Ashby Gale
[email protected]
(828) 545-3436
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS PROFILE
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Environmental Science
Cum laude, December 2013
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
FIELD EXPERIENCE
GIS Roads Analyst/Intern, The Wilderness Society, Sylva, NC Summer 2013
Performed geospatial analysis of road systems within the National Forests of Western NC in conjunction with the Forest Service and the 2013 Forest Plan Revision. Field work involved hiking roads to be considered for decommission, up to eight miles a day.
Ecotoxicology Researcher, Appalachian State University, NC Spring 2012
Collected data for the ecological health assessment of Laurel Fork in Watauga County, NC. Work involved fish shocking, metals analysis in water samples and sediments, coliform and pH sampling, and turbidity measurements.
Botanical Researcher, Carolina Vegetation Survey, UNC Chapel Hill, NC Summer 2010; 2013
Collected botanical data and performed survey methods for multistate database. The Carolina Vegetation Survey is a collaborative, multi-institutional research program designed to document the composition and status of the natural vegetation of the Carolinas for purposes of inventory, monitoring of environmental impacts, and assessment of conservation status.
Trail Crew Volunteer, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Boone, NC Fall 2009
Volunteered as a trail construction worker to reroute a section of the Appalachian Trail near Watauga Lake. Work consisted of removing small trees and rocks, grading a slope, and laying down sections of log to stabilize the newly constructed trail.
Botanical Surveying Assistant, WildLaw Inc., Nashville, TN Fall 2008
Assisted in the collection of data for a nonprofit environmental law firm. Research involved field work collecting a comprehensive species list of plants and ecological factors to consider before harvesting timber from National Forest lands.
Invasives Control Assistant, Western North Carolina Alliance, Asheville, NC Summers 2009-12
Aided in public education regarding removal of invasive plant species from tracts of land in Western North Carolina. Methods involved manual and chemical treatment of plants, followed with proper disposal methods. Work locations included sections of the Appalachian Trail and an ecologically significant wetland outside of Asheville.
Ecological Interpreter and Guide, Western North Carolina Alliance, Asheville, NC As Requested 1999-2013
Lead and supplied interpretive ecology hikes for the nonprofit organization, Western North Carolina Alliance. Hikes allowed the public to attend and become educated about the ecology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and human interactions with the environment.
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Environmental Education, Environmental Science Research, Toxicology, Botany, Ecology, Geology and Hydrogeology, Climatic Physics, Environmental Policy and Planning, Air Pollution Effects on Plants and People, Scientific Writing and Reports, Statistics, Calculus
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Program Specialist, Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, SC March 2014 to Present
Design and implement environmental education programs for school and extracurricular groups, as well as the general public; associated duties include staffing the Environmental Learning Center, providing expertise and knowledge in local ecology, flora, and fauna; maintain aquarium exhibits, monitoring water quality parameters for the overall health of the animals
President, National Residence Hall Honorary, Boone, NC Aug. 2012 to May 2013
Coordinated an executive board consisting of six members, and a general body population of around fifty students; conducted meetings and maintained order; revised and amended a constitution and policies according to Robert’s Rules of Order; represented ASU at the state, regional, and national level during legislative boardrooms.
Resident Assistant, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC Aug. 2011 to May 2013
Planned and executed programs for residents; enforced policy standards set by University Housing, managing police involvement when necessary; supervised 36 residents, facilitating conflict resolution; staffed front desk at least twice a week providing services such as amenities, room key-ins, and requested guidance; executed rounds of the residence hall, noting any policy violations or hazards to the hall
Front Sales Clerk, Wild Birds Unlimited, Asheville, NC May - August 2007, 2010, 2011
Operated cash register; handled interactions with the general public; provided detailed knowledge of bird behavior, habitats, and feeding styles; packaged birdseed and unloaded shipment pallets
Front Sales Clerk and Photo Lab Technician, CVS/pharmacy, Asheville, NC May 2008 – August 2010
Operated cash register; handled interactions with general public, providing customer service and guidance; processed photo film and operated machinery for film development; unloaded truck shipments and cycled product on shelves
ACCOLADES AND AWARDS
Rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America
Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow
Recipient of the Founder's Award
Published in Volume 3 of the Journal of Student Research in Environmental Science at Appalachian (JSRESA)
- Familiar with Ion Chromatograph analysis, Inductively Coupled Plasma spectrometer procedure
- Experience with Labconco Freezone freeze-drying apparatus and CEM Mars 230/60 Digester
- Practiced in conducting Fish Indices of Biotic Integrity
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with others
- Comfortable with employing public speaking skills in meetings and events
- Able to delegate work and manage time efficiently
- Experience with ArcGIS 10.1
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Environmental Science
Cum laude, December 2013
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
FIELD EXPERIENCE
GIS Roads Analyst/Intern, The Wilderness Society, Sylva, NC Summer 2013
Performed geospatial analysis of road systems within the National Forests of Western NC in conjunction with the Forest Service and the 2013 Forest Plan Revision. Field work involved hiking roads to be considered for decommission, up to eight miles a day.
