Michael Pero is an outdoor professional with a history in commercial guiding in the western United States. In his early collegiate career he pursued a degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership through Feather River College (where he was named student of the year for is major in 2015) and Southern Oregon University. He then went on to lead a diverse clientele in the outdoors through commercial guiding in California, Utah, and Idaho (where he was named employee of the year in 2018 by his coworkers at Cascade Raft and Kayak). Throughout his professional work in our public lands he traveled from the raging rivers of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the canyons of the Colorado Plateau and many places in between. In these regions he developed an overwhelming appreciation and love for the ecosystems that allow us to enjoy an exceptional quality of life. His focus has now shifted to work for the environment full time by first pursuing a degree in environmental science and management with a focus in ecological restoration at Humboldt State University (anticipated graduation Spring 2022) and then joining the workforce to contribute in any way possible to the responsible management and conservation of our natural resources. Michael holds current certifications in First aid/CPR/AED and as a Wilderness First Responder. In his free time he volunteers with the Redwood Region Audubon society and California State Parks to remove invasive plants and noxious weeds with a hand tools. He also volunteers with the Humboldt State University Herbarium to transcribe labels as part of the statewide "Capturing California's Flowers" project.
Resume'
Objective: To gain employment where I can build on my professional skills and work ethic in environmental science.
Professional Summary
• I have a professional history with commercial outdoor recreation and am enthusiastic about sharing my love for the outdoors with others. Much of my work experience has included professional guiding in rafting, kayaking, and canyoneering. These positions required frequent critical thinking, risk management decisions, and leading groups in the outdoors. I have been a steward of the environment for several years and am now looking to advocate in a more hands-on, scientific way.
Skills
• Basic ArcGIS skills, data entry, data collection using a handheld receiver
• Basic QA/QC
• Microsoft Office
• Backcountry navigation using GPS and map/compass
• Invasive plant/noxious weed removal with hand tools and weed eaters
• Basic trail maintenance with hand tools
• Familiarity with R
• Plant identification using field guides and dichotomous keys
• Wilderness First Responder (3/18/22)
• Whitewater Raft Guide and Kayak Instructor
• Canyoneering Guide
• Experienced technical rock climber and whitewater kayaker
• Backcountry skiing
• Group management of a wide range of demographics
• Risk management
• Operation of 4WD trucks, and trailers
• Strong organizational and communications skills
References
• Kenneth Long
Work/cell phone: (208)793-2221
[email protected]
-Owner and operator of Cascade Raft and Kayak
-Employer and mentor
• Laura Dahl
Cell phone: (585)957-6574
[email protected]
-Guide Coordinator at Zion Adventure Company. Risk Management department.
• Erin Jamroz
Cell phone: (303)842-1979
[email protected]
-Guide Coordinator at Zion Adventure Company. Risk Management department.
Education
• Humboldt State University (2020-present, GPA: 4.0)
o Major: Environmental Science and Management (Ecological Restoration)
- Coursework includes general Botany, Chemistry, Biostatistics, Natural Resource Conservation, and Geospatial Concepts
• Southern Oregon University (2017-2018, GPA: 3.5)
o Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Adventure Leadership
- Coursework included project planning, development, management, and budgeting as well as teaching lesson plans that I developed for students, community members, and other schools in the community.
• Post 99 Wildland Fire Academy (2010-2011)
o Wildland Firefighting
- Coursework included creating and maintain trails and fire line using pulaskis, shovels, and mcleods as well as relevant coursework necessary for earning a Firefighter II red card certification.
