Andrew Walker
Shelbyville,IL
Summary
With a proven track record at Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District, I excel in sustainable agriculture and leadership development. Leveraging technical report writing and strategic planning, I've significantly enhanced soil quality and conservation efforts. My approach transforms challenges into achievements, focusing on ecological balance and community engagement. Known for commitment to helping clients remediate properties, educating public on current environmental issues and mentoring staff to success. Diligent in land management with solid background in resource conservation. Demonstrated success in implementing sustainable practices and promoting environmental stewardship. Proven ability to analyze ecosystems and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve conservation goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Resource Conservationist
Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District
07.2023 - Current
- Reduced soil erosion by designing and implementing streambank stabilization structures and riparian buffers.
- Conducted field inspections to evaluate compliance with environmental regulations and permit conditions.
- Educated the public on the importance of natural resource conservation through workshops, presentations, and outreach events.
- Restored native habitats, conducting vegetation surveys and implementing invasive species removal programs.
- Coordinated volunteer activities for community-based conservation initiatives.
- Promoted biodiversity with strategic habitat enhancements such as pollinator plantings and wetland restoration efforts.
- Preserved natural resources by developing and executing comprehensive conservation plans.
- Enhanced soil quality by implementing sustainable farming practices and erosion control measures.
- Collaborated with landowners to develop site-specific conservation plans, promoting resource sustainability and ecological balance.
- Monitored project progress to ensure alignment with established goals, budgets, and timelines.
- Reviewed permit applications for agricultural operations to ensure adherence to applicable environmental regulations and guidelines.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on emerging trends in the field of resource conservation.
- Improved water quality with targeted watershed management strategies and pollution prevention techniques.
- Developed strong working relationships with relevant government agencies, community organizations, universities, private sector partners to advance shared resource conservation goals.
- Provided technical support to private landowners on best management practices for conserving soil, water, air, wildlife habitats, and other related natural resources.
- Evaluated potential impacts of proposed land use changes on resource conservation objectives using GIS analysis tools.
- Gathered environmental data detailing water, air and soil contaminations.
Watershed Technician
Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Conducted regular site visits to inspect and survey environmental changes and monitor construction exercises.
- I was able to allocate all of the state funds and had to ask for additional $100,000 from another funding source to complete all of the proposed projects
- Used soil loss equations to design erosion control plans on 15 separate full scale conservation projects.
- Created plans and blueprints for irrigation, drainage and flood control systems.
- Used GPS, weather data and other computer modeling tools to provide advice on land pollution, water quality and soil conditions.
- Developed effective water management strategies for improved conservation and usage in agricultural settings.
- Evaluated the environmental impact of farming practices, recommending changes for long-term sustainability.
- Implemented precision agriculture techniques to maximize resource use efficiency and minimize waste.
- Researched emerging innovations within the field of agricultural engineering, staying up-to-date on industry trends for continuous improvement efforts.
- Enhanced soil quality through targeted erosion control measures and nutrient management strategies.
- Assisted farmers in adopting innovative technologies for enhanced productivity and profitability.
Volunteer Firefighter
Blue Mound Fire Department
03.2017 - 02.2022
- Enhanced teamwork among the crew by participating in regular weekly training sessions, drills, and exercises.
- Collaborated closely with fellow firefighters to ensure smooth communication and coordination during emergencies.
- Assisted in reducing property damage during fires with strategic placement of ladders, hoses, and other firefighting equipment.
- Administered first aid and conducted emergent response management.
- Minimized risk of accidents on scene by following established protocols regarding traffic control management.
- Strengthened firefighter skills through ongoing professional development opportunities such as attending workshops or conferences related to the field. Including Nationally recognized Tactical Emergency & Casuality Care
- Upheld high levels of readiness while on call, ensuring timely response to any potential emergencies.
- Supported strong relationships between the fire department and neighboring agencies through collaborative efforts during multi-unit training simulations.
- Improved community safety by conducting fire prevention presentations and distributing educational materials to local schools and organizations.
- Provided swift medical assistance to injured individuals on scene as a certified first responder until paramedics arrived.
- Served as a role model to aspiring firefighters through mentorship, training support, and sharing of professional experiences.
- Expedited emergency response times by maintaining accurate knowledge of local streets, roads, and landmarks.
Street Department Superintendent
Village of Blue Mound
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Reviewed design specifications critically for accuracy, identifying potential issues before they escalated into costly delays or rework situations.
- Resolved conflicts efficiently among team members, fostering a positive work environment that contributed to successful outcomes.
- Reviewed plans and inspected ongoing construction to keep work in line with project goals.
