EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

Hillary Robbie, NEPA Coordinator

Hillary Robbie has been a vital part of Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants for ten years. In that time, she has held a number of positions and worked on a variety of projects. And while it’s partly the work that has kept her at Grouse Mountain for a decade, it’s also Grouse Mountain itself.

“Grouse Mountain is a really good company,” Robbie shared. “We were a lot smaller ten years ago, and we’ve continued to grow since then. But it still feels like a nice, good, family-like company.”

Throughout her ten years, Robbie has overseen and been directly involved with various projects.

“I do a little bit of everything,” she laughed. “I started off as a Wildlife Biologist, so I still do that and manage some of the wildlife projects. I also do quite a few of our proposals. Basically, when we’re trying to get new jobs, I write up our proposals for those to submit to clients. But the main thing for me, right now, is that I also lead our NEPA Department (National Environmental Policy Act). And that includes a lot of environmental documentation.”

Her responsibilities have multiplied, but she has welcomed the challenge. In fact, she prefers the challenge. Robbie enjoys staying busy. She enjoys working on a wide array of projects and she’s able to do just that with Grouse Mountain.

“In the time I’ve been here, I’ve also done a ton of rangeland projects, plant projects, some hydrology stuff that I’ve helped with permitting for. I’ve done all sorts of things. Even with the NEPA Department now, that’s something that just continues to grow. And I feel like that’s something that’s nice about working here – starting off with them early on, and I’m still learning now. We keep getting all sorts of new kinds of projects. So that’s been nice.”

Robbie’s career thus far has been more than “nice,” and we wanted to know it, so we asked her some questions to find out more about Grouse Mountain’s NEPA Coordinator.

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?
I was already in Buffalo, working as a seasonal range intern at the BLM. I really wanted to stay in the area but get more into the wildlife field. So I came here to be a combination wildlife/rangeland seasonal employee and have stayed here ever since.

What do you do for Grouse Mountain?
I’m a NEPA Coordinator, wildlife project manager, and I work a lot on proposals. As NEPA Coordinator, I manage and help to write environmental documents for the National Environmental Policy Act, mainly Environmental Assessments and Categorical Exclusions. These documents look at a project’s entire environmental impact for a variety of resources. As a wildlife project manager, I help our clients determine what sort of wildlife surveys they need in order to obtain their permit, and then carry out those surveys. I also spend quite a bit of time preparing proposals for Grouse Mountain while we look for new opportunities.

What made you choose this career path?
I’ve always enjoyed wildlife and knew I wanted to make a career out of it. I enjoy that, here, I get to do wildlife work, but also a variety of other resource projects.

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain?
The way everyone steps up as a team to get the work done. We’re a small company, and everyone wears multiple hats here.

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?
My first snowy owl sighting. I was up at a proposed wind farm location in Montana, completing avian use surveys. I was driving between points and came up on a gate. It was really early in the morning, and the whole area was snow covered and silent. On the fence was perched a perfectly white, adult male snowy owl. I rolled the window down and he flew past me silently and I could see those golden eyes look straight at me. He didn’t count for my surveys but definitely for my life-list, and an awesome experience.

What do you love about Wyoming?
I love the small town community, how integrated we are with the outdoors, and the fact that it’s a great, safe place to raise a family.

What are some of your hobbies?
Bird-watching and reading!

What are a few fun facts about you?
My birding life list (number of different bird species I’ve seen) is at 497. Just three more to 500! I also have two young girls that occupy most of my free time.

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?
I think we’re a lot more flexible. We want the job, and we want to do a good job. That means even if it’s new, or there’s something challenging about the project, we will figure out the best way to get it done and get it done well.

Troy Snyder, GIS Specialist

Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a…drone operated by Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants’ newest GIS Technician, Troy Snyder!

It’s definitely a new, unique skill that Troy brought with him to GMEC. We wanted to get to know Troy a little better, so we asked him some questions to find out more about GMEC’s newest GIS Specialist.

