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.

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.
Registered Professional Biologist

#3893

College of Applied Biologists

British Columbia

Text logo for the University of Alberta.
Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Conservation Biology

Department of Renewable Resources

University of Alberta

Text logo for the University of Saskatchewan.
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

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.

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.
A grizzly bear is standing in the middle of a grassy field.

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.

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.
Research Article

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.

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