Jessie Groninger

Graduate of SIUC Forestry (May 2024). Competent with chainsaws, mowers, weedeaters, and other small engines. Looking to work my way up in the wide world of natural resources.

Stewardship and Wildland Fire Training Fellow

The Nature Conservancy: Carterville, IL

10/24-present                       35 hours/week

• Utilized chainsaws on a regular basis for invasive species treatment and felled hazard trees to prepare prescribed fire burn units.         
• Serviced, maintained, and completed minor repairs on chainsaws on a regular basis. 
• Utilized hand tools, leaf blowers, and chainsaws to build and refresh fire lines.
• Utilized tree identification skills for invasive species removal.
• Utilized backpack and handheld herbicide sprayers to treat invasive species.
• Completed regular equipment and vehicle checks to ensure safety.
• Engaged in state-wide meetings within a global organization.
• Completed timesheets and filed expense reports.
• Completed various trainings, certifications, and courses to gain qualifications.
• Worked alongside partner agencies including Illinois Department of Natural Resources, US Forest Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Worked long hours in uneven and steep terrain in extreme weather conditions.
• Acted as a public safety liaison on a prescribed fire.

Assistant to Private Forestry Consultant

Roger Smith: Smith Tree Farms, Benton, IL

11/23-5/24                15 hours/week

• Assisted in management of student work crew including scheduling shifts and delegating tasks.            
• Worked independently, under supervision, and as part of a crew on landscaping and forestry projects.
• Received training in chainsaw maintenance, safety, and utilization in timber stand improvement projects.
• Utilized tree identification skills for timber stand improvement.
• Used hand tools including herbicide sprayers, loppers, handsaws, and spades to complete forestry and landscaping projects for clients.       
• Operated machinery including leaf blowers and mowers to complete landscaping projects for clients.    

Forestry Technician Intern

Missouri Department of Conservation: Eminence, MO.

6/23-8/23                  40 hours/week

• Managed, maintained, and populated data using MOFITS forest inventory program.
• Analyzed and interpreted data for use in 20-year forest management plans.

Synthesized 20-year forest management plans for conservation areas.

• Collaborated with team members and department foresters to complete forest inventory process across 1,000-acre conservation area. 
• Utilized tree identification skills, lumber grading skills, and silvicultural knowledge to assess timber stands.          
• Marked timber for uneven-aged management harvest with marking crew.               
• Navigated remote areas with both handheld navigation tools and GPS technology.   
• Completed Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Level 1 Fire Training.                                

Cedar Lake Seasonal Maintenance Technician: City of Carbondale, IL          

4/21-Present             40 hours/week                                                                     

• Provided public visitors with information on rules and regulations.
• Received chainsaw training including bucking and limbing, proper chainsaw maintenance, and safety requirements.
• Identified and removed invasive species on trails with hand tools.
• Maintained city properties with loppers, string-trimmers, and mowers.
• Inspected, cleaned, repaired, and maintained restrooms, signposts, buildings, and properties included in Cedar Lake management area.

Education:             

Bachelor of Science in Forestry        cum laude                 May 2024

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (SIUC) accredited by the Society of American Foresters with a Specialization in Forest Resource Management. 

Certifications and Achievements:

• Completed NWCG S-130, S-190, L-180 and Field Day to obtain Firefighter Type 2 Certification. (5/21)
• Completed S-212 Wildland Chainsaws course. (01/25)
• Completed S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior. (02/25)
• Acquired Illinois Herbicide Applicator license (11/24)
• Participated in Forest Service Engine training (11/24)
• Participated in prescribed fire preparation, ignition, and holding at Tall Timbers research institute. (3/23)
• Collaborated with IAA certified arborists to complete timber stand improvement work at Touch of Nature Environmental Center. (5/23)
• Participant in Society of American Foresters student chapter. Used herbicides and loppers for invasive species removal. (Fall 2020-Spring 2024)