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?
I was finishing up a summer GIS internship in Utah, and my wife found the GIS Technician posting with Grouse Mountain. She encouraged me to apply for it since it seemed to be a perfect marriage of my passion for/experience with wildlife work and GIS. I applied and interviewed for the job, and after the interview I had a really good, warm feeling. After much prayer and consideration (and being offered the job), my wife and daughter and I decided to move up to Buffalo. This took some faith, especially since I started work in mid-November, and winter pretty much came on all at once at that time! Working for GMEC and living here has been such a blessing to us!

What do you do for Grouse Mountain?
Along with my 2 GIS team members, I assist in creating maps for navigation, permitting, wildlife surveys, and other purposes per the needs of our various departments. I also run a geographic model to help us determine the suitability of drilling locations. In addition, I recently got my drone pilot license and have the opportunity to fly the drone for various projects to help meet our clients’ needs.

What made you choose this career path?
I have a deep passion for wildlife and the outdoors, and I’ve always wanted to work to help conserve natural resources for my family and future generations to enjoy. I also love to study geography, and maps fascinate me. I associate memories, smells, feelings, etc. with geographic locations.

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain?
The people! I love working with my teammates at Grouse Mountain. They are very patient, kind, and helpful. We really work as a team and enjoy working together, even when workloads are heavy and timelines are tight.

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?
I can’t really nail down one experience, but the experience of continually receiving good feedback from project managers and my other coworkers is extremely helpful. All of our managers do an awesome job at encouraging and uplifting their teammates, which really makes a difference to me and sets GMEC apart from any other company or agency I’ve worked for!

What do you love about Wyoming?
I love the small-town feel that is prevalent throughout the state. I also love that there is plentiful wildlife and plenty of wild places left here. The climate is nice (except in the winter!), and it doesn’t get blazing hot, and there’s actually water here! My family and I enjoy watching the deer and the antelope play on the land behind our apartment building.

What are some of your hobbies?
Hiking, birding, hunting, fishing, shooting, camping, playing musical instruments, singing, making hiking sticks, and writing.

What are a few fun facts about you?
I am an identical twin; my twin brother is ~1 minute older than me, and he and his wife live in our home state of Pennsylvania. I am a self-taught banjo player and enjoy playing other instruments such as the ukulele, the Native American flute, the piano, the drums, and various other percussion instruments. I also love to write and read poetry, and I have a few published poems. I paint and draw wildlife for fun! My wife, Casey, and I have a 20-month-old daughter named Millie, and she’s the joy of our life!

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?
First of all, our Principals- Jenna and Jason are deeply involved in just about every department and every aspect of what we do. THEY REALLY CARE about the success of their employees in addition to the success of the company. I find these things to be inspiring and exceptional in today’s business world. GMEC’s people set us apart from competitors; our people really know their stuff and want to do what’s right for our clients and the company.

If you could tell readers one thing about yourself and your job, what would that be?
My job helps me to learn and grow and excel to become a more well-rounded professional in my field, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

If you could tell readers one thing about Grouse Mountain, what would THAT be?
Grouse Mountain is a wonderful place to work, and they do the best they can to serve their clients and employees well. Being a part of GMEC is like being a part of a family.

Favorite part about operating a drone?
I love being able to see the fine details of the landscapes and projects we fly over.

Any additional information you’d like to provide?
Grouse Mountain takes care of its people and its clients. Their loving and professional culture has blessed me and my family (and even helped motivate me and my family to endure our first BRUTAL Wyoming winter).

Matt Rabel, Field Supervisor

Matt Rabel, the Field Supervisor for Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants, is a family man. He took a position with GMEC so that his two sons could finish high school in Wyoming. He wanted them to finish school in the place where they grew up. 

“I used to work in the oil and gas industry,” Rabel said. “I worked for a major petroleum company for a number of years, and my job asked me to relocate to West Texas or Colorado. But I wanted my boys to finish high school here in Buffalo, so I reached out to Jason and Jenna to see if they might have had a position at Grouse Mountain for me.” 

They did, and Rabel began working for GMEC in February of 2023. He hasn’t been with the company for long but, in his time, he already saw how family-oriented GMEC is. 