• Thousand Oaks High School (2007-2011)
Work History
Canyoneering Guide, February 2019 to March 2020 (40+ hours per week)
Zion Adventure Company- 36 Lion Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
• Participate in professional training opportunities regularly
• Work collaboratively with fellow guides and guide management
• Facilitate half- and full-day canyoneering, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking trips as well as courses
• Create a safe, fun, and educational atmosphere
• Build, evaluate, and manage a wide variety of anchor and rope systems
• Teach students basic to advanced technical skills
• Wash, repair, and maintain guide equipment
• Build a comprehensive knowledge base of the roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding areas
Ski Demo Technician, December 2018 to February 2019 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Mt. Bachelor Ski Area- 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702
• Adjust skis/bindings to customers specifications and desires
• Educate customers about pertinent information related to outdoor gear
• Maintain current knowledge of outdoor recreational gear and give recommendations for gear best suited to customers abilities and goals
Whitewater Rafting Guide and Kayak Instructor, May 2018 to September 2018 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Cascade Raft and Kayak- 7050 ID-55 Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
Duties:
• Whitewater river guide, kayak instructor, and shuttle driver
• Ensure a safe and fun trip for customers down class III and IV whitewater
• Make frequent risk management decisions
• Prepare meals for the duration of trips
• Educate customers of basic river safety, local history, and Leave No Trace principles
Lead Lift Operator, January 2018 to May 2018 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area- 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93547
• Operated chair lifts safely for customers to ride
• Supervise other lift operators to ensure everyone was operating in a safe, consistent manner
• Endure eight-hour shifts (or longer) standing in variable winter weather for the benefit of customers
Whitewater Rafting Guide and Kayak Instructor, June 2017 to September 2017 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Cascade Raft and Kayak- 7050 ID-55 Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
Duties:
• Whitewater river guide, and shuttle driver
• Ensure a safe and fun trip for customers down class III and IV whitewater
• Make frequent risk management decisions
• Prepare meals for the duration of trips
• Educate customers of basic river safety, local history, and Leave No Trace principles
Sales Associate, November 2016 to April 2017 (40+ hours per week)
Mountain Provisions- 27 N Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520
• Educate customers about pertinent information related to outdoor gear
• Issue regional snow park parking permits
• Maintain current knowledge of outdoor recreational gear
Volunteer Work
Organization
• Redwood Region Audubon Society (October 2020 – Present)
- Duties: Remove invasive plant species/noxious weeds including scotch brush, fennel, and pampas grass along the bike path in Eureka using a variety of tools and replace them with native plant species
• Humboldt State University Herbarium (December 2020 – Present)
- Duties: Label transcription of documented plants into an online database as part of the statewide Capturing California’s Flowers grant program.
• California State Parks (December 2020 – Present)
- Duties: Remove invasive plant species such as English Ivy using hand tools.
Honors
Professional Summary
• I have a professional history with commercial outdoor recreation and am enthusiastic about sharing my love for the outdoors with others. Much of my work experience has included professional guiding in rafting, kayaking, and canyoneering. These positions required frequent critical thinking, risk management decisions, and leading groups in the outdoors. I have been a steward of the environment for several years and am now looking to advocate in a more hands-on, scientific way.
Skills
• Basic ArcGIS skills, data entry, data collection using a handheld receiver
• Basic QA/QC
• Microsoft Office
• Backcountry navigation using GPS and map/compass
• Invasive plant/noxious weed removal with hand tools and weed eaters
• Basic trail maintenance with hand tools
• Familiarity with R
• Plant identification using field guides and dichotomous keys
• Wilderness First Responder (3/18/22)
• Whitewater Raft Guide and Kayak Instructor
• Canyoneering Guide
• Experienced technical rock climber and whitewater kayaker
• Backcountry skiing
• Group management of a wide range of demographics
• Risk management
• Operation of 4WD trucks, and trailers
• Strong organizational and communications skills
References
• Kenneth Long
Work/cell phone: (208)793-2221
[email protected]
-Owner and operator of Cascade Raft and Kayak
-Employer and mentor
• Laura Dahl
Cell phone: (585)957-6574
[email protected]
-Guide Coordinator at Zion Adventure Company. Risk Management department.
• Erin Jamroz
Cell phone: (303)842-1979
[email protected]
-Guide Coordinator at Zion Adventure Company. Risk Management department.
Education
• Humboldt State University (2020-present, GPA: 4.0)
o Major: Environmental Science and Management (Ecological Restoration)
- Coursework includes general Botany, Chemistry, Biostatistics, Natural Resource Conservation, and Geospatial Concepts
• Southern Oregon University (2017-2018, GPA: 3.5)
o Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Adventure Leadership
- Coursework included project planning, development, management, and budgeting as well as teaching lesson plans that I developed for students, community members, and other schools in the community.
• Post 99 Wildland Fire Academy (2010-2011)
o Wildland Firefighting
- Coursework included creating and maintain trails and fire line using pulaskis, shovels, and mcleods as well as relevant coursework necessary for earning a Firefighter II red card certification.
