As the Resource Assistants Program Liaison (August 2017-August 2018), I served as national contact for participants and stakeholders in the Resource Assistants Program, which is a national internship program that engages 150+ diverse Resource Assistants across the country in paid Forest Service positions. As the Community Engagement Resource Assistant (February 2016-August 2017), I focused on partnership development, data analysis, and communication, including support for the pilot year of the Resource Assistants Program.
Demonstrated Skills
Program management and partnership development
Data analysis, interpretation, and communication
Effective oral and written communication in a number of media, including: outreach emails; briefing papers; in-person presentations; press releases; blogs; communication plans; policy handbooks; and websites
Working as part of a diverse team of professionals, meeting deadlines and flexibly managing the changing priorities of a national office
Ability to self-start and self-direct on large projects, incorporating collaborator feedback in the process and adjusting plans as needed
Highlighted Accomplishments
Implemented and maintained Resource Assistants Program workforce development resources, including: a monthly newsletter; three online platforms; program guidance handbook; and monthly webinars featuring Forest Service employees that reached 100+ Resource Assistants each month
Allocated and tracked $7.5 million dedicated to youth and veterans projects that aligned with national priorities and provided employment opportunities for 2,100+ individuals in FY17 and FY18
Advocated for the Resource Assistants Program at the national level, both internally and externally, including speaking at the following events:
Partners Outdoors, RecX 2018: An annual national conference for public, private, and nonprofit entities focused on innovation in recreation;
The Corps Network Day of Service: An annual event for members of conservation corps across the country to connect with each other and with career opportunities;
Meetings with Forest Service leadership and program areas to promote the program internally and share targeted and curated guidance to continue growing the program's reach.
Organized and supported the first annual Resource Assistants Program in-person professional development training, which brought 102 Resource Assistants to D.C. for three days of workshops, discussions, and networking
Spearheaded and managed outreach that increased the number of organizations partnering with the Forest Service via a national youth and veterans work initiative from 194 to 224, surpassing 2017 program goals
Developed and implemented national survey integrating Forest Service volunteerism and visitation data with U.S. census data to identify five national priority areas for volunteerism growth
The U.S. Forest Service manages and protects 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands in 43 states and Puerto Rico. The agency's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Resource Assistants Program is a rigorous and immersive paid internship for individuals interested in natural and cultural resource careers. Resource Assistants are engaged through partner organizations but work under the supervision and coaching of Forest Service staff to complete critical agency projects.