Wild & Banff After School Club
01.2018 - 01.2019
Interpreter, Presenter - Park Patrol Government of Canada
04.2017 - 10.2017
Natural Areas Technician - Park Host SeaChange Marine Conservation Society
03.2016 - 10.2016
Canvasser/Fundraiser - Public Outreach
01.2014 - 01.2015
Natural Areas Technician - Evolve Environmental Solutions
University of Victoria - BA Social Sciences, Geography and Environmental Studies
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