Don Leonard

About

DON L. LEONARD JR.
76 Blue Heron Ln. • Cobbs Creek, VA 23035Phone: (804) 384-6103Email: dsempm2017@gmail.com
Duties:
Presented outdoor interpretive programs in geology, wildlife, environment, and natural/cultural resource protection.
Provided visitor assistance at high-traffic overlooks, ensuring safety and resource stewardship.
Reorganized and cataloged the scientific research library, increasing accessibility to environmental materials for staff use.
Conducted roving patrols to identify hazards, monitor weather changes, assist visitors, and provide resource education.
Certifications: NPS Foundations of Interpretation; Wilderness Act of 1964 Training.

Volunteer Interpretive Ranger
National Park Service – Assateague Island National Seashore
Berlin, MDMay 2008 – Sept 2008 • 40 hrs/weekSupervisor: Liz Davis, Assistant Chief of Interpretation • (410) 641-1443 • May Contact
Duties:
Delivered programs on barrier island dynamics, coastal geomorphology, surf and tidal processes, marine ecology, and wild horse behavior.
Educated school groups using hands-on materials (aquariums, shells, specimens).
Assisted with kayak interpretive trips; taught coastal safety, tides, currents, and ecological relationships.
Monitored wildlife behavior, changing beach conditions, and visitor safety.
Accomplishments:
Helped increase school participation and positive feedback for educational science programming.
Recognized for effective communication of coastal geology and ecology to visitors.

OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Enumerator (Field Data Collection)
U.S. Census Bureau
Mar 2009 – Apr 2009 • 40 hrs/weekSupervisor: Local Census Office; may contact
Conducted field mapping, GPS updates, address verification, and structured interviews.
Ensured accuracy, data integrity, and confidentiality.
Worked independently in remote and rural settings.

Early Career – QA/QC Engineering Technician

(Sony, Kyocera, Northern Telecom, Albion Devices, Melles Griot)Various LocationsFull time (various years)
Relevance:
Experience with measurement, data recording, documentation, inspection, field testing, environmental testing, and precision tools.
Demonstrated strong analytical thinking, documentation accuracy, and technical reliability.

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Chainsaw Safety – Level B (USFS)
Aviation & Boat Safety (USFS)
Cold Water & Backcountry Survival
NPS Foundations of Interpretation
Wilderness Act Training
Leave No Trace Trainer
Amateur Radio License – KN4DRE

TECHNICAL & FIELD SKILLS
GPS, map/compass navigation, field radios
Weather observation & reporting
Environmental hazard assessment
Basic GIS concepts and mapping literacy
Field tools (shovels, Pulaskis, McLeods, hand saws, chainsaws)
Scientific communication & public education
Data recording, logbooks, field notes, photography

ADDITIONAL KSA NARRATIVES
(These KSAs directly match 0401, 0408, 0455, 0462, 0025, 0150, 1802, and 0301 federal positions.)
KSA 1 – Knowledge of Earth & Environmental Sciences
I have strong academic and applied knowledge in geology, meteorology, ecology, hydrology, and environmental science. Through work at multiple NPS and USFS sites, I regularly applied earth science principles to interpret landscapes, identify hazards, assess erosion risk, understand wildlife behavior, and explain ecosystem processes to the public. My coursework and field experience allow me to connect scientific concepts with real-world resource management and visitor safety.
KSA 2 – Ability to Collect, Record, and Communicate Scientific Data
During field assignments, I collected information on weather, wildlife behavior, trail conditions, hydrology, and environmental hazards. I documented observations using field notes, GPS, radios, and visitor center systems. I have experience conducting basic surveys, RECON trail assessments, and hazard evaluations. My technical background ensures accuracy and attention to detail.
KSA 3 – Skill in Public Interpretation and Science Communication
Across four national parks, I developed and delivered numerous interpretive programs on geology, ecology, climate, wildlife, and natural processes. I tailor presentations to diverse audiences, ensuring scientific concepts are clear, engaging, and relevant. My interpretive work improved visitor understanding of natural resource protection, safety, and stewardship.
KSA 4 – Ability to Work Safely in Remote Field Environments
I have extensive experience working in backcountry, remote, and coastal environments while prioritizing safety. I assess weather, terrain, wildlife, and environmental conditions and adjust operations accordingly. Certifications in aviation safety, boat safety, water safety, chainsaw use, and backcountry survival provide me with a strong safety foundation.
KSA 5 – Skill in Team Leadership and Project Coordination
As a USFS Park Guide Supervisor, I trained and supervised youth crews, managed project workflows, conducted safety briefings, and coordinated environmental fieldwork. I ensured compliance with environmental and safety standards while maintaining productivity. I also contributed positively to community and tribal outreach initiatives.
KSA 6 – Knowledge of Natural Resource Protection & Visitor Safety
I have significant experience educating visitors on environmental hazards such as cliff edges, wildlife behavior, storms, tides, and terrain risks. I communicate conditions clearly and calmly and help minimize impacts to sensitive habitats through education, roving interpretation, and monitoring.

REFERENCES
Available upon request (or I can integrate them if desired for USAJOBS).