• Thousand Oaks High School (2007-2011)
Work History
Canyoneering Guide, February 2019 to March 2020 (40+ hours per week)
Zion Adventure Company- 36 Lion Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
• Participate in professional training opportunities regularly
• Work collaboratively with fellow guides and guide management
• Facilitate half- and full-day canyoneering, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking trips as well as courses
• Create a safe, fun, and educational atmosphere
• Build, evaluate, and manage a wide variety of anchor and rope systems
• Teach students basic to advanced technical skills
• Wash, repair, and maintain guide equipment
• Build a comprehensive knowledge base of the roads, hikes, canyons, and hidden secrets of Zion National Park and the surrounding areas
Ski Demo Technician, December 2018 to February 2019 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Mt. Bachelor Ski Area- 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702
• Adjust skis/bindings to customers specifications and desires
• Educate customers about pertinent information related to outdoor gear
• Maintain current knowledge of outdoor recreational gear and give recommendations for gear best suited to customers abilities and goals
Whitewater Rafting Guide and Kayak Instructor, May 2018 to September 2018 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Cascade Raft and Kayak- 7050 ID-55 Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
Duties:
• Whitewater river guide, kayak instructor, and shuttle driver
• Ensure a safe and fun trip for customers down class III and IV whitewater
• Make frequent risk management decisions
• Prepare meals for the duration of trips
• Educate customers of basic river safety, local history, and Leave No Trace principles
Lead Lift Operator, January 2018 to May 2018 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area- 10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93547
• Operated chair lifts safely for customers to ride
• Supervise other lift operators to ensure everyone was operating in a safe, consistent manner
• Endure eight-hour shifts (or longer) standing in variable winter weather for the benefit of customers
Whitewater Rafting Guide and Kayak Instructor, June 2017 to September 2017 (seasonal 40+ hours per week)
Cascade Raft and Kayak- 7050 ID-55 Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
Duties:
• Whitewater river guide, and shuttle driver
• Ensure a safe and fun trip for customers down class III and IV whitewater
• Make frequent risk management decisions
• Prepare meals for the duration of trips
• Educate customers of basic river safety, local history, and Leave No Trace principles
Sales Associate, November 2016 to April 2017 (40+ hours per week)
Mountain Provisions- 27 N Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520
• Educate customers about pertinent information related to outdoor gear
• Issue regional snow park parking permits
• Maintain current knowledge of outdoor recreational gear
Volunteer Work
Organization
• Redwood Region Audubon Society (October 2020 – Present)
- Duties: Remove invasive plant species/noxious weeds including scotch brush, fennel, and pampas grass along the bike path in Eureka using a variety of tools and replace them with native plant species
• Humboldt State University Herbarium (December 2020 – Present)
- Duties: Label transcription of documented plants into an online database as part of the statewide Capturing California’s Flowers grant program.
• California State Parks (December 2020 – Present)
- Duties: Remove invasive plant species such as English Ivy using hand tools.
Honors
- Guide of the year (Cascade Raft and Kayak 2018)
- Magna Cum Laude (Southern Oregon University class of 2018)
- Dean’s list (Southern Oregon University 2016-2018)
- Honor’s list (Feather River College Fall 2014 – Spring 2015
- Student of the year (Feather River College 2015)
[Lesson plan example] Rock Climbing Ground School
Leaders: Jeff Hickman, Michael Pero
Group: ORL Principles Class
Group’s Mission: Learn the beginning aspects of rock climbing systems and how to implement them safely.
Activity Title: Rock Climbing Ground School
Rationale: This is a requirement of our ORL Principles class. We will teach the rest of the class the beginning aspects of rock climbing and how to implement them safely.
Brief Description of Activity: Breaking down rock climbing systems into three main topics, knots, systems, and using the two together seamlessly
Time Requirements: Mon. Oct. 13/Wed. Oct. 15 1:00-4:00 pm
Resources: Climbing shoes, harnesses, ropes, cord, slings, helmets, carabineers, quick draws, each other, Rick Stock.
Preparations: Set up a mock climbing wall on flat ground using the basketball hoops as anchor points, the courts as the wall being climbed, and lay out all necessary gear before everyone gets there so we have as much time as possible to teach.
Safety Considerations: Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring everyone is retaining the information essential to climb safely.
