Educationalmasters of Science with Emphasis in Water Quality Data Management Anticipated

Mark J. Breunig

4623 Toepfer Rd

Middleton, WI 53562

(775) 340-7782

EducationalMasters of Science with Emphasis in Water Quality Data Management Anticipated Feb 2010

Background:

Bachelor of Science - May 2006

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP), Stevens Point, WI

Major:Watershed Hydrology and Management

Minor:GIS & spatial analysis

Cumulative GPA: 3.66 (4.0 = A)
Rank in Class = 34/400 (92nd percentile)

RelatedGIS Database DesignSpatial Statistics

Coursework:GIS Programming & CustomizationWater Chemistry & Analysis

CartographyWater Quality Management

Advanced HydrologyWatershed Management

Employment Center for Watershed Science and Education, UWSP January 2008 to January 2010

and RelatedGRADUATE ASSISTANT:

Experience:Designed and implemented “HYDRA” a stream and lake water quality database using Microsoft Access 2007, demonstrating advanced knowledge of water quality field, lab, data analysis, and data management procedures. This involved the use of VBA and SQL to achieve extended custom capabilities.

Demonstrated and applied advanced knowledge of GIS and data management by pioneering the application of the field-scale agricultural management software SNAP-Plus at the basin-scale. Involved communicating needs for custom software capabilities to SNAP-Plus software engineer, and successfully implementing the tool using FlashFiler, ERSI ArcGIS 9, and Microsoft Access 2007.

Displayed a solid understanding of cartographic concepts by creating a multitude of aesthetically pleasing and effective maps for use in reports, presentations, and navigation in the field.

Managed a water quality study, which involvedcollecting field data in a variety of adverse weather conditions, interpreting and analyzing results for technical and lay audiences by writing project reports, instructing undergraduates on field and data entry procedures, coordinating volunteer activities, training volunteers, and orally presenting results to the public.

Green Diamond Resource Company, Korbel CA January 2007 to January 2008

Watershed Technician:

Improved data management procedures of the Turbidity Threshold Sampling (TTS) project by increasing the efficiency of downloading raw time series data and performing QC/QA procedures on the processed data by designing and implementing “TTS Tools”.

Mark J. BreunigPage 2

EmploymentBureau of Land Management, Elko NV June to November 2006

and Relatedresearch associate:

Experience:Applied knowledge of watershed hydrology, water quality, and ecology to assess the impacts of grazing on lotic and lentic riparian areas.

Used a Trimble GeoXT GPS unit to delineate lentic and lotic riparian area boundaries in the field and record other relevant information for use in the grazing impact assessment

 Consulted with various specialists to effectively communicate resource management issues by creating a multitude of visually appealing maps of a range of scales and dimensions.

Fluently entered field data into spreadsheets and geospatial databases. Updated, organized, and analyzed geospatial databases. Kept detailed, legible notes of pertinent information and unique situations.

Successfully navigated throughout wilderness areas using topographic maps and a Trimble GeoXT GPS unit, despite occasional inconsistencies between maps and the actual roads present on the ground. Extensive experience operating 4-wheel drive manual trucks over very steep rugged roads, trouble shooting mechanical problems as necessary.

Worked long days (up to 13 hours) as part of a two-person crew, tolerating intense summer heat and freezing cold fall conditions in the high desert of northeastern Nevada.

Hiked for 3-10 miles per day over rugged, steep terrain, ranging in elevations from 4,000 8,000 feet, and camped for several consecutive days in extremely remote areas.

 Clearly communicated with supervisors to prioritize and coordinate fieldwork.

Center for Watershed Science and Education, UWSP January 2004 to May 2006

research assistant:

Gained significant experience performing a wide variety of water resources fieldwork in all seasons and a range of harsh environmental conditions.

 Delineated watersheds, performed land use analyses, and georeferenced aerial photos.

Collected water quality samples from lotic and lentic sources, following strict protocols and maintaining quality control. Clearly labeled bottles and logged samples into the laboratory for nutrient, heavy metal, sediment, and other analyses.

Edited, evaluated, and performed research for multiple technical reports involving water quality. Co-authored a report summarizing the results of eutrophication modeling using BATHTUB software.

Took detailed field notes and entered field data into spreadsheets and spatial databases.

 Successfully worked alone and in small groups in a predominately unsupervised work environment. Effectively coordinated multiple projects with supervisor.

Mark J. BreunigPage 3

EmploymentBureau of Land Management/US Forest Service, Corvallis, Oregon June to August 2005

and RelatedAquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP)

Experience:SCa internship- Biological Technician:

Collected a variety of fish habitat data using a PDA, and water quality data (pH, temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen).

Worked cooperatively with the same four-person crew the entire summer and established new friendships within the crew and agency. Worked under minimal supervision

Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa February to May 2005

research internship - Institute for Water Research:

 Assisted Dr. Andrew Gordon in Ph. D work researching the potential effects of a common ingredient found in laundry detergent on indigenous macroinvertebrates in rural South African rivers.

Water and Environmental Analysis Laboratory, UWSP May 2003 to January 2004
lab assistant:

 Learned importance of following protocol, standard operating procedure, and quality control. Accurately analyzed several different parameters of water samples in lab.

Applicable Competent problem solving and time management skills. Close attention to detail, able toSkills: follow standard protocols, and logically adjust to accommodate for unusual circumstances.

 Very strong computer skills. Fluent using ArcGIS 9, ArcView 3, Pathfinder Office, IMAGINE, Photoshop, Excel, Word, Access, Powerpoint and various water resources modeling programs. Experience with VBA and SQL.

Adaptable and able to learn quickly and continuously. Proficient at learning new types of software (independently or with instruction).

 Solid analytical skills. Experience applying statistical methods.

Possess honesty, self-motivation, a good work ethic, and effective communication skills.

Successful working cooperatively or independently.

Enjoy making new friends, and have a good sense of humor.

Awards:Best Oral Presentation at the 2006 UWSP College of Natural Resources Student Research Symposium, 2004 Global Environmental Management Student Ambassador Award, 2004 Kramer GEM Scholarship. National Dean's List 2003-2004. Highest Honors Sem II 2002-03, Sem I 2003-04, Sem I 2004-05. Honors Sem I 2002-03, Sem II 2003-04, Sem I 2005.

Interests:Playing piano, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, snowboarding, and biking.