Ecotoxicology Researcher, Appalachian State University, NC Spring 2012
Collected data for the ecological health assessment of Laurel Fork in Watauga County, NC. Work involved fish shocking, metals analysis in water samples and sediments, coliform and pH sampling, and turbidity measurements.
Botanical Researcher, Carolina Vegetation Survey, UNC Chapel Hill, NC Summer 2010; 2013
Collected botanical data and performed survey methods for multistate database. The Carolina Vegetation Survey is a collaborative, multi-institutional research program designed to document the composition and status of the natural vegetation of the Carolinas for purposes of inventory, monitoring of environmental impacts, and assessment of conservation status.
Trail Crew Volunteer, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Boone, NC Fall 2009
Volunteered as a trail construction worker to reroute a section of the Appalachian Trail near Watauga Lake. Work consisted of removing small trees and rocks, grading a slope, and laying down sections of log to stabilize the newly constructed trail.
Botanical Surveying Assistant, WildLaw Inc., Nashville, TN Fall 2008
Assisted in the collection of data for a nonprofit environmental law firm. Research involved field work collecting a comprehensive species list of plants and ecological factors to consider before harvesting timber from National Forest lands.
Invasives Control Assistant, Western North Carolina Alliance, Asheville, NC Summers 2009-12
Aided in public education regarding removal of invasive plant species from tracts of land in Western North Carolina. Methods involved manual and chemical treatment of plants, followed with proper disposal methods. Work locations included sections of the Appalachian Trail and an ecologically significant wetland outside of Asheville.
Ecological Interpreter and Guide, Western North Carolina Alliance, Asheville, NC As Requested 1999-2013
Lead and supplied interpretive ecology hikes for the nonprofit organization, Western North Carolina Alliance. Hikes allowed the public to attend and become educated about the ecology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and human interactions with the environment.
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Environmental Education, Environmental Science Research, Toxicology, Botany, Ecology, Geology and Hydrogeology, Climatic Physics, Environmental Policy and Planning, Air Pollution Effects on Plants and People, Scientific Writing and Reports, Statistics, Calculus
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Program Specialist, Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, SC March 2014 to Present
Design and implement environmental education programs for school and extracurricular groups, as well as the general public; associated duties include staffing the Environmental Learning Center, providing expertise and knowledge in local ecology, flora, and fauna; maintain aquarium exhibits, monitoring water quality parameters for the overall health of the animals
President, National Residence Hall Honorary, Boone, NC Aug. 2012 to May 2013
Coordinated an executive board consisting of six members, and a general body population of around fifty students; conducted meetings and maintained order; revised and amended a constitution and policies according to Robert’s Rules of Order; represented ASU at the state, regional, and national level during legislative boardrooms.
Resident Assistant, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC Aug. 2011 to May 2013
Planned and executed programs for residents; enforced policy standards set by University Housing, managing police involvement when necessary; supervised 36 residents, facilitating conflict resolution; staffed front desk at least twice a week providing services such as amenities, room key-ins, and requested guidance; executed rounds of the residence hall, noting any policy violations or hazards to the hall
Front Sales Clerk, Wild Birds Unlimited, Asheville, NC May - August 2007, 2010, 2011
Operated cash register; handled interactions with the general public; provided detailed knowledge of bird behavior, habitats, and feeding styles; packaged birdseed and unloaded shipment pallets
Front Sales Clerk and Photo Lab Technician, CVS/pharmacy, Asheville, NC May 2008 – August 2010
Operated cash register; handled interactions with general public, providing customer service and guidance; processed photo film and operated machinery for film development; unloaded truck shipments and cycled product on shelves
ACCOLADES AND AWARDS
Rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America
Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow
Recipient of the Founder's Award
Published in Volume 3 of the Journal of Student Research in Environmental Science at Appalachian (JSRESA)