Technical Service Provider Resume

  Deborah E Perkins
54 Chickadee Lane
Poland, ME 04274
Phone: (207) 312-1503
Email: deb@firstlighthabitats.com

Can speak Spanish: No
TSP Type: Individual TSP
 
 
  B - Associated Companies/Agencies
Business NameBusiness Id 
 
  C1 - Relevant Accreditation/Licenses
Certifying OrganizationStateCertification DescriptionLicense NumberExpiration Date
 
  C2 - Organic Qualification
Organic Qualification
 
  D - Education and Training
Institution NameArea of StudyDegreeCompletion Date
Sterling CollegeNatural Resource ManagementA.A.05/15/1993
The University of MontanaWildlife BiologyB.S. 05/12/1997
University of MaineZoologyM.S.12/17/2004
 
  E - Relevant Work Experience
DateDescription
05/28/2013Wildlife Biologist, TSP, and Sole Proprietor: First Light Wildlife Habitats (formerly First Light Consulting). Poland Spring, Maine. As a Technical Service Provider I develop Fish & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Activity Plans for private landowners enrolled in NRCS programs. I produce a high quality product tailored to the interests of the landowner and the unique features of their property. Since 2011 I have developed wildlife habitat plans for a variety of NRCS Practices including Invasive Species Control, Riparian Buffer, Tree & Shrub Site Prep & Establishment, Nesting/Roosting Boxes, Snag Creation, Early Successional Habitat, Mowing Practices, Mast Tree Release, and Thinning for Wildlife. Focal Management Species have included: white-tailed deer, bats, forest songbirds, scrub-shrub birds, beaver, Woodcock, hawks, owls, bluebirds, and grassland birds. I have also designed habitat plans for pollinators as focal management species by promoting and establishing select native grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees that are important seasonal sources of pollen and nectar for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Specifically, I have designed habitat plans that improve nesting habitat for bumblebees, ground-nesting bees, and wood-nesting bees. In addition, I have developed detailed plans to restore degraded sites and create habitat for native pollinators through plantings and the long-term establishment of a diversity of perennial forage plants and native grasses.
09/12/2011Wildlife Habitat Planning Program Director at Biodiversity Research Institute.Developed Fish and Wildlife Conservation Activity Plans for private landowners enrolled in NRCS programs. Authored grant proposals for wildlife habitat planning, conservation, and outreach projects.
01/01/2010Wildlife Consultant, Technical Service Provider, and Sole Proprietor: First Light Consulting & Contract Services. New Gloucester, Maine. Independently fulfilled contracts for a variety of clients and services. Services included: 1) Wildlife plans, surveys & assessments for private landowners, 2) Clear, concise interpretation, translation & analysis of science, policy, & natural resource issues, 3) Writing & editing of technical reports, and 4) Development & review of outreach materials. Clients included The Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands/the Northeast Master Logger Certification Program, the Biodiversity Research Institute, Emory University, and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
05/13/2002Graduate Research for M.S. in Zoology. Independently developed study design, generated research funds, and performed research for M.S. thesis project in the eastern Canadian Arctic (a behavioral and ecological study of a shorebird, the Ruddy Turnstone). Coordinated field logistics for Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) remote Arctic field camp (camp leader). Worked on a study of the breeding behavior and body condition of seabirds in the High Arctic as a member of a CWS research team.
09/03/2001Graduate Research Assistant: University of Maine Orono, Maine. Performed laboratory experiments for a study of the behavioral and physiological differences in migratory strategies of two species of warblers. Mist-netted, banded, and collected blood samples from passerines in Maine and Manitoba.
06/01/2000Wildlife Biologist: U.S Fish & Wildlife Service Old Town, Maine. Independently conducted weekly point counts of breeding birds (by sight and/or sound), particularly Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Compiled results and wrote a full report to aid in management decisions for salt marsh habitat restoration project. Identified shorebirds during fall migration and estimated flock sizes for habitat suitability assessment.
05/01/2000Research Consultant: Marine Environmental Research Institute, Blue Hill, Maine. Advised investigators in study design and research methods for a pilot study on harbor seal ecology. Supervised field logistics and reconnaissance work at study site. Collected reproductive and behavioral data on large seal colony during pupping season. Recorded time budget data on mother-pup pairs. Collected scat samples on ledges for diet composition analysis. Researched fish ecology and abundance in the Gulf of Maine and suggested sampling protocols for foraging study.
05/10/1999Seabird Researcher: US Fish & Wildlife Service, Milbridge, Maine. Researched productivity, chick provisioning rates, and prey utilization of a large seabird colony for the Gulf of Maine Seabird Restoration Project. Trapped and banded Arctic, Common, and Roseate Terns. Censused nesting seabirds, banded Atlantic Puffins and Black Guillemots, conducted daily bird surveys, determined age classes of eider ducklings, and re-sighted nasal-marked eider hens. Implemented gull control measures to facilitate tern recovery efforts.
05/18/1998Biological Technician: The National Park Service Katmai National Park, Alaska. Conducted behavioral research for Coastal Brown Bear-Human Interaction Study (results from this study formed the basis for park management decisions regarding ecotourism and bear-human conflicts). Collected data on foraging ecology, social behavior, bear-human interactions, bear viewing, and aircraft activity with the use of palm-top computers, behavioral research software, and high powered scopes (350+ total hours of independent observation).
06/02/1997Wildlife Biologist: The Hornocker Wildlife Institute, Bozeman, Montana. Supervised research on 200 mi2 study area for New Mexico Black Bear Ecology Study. Trapped, immobilized, and radio-tracked bears to collect population and habitat suitability data. Navigated through mountainous terrain to remote winter dens and collected reproductive and survival data on adults and offspring. Employed seasonally: one trapping season (summer) and two den seasons (winter).
05/20/1996Field Technician: The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team Bozeman, Montana. Assisted in trapping, handling, and radio-collaring grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for a study of population status and trend, habitat use, diet, and the effects of land management practices. Assisted in the design of non-intrusive population monitoring techniques for hair collection and DNA analysis.
06/01/1995Wildlife Biologist, Technician, & Intern: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Bangor, Maine. Conducted field research for bear population monitoring project, lynx conservation project, and endangered and threatened species projects throughout Maine. Trapped and immobilized black bears, visited winter dens to collect reproductive and survival data, and leg-hold trapped foxes, coyotes, and lynx. Conducted pioneering research on the endangered New England Cottontail rabbit by determining presence or absence at historically occupied sites. Assisted in Peregrine Falcon release program and monitored fledglings. Authored American Woodcock research progress report to the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Interpreted aerial photos. Established landowner contacts and educated the public regarding departmental concerns. Employed seasonally and intermittently from 1995-2001.
01/04/1993Intern: University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee. Worked closely with graduate students in the field and laboratory to collect reproductive and survival data for a long-term black bear study of population dynamics in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Independently operated radiotelemetry equipment to locate den sites.
 
  F - Familiarity with NRCS Guidelines, Criteria, Standards, and Specifications
Description
I have completed necessary NRCS training and have satisfied the criteria established for TSP certification. I have an extensive and diverse background in wildlife sciences with over 15 years of experience.
 
  F1 - NRCS Conservation Planning Training Requirement
Description
I have received NRCS Training Modules or equivalent
 
  F2 - NRCS TSP Orientation
Description
I have received the TSP Orientation Modules and Exam
 
  G,H - Technical Services This TSP is Certified to Perform
StateCategoryTechnical Services
 
  I - States and Counties This TSP Provides Technical Services In
StateCounties Where Technical Services Are Provided