Christopher Leigh
Emporia
Summary
Resourceful forester with hands-on experience in sustainable forest management, conservation practices, and wildfire prevention strategies. Skilled in conducting harvest inspections on logging jobs and implementing best management practices. Demonstrated ability to work with landowners, loggers, and consultants in achieving reforestation goals and improving ecosystem health. Organized and self-directed with great communication skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Area Forester
Virginia Department of Forestry
Emporia
06.2023 - Current
- Reviewed applications for permits related to tree harvesting or replanting activities.
- Identified, mapped, and monitored vegetation types, wildlife habitats, water resources, timber stands, and other natural resources.
- Implemented forest surveys to collect data for reports and recommendations.
- Provided community education on trees, benefits and program operations.
- Organized public outreach events about the importance of sustainable forestry practices.
- Provided technical advice and assistance to forest landowners and managers on forest management plans.
- Analyzed data from remote sensing devices such as aerial photographs and satellite imagery.
- Performed silvicultural treatments such as prescribed burning.
- Prepared reports summarizing data collected during field visits.
- Inspected logging sites to ensure that best management practices are being followed.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Operated equipment and machinery like bulldozers and chainsaws according to safety guidelines.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Conducted routine maintenance and repairs on mechanical systems and industrial equipment.
Server
The Fat Canary Restaurant
Williamsburg
07.2016 - 01.2023
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Served food and beverages to patrons and confirmed complete orders.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Provided insights into menu offerings for guests with food allergies.
- Coordinated and set up tables to enhance customer experience.
- Cleared and prepared tables to maintain a presentable dining area.
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
Neighborly Lawn Care
Self-employeed
Williamsburg
06.2018 - 08.2022
- Created and promoted lawn care business
- Delegated and assisted with tasks related to landscaping, lawn cultivation and tree pruning.
- Maintained and operated lawn care equipment such as mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, and hedge clippers.
- Scheduled appointments with customers for lawn care services.
- Coordinated with customers regarding their desired lawn care services.
- Enhanced client retention by delivering exceptional service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Forestry
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA05-2023
High School Diploma -
Lafayette High School
Williamsburg, VA06-2018
Skills
- Best management practices
- Inventory management
- Technical advisory
- Safety compliance
- Research and data collection
- Remote sensing analysis
- Prescribed burning
- Fire prevention techniques
- Forest management
- Tree identification
- Physical fitness
- First aid and CPR
- Chainsaw safety
- Forest certification standards
- Data collection
- Forest Measurements
- Fire suppression
Certification
- Class B CDL holder
- Advanced Tractor - Plow Operations
Affiliations
2018 – 2023 TAU KAPPA EPSILON FRATERNITY, VIRGINIA TECH
- Mentor younger members of the fraternity in relation to academics, social priorities, and Greek life
- Enhance and motivate positive relationships and attitudes toward brotherhood
2017 - 2019 Volunteer
Williamsburg Community Chapel, Williamsburg, VA
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
2017 - 2019 Youth Leader Volunteer
Williamsburg Community Chapel, Williamsburg, VA
- Provided guidance and support to all participants to promote memorable experiences.
- Led a small group of 7th grade boys in 2017 and a group of 8th grader boys in 2018.
- Went on mission trips to many different states and once to Nicaragua.
2014 - 2017 Volunteer
Ducks Unlimited, Williamsburg, VA
- Assisted with special events by selling tickets and running booths.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Helped setting up and shutting down private events for members.
Timeline
Area Forester
Virginia Department of Forestry
06.2023 - Current
Neighborly Lawn Care
Self-employeed
06.2018 - 08.2022
Server
The Fat Canary Restaurant
07.2016 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Forestry
Virginia Tech
High School Diploma -
Lafayette High School
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