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Rangeland Resource Science, B.S. | Class of
Catherine Trimingham
Forestry Technician
Employer: James L. Able Forestry Consultants, Inc.
Job description: I work with small landowners to sustainability manage their timber resources through the implementation of the California Forest Practice Rules. This includes assisting Registered Professional Foresters in layout of harvest plans in the field, conducting wildlife surveys, and communicating with Native American Tribes and various agencies (California Fish and Wildlife, CalFire, California State Water Resources Control Board, etc.) to ensure that California's valuable natural resources are both utilized and protected in an appropriate manner.
About Catherine
Why did you choose this program?
Soils are one of the most ubiquitous resources on the planet, they're literally everywhere! What attracted me to the Wildland Soils option of the Rangeland Resource Science program was the mind set of "digging deeper" and noticing how soils differ from place to place, depending on the geology, climate, flora and fauna, etc. of a given area. By taking all of the factors into account, we were encouraged to observe natural systems as a whole; as opposed to focusing on how to ameliorate specific issues within the ecosystem.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
The lab classes and field trips provided an opportunity for me to learn sampling techniques and how to operate various tools and instruments prior to entering the workplace. This allowed me to be confident in my abilities to conduct field work and produce reliable data for my employer. Having a basic understanding also helped me to know what questions to ask when trying to learn a new sampling method or how to operate equipment, and encouraged me to not be afraid of asking for further explanation when learning skills on the job. Having been required to take geology and botany classes also added to my confidence, and enabled me to identify rocks, trees, forbs, and grasses while at work.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
The small class sizes and relationships I was able to develop with my instructors, classmates, and advisor. I also enjoyed the variety of classes that I was able to take.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
You're only going to get as much out of the program as you're willing to put into it! It helped prepare me to feel like a strong candidate in both the private and government sectors of the Natural Resource Management Industry. It combines the science of analyzing the biotic and abiotic factors of a landscape, with the abundant knowledge from generations of land managers (Native Americans, foresters, ranch managers, etc.) to develop a better understanding of ecosystems. Not to mention, you get to see some amazing landscapes.