Colleen G. Garcia
Winnetka, CA. 91306
818-***-**** Cell & 818-***-**** Home
Email: **************@*****.***
Objective
I am seeking to secure a challenging position where I can effectively utilize my extensive knowledge and various technical skills in Hydrology, Geology and Environmental Science including report writing, problem solving and researching. I enjoy the challenge of field data collection, processing and documentation.
Summary Profile
Over 6 years of professional EPA Geology field and report writing experience.
More than 3 years of professional EPA Gamma Scanning Survey experience.
Experienced more than 7 years in Natural Resources and Water Quality studies.
Highly motivated team player and detail oriented individual.
Education
M.S. Environmental Geology, California State University, Northridge, CA, 2010 Thesis title: "Assessment of surface water runoff and groundwater storability for recharge potential along the western upper canyon tributaries to the Los Angeles River in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California". Thesis Research advisor: Dr. Ali Tabidian.
B.A. Environmental Geography, California State University, Northridge, CA, 2004
A.S. Natural Sciences, College of the Canyons, Valencia, CA, 2002
Knowledge/Skills/Certificates
Skills
Groundwater, surface water and soil sampling
Soil logging
Land surveying
Readytalk operations
Sharepoint operations
Graphic Software
ESRI GIS Software
AutoCAD 2000
Rockworks 2006
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Rad Assist
MS Office Software
Word, Power-point, Access, Excel
Certificates
GIS Certified
Forklift Operator and Trainer
Search & Rescue
DOT IATA
Radiation Worker I
OSHA 40Hr HAZWOPER (2009)
OSHA 8Hr HAZWOPER (2012 Refresher)
Employment
May 2009 - May 2012 EPA Project Geologist and Supervisor: HydroGeoLogic, HGL Inc. Canoga Park, CA. Preston Butler Jr. 11107 Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, VA 20190 619-***-****
September 2009 - May 2012: Assigned under direction of USEPA as a Project Geologist at Santa Susana Field Lab (SSFL) to conduct a Radiological Characterization Study of AREA IV and Northern Buffer Zone (NBZ); My responsibilities as a Gamma Scanning Field technician included MARSIM surveying of the soil in rough terrain, using unprecedented Gamma Scanning Surveying equipment. Other duties included maintaining logbooks, maps, and associated annual and monthly Government reports; My extensive report writing included assisting in the following documents and reports: field sampling plans, site management, ARRA, budgeting, statements of work and job safety documents. Other technical data I documented and assisted with included task preparations, implementation and documentation of final reports. Skills specifically used for field tasks were Forklift Training & Supervising, air monitoring, soil logging, soil sampling and GIS mapping; Additional notable tasks included attending, presenting and coordinating Multi-Government Agency workgroups and community meetings. Project closure tasks include mobilization and demobilization tasks such as preparing of Government equipment transfers and maintaining associated management logs.
May 2009 - August 2009: Coordinated and assisted with pre-planning documents and meetings, preparations, implementation and completion of the EPA Radiological Background Study for HGL. Arranged and assembled all field equipment, office setup and supplies throughout the extent of the project. Conducted oversight of Government Agencies project site tours to public groups. Investigated over 200 possible sampling locations including assembly of parcel maps for the following data: accessibility, background radiation, air, groundwater, surface water and soil chemistry. Coordinated all documentation and permitting into difficult to access Government and privately owned land. Attended, presented and participated in multi-Gov't agency and community meetings.
August 2008 - May 2009 Hydrogeology Specialist EPA, DTSC, DOE, NASA, Boeing, Environmental Advocate Groups, Canoga Park, CA. Mary Aycock (EPA) 75 Hawthorne Street (SFD-8-2) SAN FRANSISCO, CA 94105 415-***-****
Arranged and assembled location maps for background radiation, chemical testing of soil, air and groundwater. Attended and participated in Multi-Gov’t agency, environmental group, stakeholder and community member meetings.