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of the activity, participants will…
Step by Step Procedure: Bring everyone out to the basketball courts by 1:00 p.m. where all the necessary gear will be staged. For 10-15 minutes we will go over each piece of gear, include its functions, weight baring capability, and what we will use it for. Then split everyone into two groups so Jeff and I can focus on smaller groups. We will use approximately 20 minutes to teach everyone the basic climbing knots they should know (figure eight retraced, girth hitch, water knot, double fishermans knot, prussic, and clove hitch) and have them do it without help. After that, we will teach how to set safe anchors and break them down for about 15 minutes. Rappeling will take about 15 minutes to demonstrate and have everyone work on. Ascending will take about 15 more minutes to cover and practice as well. Next, we can let them go through the motions of all these systems using the basketball poles as mock anchors and walking on the court to mimic a vertical wall lying flat on the ground which will take about 30 minutes for the two groups to get comfortable with. During this time we will also teach the proper commands to say between the climber and belayer. While they’re doing this, Jeff and I will pay careful attention to make sure everyone is tying knots properly and using systems safely with proper communication. Later, we will teach everyone the proper storage and maintenance techniques associated with climbing gear which will occupy approximately 10 minutes and we will also teach how to judge when gear should be retired because it is no longer safe, then ask for feedback on what is being retained and what needs further explanation. The time needed for further explanation will be a reflection of how well Jeff and I taught the ground school and can take anywhere from 10-45 minutes. Overall, this will take 2-3 hours for our ORL Principles class.
Helpful Hints and Variations: There will be another group next to ours doing the same tasks. If it becomes confusing for someone, they can look at the other group for a helpful hint while they are practicing the same thing. Variations can be shown of ways to belay, ascend, rappel, set anchors, communicate, how to tie certain knots and which knots need to be used in certain situations.
Processing the Information: If the students can successfully demonstrate a basic knowledge in knots, systems, and using the two together, they have learned the essentials of beginner rock climbing.
Group: ORL Principles Class
Group’s Mission: Learn the beginning aspects of rock climbing systems and how to implement them safely.
Activity Title: Rock Climbing Ground School
Rationale: This is a requirement of our ORL Principles class. We will teach the rest of the class the beginning aspects of rock climbing and how to implement them safely.
Brief Description of Activity: Breaking down rock climbing systems into three main topics, knots, systems, and using the two together seamlessly
Time Requirements: Mon. Oct. 13/Wed. Oct. 15 1:00-4:00 pm
Resources: Climbing shoes, harnesses, ropes, cord, slings, helmets, carabineers, quick draws, each other, Rick Stock.
Preparations: Set up a mock climbing wall on flat ground using the basketball hoops as anchor points, the courts as the wall being climbed, and lay out all necessary gear before everyone gets there so we have as much time as possible to teach.
Safety Considerations: Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring everyone is retaining the information essential to climb safely.
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of the activity, participants will…
- Be able to tie a figure eight knot retraced, girth hitch, water knot, double fisherman’s knot, prussic, and clove hitch
- Be able to set safe anchors, belay, rappel, and use proper communication.
- Be able to use these systems together seamlessly and safely
Step by Step Procedure: Bring everyone out to the basketball courts by 1:00 p.m. where all the necessary gear will be staged. For 10-15 minutes we will go over each piece of gear, include its functions, weight baring capability, and what we will use it for. Then split everyone into two groups so Jeff and I can focus on smaller groups. We will use approximately 20 minutes to teach everyone the basic climbing knots they should know (figure eight retraced, girth hitch, water knot, double fishermans knot, prussic, and clove hitch) and have them do it without help. After that, we will teach how to set safe anchors and break them down for about 15 minutes. Rappeling will take about 15 minutes to demonstrate and have everyone work on. Ascending will take about 15 more minutes to cover and practice as well. Next, we can let them go through the motions of all these systems using the basketball poles as mock anchors and walking on the court to mimic a vertical wall lying flat on the ground which will take about 30 minutes for the two groups to get comfortable with. During this time we will also teach the proper commands to say between the climber and belayer. While they’re doing this, Jeff and I will pay careful attention to make sure everyone is tying knots properly and using systems safely with proper communication. Later, we will teach everyone the proper storage and maintenance techniques associated with climbing gear which will occupy approximately 10 minutes and we will also teach how to judge when gear should be retired because it is no longer safe, then ask for feedback on what is being retained and what needs further explanation. The time needed for further explanation will be a reflection of how well Jeff and I taught the ground school and can take anywhere from 10-45 minutes. Overall, this will take 2-3 hours for our ORL Principles class.
