Professional Experience
Registered Professional Biologist (RPBio)
Master of Sciences (MSc)
![Kaitlyn is walking along a gravel path with her back to camera. Fields of long yellow grass at her side and a large mountain in the distance with a glacier at it's top.](static\assets\experience_header.jpg)
Highlights
Stewardship Liaison
First Nations of the
Maa-nulth Treaty Society
Wildlife Biostatistician
Fish & Wildlife Branch
BC Ministry of Forests
Forestry Researcher
Natural Resources Canada
& University of Alberta
Education & Certification
![Text logo for the College of Applied biologists.](static\assets\cab-bc-logo.png)
#3893
College of Applied Biologists
British Columbia
![Text logo for the University of Alberta.](static\assets\uofa-logo.png)
Conservation Biology
Department of Renewable Resources
University of Alberta
![Text logo for the University of Saskatchewan.](static\assets\uofs-logo.png)
Environmental Science
College of Agriculture and Bioresources
University of Saskatchewan
Skills & Abilities
Statistics Software
R, SQL, ArcGIS/QGIS
Microsoft Office
Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
Project Management
Planning, implementing and managing projects, including operational programs, system development and research
Collaboration
Experience working with government, Indigenous communities, industry, and not-for-profit organizations
Policy Analysis
Experience interpreting and applying provincial and federal environmental legislation, regulations, policies and procedures
Data Analysis
Regression modeling, spatial analysis, risk modeling, data visualization, and summary statistics
Fieldwork
Biological sampling, forest inventory, mapping, species identification
Communication
Reports, proposals, briefings, presentations, meeting facilitation
Publications
(Click to Read)
Detailed Experience
![A large river flows between tree covered hillsides on the left and right.](./static/assets/experience_job_1.jpg)
Stewardship Liaison
First Nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society
June 2023-present
- Work in support of the five Maa-nulth Modern Treaty First Nations: Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations, t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government.
- Coordinate the development of a collective Maa-nulth Stewardship Network to monitor ecological, cultural and social values across the traditional territories and Treaty lands, including traditional use species, habitats, biodiversity, archaeological sites and abiotic indicators.
- Develop collaborative guidance for data management, emergency response and preparedness, and climate action.
- Secure funding through federal, provincial and non-profit sources to support Maa-nulth Nations' self-determined and self-governed stewardship projects.
- Support the analysis of and response to federal and provincial engagement initiatives related to natural resources and conservation.
- Draft technical and strategic reports and recommendations for Nation leadership and government partners.
Wildlife Biostatistician
Fish & Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Forests, Government of BC
April 2018 - June 2023
- Provided expert advice on wildlife and habitat stewardship and management activities.
- Supported stewardship decisions through data analyses, including population, harvest and mortality estimates.
- Interpreted and applied the Wildlife Act, and related regulations, policies and procedures, and the Species at Risk Act (Canada).
- Analyzed wildlife habitat data, wildlife ranges and habitat requirements to make recommendations on wildlife and habitat stewardship measures.
- Coordinated wildlife allocation and improved how Indigenous knowledge and feedback is incorporated into recommendations and decisions.
- Managed provincial projects and data systems for the collection, management, and distribution of wildlife and fish data and information.
- Collaborated on research projects for moose and caribou population trends and habitat assessments.
![Kaitlyn is smiling at the camera while standing amongst short trees.](./static/assets/experience_job_3.jpeg)
Forestry Researcher
Natural Resources Canada & University of Alberta
May 2014 - December 2016
- Designed and implemented field research projects for inventorying forest stands on Vancouver Island.
- Conducted biological sampling including plant species identification, measurements, mapping, and increment coring.
- Spatial point pattern analysis and regression modeling to assess the effects of competition and climate on tree spatial distribution and demographic rates (growth, mortality and recruitment).
- Data compilation and validation following national policies and standards.
- Presented research results through conferences, presentations, posters and reports.
Manager, Data & Licensing
Fish & Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Forests, Government of BC
October 2021 - October 2022
- Managed a multi-disciplinary team of 14 scientific, technical, policy, and administrative staff.
- Responsible for delegated decisions under the Wildlife Act and advised decision makers on statutory and non-statutory decisions.
- Interpreted and applied legislation, regulations and policies related to fish and wildlife management, hunting, angling, licensing, data collection and controlled alien species.
- Responsible for an annual budget of $850,000, including procurement, contract management, hiring, and assignment of work and priorities.
- Provincial lead for actions under the Together for Wildlife strategy.
- Oversaw provincial wildlife, hunting and angling data collection, management and system development.
- Engaged with Indigenous communities and local partners to address data, licensing and conservation concerns.
- Facilitated meetings with stakeholders and clients on wildlife issues.
Analytical Ecology Contractor
Natural Resources Canada
January - March 2017 & 2018
- Developed data models and risk maps for invasive species introduction and establishment, using spongy moth as a case study.
- Analyzed spatial data (e.g., land cover, weather, port locations, elevation) using R software and translated into risk indicators.
- Made recommendations for monitoring and mitigation measures.
- Self-directed project and time management.
Quality Laboratory Supervisor
Ocean Spray of Canada
August - December 2017
- Managed an agricultural laboratory, including supervising and training a team of 8+ employees, assigning and prioritizing tasks, scheduling staff and ensuring safety.
- Responsible for quality testing, maintaining quality standards and lab equipment, data compilation, and reporting.
- Worked with landowners and researchers to solve complex issues.
- Assisted in planning and conducting research projects and field work.
Entomology Research Assistant
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Summer 2012 & May-December 2013
- Designed, implemented, and managed agricultural field and laboratory research trials including weekly pest and crop assessments, data collection, insect rearing and microscope analyses.
- Developed methods for insect pest monitoring including trap design, placement, and pheromone use.
- Analyzed data and shared results to industry and government stakeholders through reports, field events and presentations.