- Communicated effectively with clients throughout each stage of the project for transparency regarding progress updates as well as addressing any concerns raised promptly.
- Managed multiple simultaneous projects while maintaining strict deadlines and adhering to budget constraints.
- Established successful procedures for day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
- Collaborated with architects, engineers, and contractors to achieve seamless project execution.
- Supported project coordination and smooth workflow by coordinating materials, inspections, and contractor actions.
- Implemented safety protocols for reduced workplace accidents and improved employee wellbeing.
Intern
Pistorious Farms
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Operated various farm machinery including tractors, plows, and balers for efficient land cultivation and crop production.
- Collaborated with other farm workers to complete tasks efficiently according to established schedules and protocols.
- Contributed to overall farm efficiency by performing regular equipment maintenance and repairs as needed.
- Participated in seasonal harvest activities including picking fruits and vegetables, sorting produce, and preparing products for market sales or storage.
Intern
Head Brothers Land and Cattle
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Assisted in the construction or repair of fences, barns, sheds, or other infrastructure necessary for successful farm operation.
- Operated various farm machinery including tractors, plows, and balers for efficient land cultivation and crop production.
- Collaborated with other farm workers to complete tasks efficiently according to established schedules and protocols.
- Contributed to overall farm efficiency by performing regular equipment maintenance and repairs as needed.
- Conducted daily health checks on animals, swiftly identifying and addressing any signs of illness to maintain herd health.
- Assisted in birth of livestock, enhancing farm's productivity and animal well-being with skilled support.
- Erected and maintained fencing to protect crops and livestock from predators, ensuring farm security.
Code Welder/ Maintenance Technician
The Kelly Group
08.2016 - 09.2019
- Welded in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Maintained clean working environment by consistently organizing tools and equipment, promoting workplace safety.
- Demonstrated versatility in various welding methods including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core Welding techniques.
- Fabricated shop parts directly from blueprints.
- Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
- Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
- Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
- Enhanced welding quality by following precise welding procedures and maintaining proper equipment settings.
- Utilized blueprints and diagrams to compare finished products against design specifications.
Code Welder
Jacobs Engineering
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Welded in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
- Fabricated shop parts directly from blueprints.
- Maintained a safe working environment through strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Examined structure and texture of parts to detect imperfections.
- Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
- Removed and repaired unacceptable welds with air arc and grinder to meet quality guidelines.
- Completed welding projects using gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, plasma arc, and shielded metal arc equipment.
Code Welder/Journeyman Pipefitter
The Kelly Group
08.2013 - 09.2015
- Welded in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Maintained clean working environment by consistently organizing tools and equipment, promoting workplace safety.
- Demonstrated versatility in various welding methods including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core Welding techniques.
- Fabricated shop parts directly from blueprints.
- Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
- Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
- Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
Education
High School Diploma -
Central A&M High School
Moweaqua, IL05-2012
Skills
- Sustainable agriculture
- Land use planning
- Environmental education
- Endangered species protection
- Invasive species control
- Natural resource management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Water conservation techniques
- Native plant identification
- Conservation easement negotiation
- Soil conservation practices
- Compliance inspections
- Project management
- Relationship building and management
- Project coordination
- Construction supervision
- Relationship building
- Construction management
- Strategic planning
- Key decision making
- Subcontractor management
- Leadership development
- Site safety management
- Blueprint interpretation
- Organizational effectiveness
- Staff education and training
- Business planning
- Continuous improvement
- Welding
- Attention to detail
- Fabrication
- Critical thinking
- Equipment operation
- Tool repair and maintenance
- Sustainable farming techniques
- Equipment maintenance know-how
- Heavy equipment maintenance
- Tool and equipment maintenance
- Structural firefighting
- First aid certified
- Fire safety
- Medical equipment usage
- Basic life support
- Vital sign assessment
- Critical decision-making skills
- Patient stabilization
- Medication administration
- Accident response
Timeline
Resource Conservationist
Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District
07.2023 - Current
Watershed Technician
Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District
09.2021 - 07.2023
Street Department Superintendent
Village of Blue Mound
09.2019 - 09.2021
Intern
Pistorious Farms
08.2019 - 12.2020
Intern
Head Brothers Land and Cattle
08.2019 - 12.2020
Volunteer Firefighter
Blue Mound Fire Department
03.2017 - 02.2022
Code Welder/ Maintenance Technician
The Kelly Group
08.2016 - 09.2019
Code Welder
Jacobs Engineering
09.2015 - 08.2016
Code Welder/Journeyman Pipefitter
The Kelly Group
08.2013 - 09.2015
High School Diploma -
Central A&M High School
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