Helpful Hints and Variations: There will be another group next to ours doing the same tasks. If it becomes confusing for someone, they can look at the other group for a helpful hint while they are practicing the same thing. Variations can be shown of ways to belay, ascend, rappel, set anchors, communicate, how to tie certain knots and which knots need to be used in certain situations.
Processing the Information: If the students can successfully demonstrate a basic knowledge in knots, systems, and using the two together, they have learned the essentials of beginner rock climbing.
[Lesson plan example] 6th Grade Schneider Creek Hike
Leader: Michael Pero
Group: 6th grade students
Group Mission: Have fun at outdoor school and learn about the Plumas National Forest
Activity Title: Schneider Creek Hike
Rationale: The web of life connects us to places like Schneider Creek which are all around us in this forest and it’s important for these kids to learn about these places.
Brief Description of Activity: Lead 6th graders on a hike along Schneider Creek making it as enjoyable as possible while teaching them about the web of life.
Time Requirements: Tuesday Sept. 16/Oct. 7 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Resources: Nets, buckets, metal pans, laminated paper of local insects.
Preparations: Show up on time, eat before getting there, have resources ready, know the trail, know what spots to stop and talk at, wear proper attire, bring a watch.
Safety Considerations: Uneven terrain, slick rocks in the creek, high crossings on felled trees, 6th graders like to goof off.
Learning Objectives:
1) How the web of life connects us to places like Schneider Creek
2) How important water is, generally and particularly
3) Respect for the forest that these kids are growing up in
Step by Step Procedures: Be present and ready to go by 1:00 p.m. Establish ground rules from the camp that is hosting them and from their school. Hike along the creek, stopping periodically to test the creek’s health and relate aspects of the creek and water to our everyday lives. Stop at Schneider Falls for half an hour so the kids can hang out and relax with their friends while really enjoying the creek. Return to camp at 3:15 so we can review what they have learned. Make sure they recorded a sufficient amount of information about Schneider Creek in their camp journals.
Helpful Hints and Variations: The laminated insect sheet makes it so I don’t have to memorize the names of all the creatures living in Schneider Creek. Discussing the importance of water is a broad enough topic that there are many right answers to the question of why water is important instead of just a few.
Processing the Experience: When we return, I’ll ask the students to tell me something important about water, Schneider Creek, and how the two relate to us. If they can answer that, they have learned a solid basic foundation about the creek and water which is what the host camp, and their school wants.
Group: 6th grade students
Group Mission: Have fun at outdoor school and learn about the Plumas National Forest
Activity Title: Schneider Creek Hike
Rationale: The web of life connects us to places like Schneider Creek which are all around us in this forest and it’s important for these kids to learn about these places.
Brief Description of Activity: Lead 6th graders on a hike along Schneider Creek making it as enjoyable as possible while teaching them about the web of life.
Time Requirements: Tuesday Sept. 16/Oct. 7 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Resources: Nets, buckets, metal pans, laminated paper of local insects.
Preparations: Show up on time, eat before getting there, have resources ready, know the trail, know what spots to stop and talk at, wear proper attire, bring a watch.
Safety Considerations: Uneven terrain, slick rocks in the creek, high crossings on felled trees, 6th graders like to goof off.
Learning Objectives:
1) How the web of life connects us to places like Schneider Creek
2) How important water is, generally and particularly
3) Respect for the forest that these kids are growing up in
Step by Step Procedures: Be present and ready to go by 1:00 p.m. Establish ground rules from the camp that is hosting them and from their school. Hike along the creek, stopping periodically to test the creek’s health and relate aspects of the creek and water to our everyday lives. Stop at Schneider Falls for half an hour so the kids can hang out and relax with their friends while really enjoying the creek. Return to camp at 3:15 so we can review what they have learned. Make sure they recorded a sufficient amount of information about Schneider Creek in their camp journals.
Helpful Hints and Variations: The laminated insect sheet makes it so I don’t have to memorize the names of all the creatures living in Schneider Creek. Discussing the importance of water is a broad enough topic that there are many right answers to the question of why water is important instead of just a few.
Processing the Experience: When we return, I’ll ask the students to tell me something important about water, Schneider Creek, and how the two relate to us. If they can answer that, they have learned a solid basic foundation about the creek and water which is what the host camp, and their school wants.
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