Kristin Cooper
Year Graduated: 
2015
Soil & Vegetation Project Manager (SVPM)
Mendocino County Resource Conservation District

Job description

I write Conservation Carbon Farm Plans; perform in-field soil and vegetation sampling; write soil analysis reports for sample data; design new demonstration field trials; assist MCRCD team with ongoing applications for soil health-related grants; manage soil grants; provide technical assistance to partners and landowners; create and manages databases; assist with updating and managing the www.soilhub.org website and online communications via social media sites and e-newsletters; create and manage ArcGIS data and maps; organize soil health events and outreach; and report on all activity.

Why did you choose this program?

I started as an Environmental Science Major with a focus in Ecological Restoration. After getting half-way through the Environmental Science program I was introduced to Soil Science and Susan Marshall. The Rangeland Sciences major with emphasis in Wildland soils provided me with a career path that aligned with the work I wanted to do, applied ecology.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

The program provided me with a tremendous amount of field experience related to soils and vegetation. The knowledge provided was above-adequate for a smooth transfer into the professional world, and I was able to exceed expectations from my first Rangeland technician position. Having the combination of skills Rangeland Management provided me helped to make me a competitive candidate with the ability to be a lead project and program manager on large scale projects.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The challenge prepared me for the real world. Coming from a city, and changing my major, I started my studies in Rangeland management challenged by a lack of experience and knowledge of rangeland management. The way the program was able to take me from zero to 100 is a true testament of a well-structured program. I was not a straight A student, but that was not because I did not try, it was because the content is challenging. I enjoyed the challenge because I knew I was learning, and now I look back and see the great value in every single class.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

For Range and Soils there are endless opportunities, from seasonal field work to full-time project management positions. Do not underestimate the importance of technical skills and project management. I found it helpful to have good writing skills, GIS, use of technology and media, and ability to adapt and learn quickly. If you are interested in soils, the HSU program will give you many tools that you will use throughout your career. Remember to volunteer, show up to public meetings, always write cover letters, and network.

Other comments?

After four years of experience in Rangeland Management, I am going to graduate school at the Woodrow Wilson Academy of Teaching and Learning for a Master's of Education and a credential for teaching high school biology. The Academy is in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is associated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is an incredibly competitive program, with a 1:1 student to teacher ratio, and it was the unique background from HSU soils and rangeland program that helped me to achieve this position. I will continue to be involved in rangeland and soils through local politics and consulting work. I greatly look forward to sharing my experiences with our youth.

I love HSU, Soils & Range, and am always striving to live by the HSU Pledge. “I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

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