October 2005 - March 2008 Hydrogeology Specialist Mountains Restoration Trust, Calabasas, CA. Debbie Brushaber 3815 Old Topanga Canyon Road Calabasas, California 91302 818-***-**** x205
Coordinated different components of an Upper Los Angeles River Area (ULARA) recharge suitability assessment project. Collected and assembled environmental data at over 20 sampling locations. Developed and trained a volunteer teams for collecting water samples and associated water quality measurements and soil logging. Performed oversight to all water quality measurements and sampling, hydrological equipment calibration and maintenance, field data, logbook management, lab sample labeling, Benthic-Macro-Invertebrate samples and associated stream surveying by transect data collection. Reviewed and managed GIS and non-GIS data collection including hydrogeology documents, lab results, and final reports. Created, prepared, reviewed and coordinated field sampling plans, data management, lab reports, equipment storage logs, safety documents, monthly sampling reports, quality assurance plans and final result reports. Assisted with GIS mapping and map preparations for reports. Coordinated project related DWP events and meetings. Performed all public, Gov't and local event presentations; including equipment and water quality test demonstrations for local Los Angeles area young adults interested in environmental careers. Local District, County and associated Government agencies providing grants to enable the completion of the project.
November 2004 - January 2006 Student Cartography Assistant Dr. Ali Tabidian: Cal State University, Northridge, CA. 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8266 818-***-****
Prepared a series of cross section location maps to provide the following: chemistry, environmental and well sampling locations, topography information and street names within a boundary. Cartographic problem-solving for wells, elevations and text placement; edit and manipulate text to improve readability. Prepared and assembled Excel chemical contaminant tables and graphs.
February - June 2006 Student Teacher Assistant Dr. Karen Savage: Cal State University, Northridge, CA. 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8266
Conducted and assisted instruction in Laboratory portion of physical science for teachers' undergraduate course. Advised and mentored students in course material and careers in science. Graded and corrected all quizzes and tests in laboratory portion of course. Performed data entry using Excel spreadsheets for maintaining of student’s grades.
October 1993 - May 1999 Dual Retail Store Manager VP Discount Health Foods, North Hollywood, CA. Stephen Hong Owner 13023 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 818-***-****
Performed oversight and management duties at two store locations in Los Angeles. Coordinated employee schedules and duties. Performed new hire interviewing, and training. Maintained monitored and reviewed dual store inventory log sheets. Coordinated product knowledge training and demonstrations. Performed and coordinated emergency earthquake cleanup and store reassembly. Completed new store opening preparations including inventory display advertisement, scheduling and assemblies.
Professional Associations and Memberships
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) member 2008 - 2009
American Water Works Association (AWWA) member 2005 - 2009
Groundwater Resources Association (GRA) member 2005 - 2009
National Ground-Water Association (NGWA) member 2004 - 2009
Math Engineering and Science Association (MESA) at College of the Canyons 2002 Official Treasurer 2000-2002
NCAA Athlete California State University Northridge Waterpolo Team Player Division-1 2002-03
NCAA Athlete College of the Canyons Waterpolo Team Player Division-C 1999 – 2002
Professional Awards
EPA-HGL Gamma Scanning Team Participation Award
College of the Canyons Waterpolo player: most inspiring player award
California State University Northridge Waterpolo team coach's award
References
- Preston Butler Jr -NUCLEAR ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY & HEALTH PHYSICIST
HydroGeoLogic HGL Inc.
*******@***.***
5800 Woolsey Canyon Road
Canoga Park, CA 91304. Telephone: 619-***-****
- MARY AYCOCK - SUPERFUND REMEDIAL PROJECT MANAGER U.S. EPA
75 Hawthorne Street (SFD-8-2)
SAN FRANSISCO, CA 94105. Telephone: 415-***-****
******.****@*******.***
- Gregg Dempsey -: Senior Science Advisor U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
4220 S. Maryland Parkway, Building C
Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. Telephone: 702-***-****
*******.*****@***.***
- Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation - available upon request