“I think Grouse Mountain is a neat company in the fact that it’s locally owned,” he stated. “It’s more of a family feel than a corporate feel. They treat everyone as equals. It’s a great place to work for and they’re able to accomplish some really technical, high-quality things that I don’t think a lot of people in the community even realize they do.” 

Recently, Rabel answered some questions so that we could get to know him a little better.

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

I have known Jason and Jenna for a while, as we have kids about the same age. After working in the Oil and Gas industry for about 20 years, my job was going to make me relocate. With having two boys in high school, I wanted them to get through it in Buffalo. So I took a severance package from my job and then I called Jason to see if they thought they might have a position for me in their company. 

What do you do for Grouse Mountain?

I am a Field Supervisor, which means I do anything from running crews within the reclamation group, to taking water and soil samples, along with doing different inspections on the oil and gas locations. 

What made you choose this career path? 

I’m not sure how this career path was chosen. I started out in the oil and gas industry right after high school and all through college. As time went on, I just continued working in that field. When my job was severed, I wanted to continue living in Buffalo, so I was lucky to find a job that my years of experience in the oil and gas industry could help with the tasks that I complete today! 

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain? 

You never know what you may do that day. In my current role, I could be installing BMP’s or taking water samples, or soil samples, or doing some inspections somewhere. Or helping with one of the other groups. There is never the daily grind or the same old, same old. 

What do you love about Wyoming? 

Wyoming is the greatest place on earth; open skies, land that is still wild and natural. Not very many people live here and it’s a place that, no matter where you go, you know someone. 

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy a number of different hobbies: my kids and all of their sporting events, football wrestling, track and soccer. Also, as a family, we are very competitive in showing livestock, pigs and goats. 

What’s a fun fact about you? 

I have never lived anywhere but Wyoming! 

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?

They are good, honest people that always do the right thing, no matter what. 

Jay Holt, SWPPP Specialist

Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants employ countless individuals who bring their unique skill sets to the job every single day. Jay Holt is one of those people. As the SWPPP Specialist for GMEC, Holt is in charge of all of the different types of stormwater planning and BMP installation around oil pads, gravel pits, and some gas locations.

BMP stands for ‘Best Management Practice’ in regards to water pollution control.

“My main job is to write some of those plans and then make sitemaps for each location; which involves putting BMP’s around the location,” Holt said. “Basically, I’m in charge of figuring out how to get all of the information for the locations, and then I need to put that into a stormwater plan and put the BMPs that the company wants to use in the stormwater plan as well. And then, on top of that, I have to make sure I keep up with the stormwater plan so that it stays in compliance with the DEQ.”

Holt also goes into the field and does stormwater inspections on oil pads, making sure that the BMPs he put in those stormwater plans are actually doing their job.

It’s a big job; an important job. And it’s one that Jay Holt takes very seriously. Not only because he cares about the job itself, but because he cares about the company that he works for.

“It’s a smaller company and I know everybody that’s in the company,” Holt said. “I have a personal relationship with my bosses, and it’s not part of some giant corporation where you may never meet half the people.”

To find out more about Jay Holt, we asked him a few questions, which he answered below:

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?
In 2017 I was working as a crop consultant for farmers in SW Nebraska, and was not happy with where I was at or what I was doing. After visiting Wyoming in the summer of 2017 after being away for a year and a half I realized how much I missed it and wanted to move back. I was talking to my best friend from college, who at the time was working for GMEC, and he said he needed help, so I applied and got hired onto the reclamation/SWPPP department in October of 2017.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?
I am a SWPPP Specialist. SWPPP stands for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and I am tasked with creating, updating and sometimes implementing these stormwater plans for clients so they can stay in compliance with DEQ standards.

What made you want to choose this career path?
I do not think I chose this career path as much as I may have fallen into it. It was an opportunity for me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new in an industry that I had never experienced up until the point I was hired on at GMEC.

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain?
I enjoy being able to go to places off the beaten path that not very many people get to experience. When I get the opportunity to go into places like that I get to see some really neat things from time to time.

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?
One project we got to do reclamation on was down around Medicine Bow, and there was not a lot of sign that people had been there, but a quick google search led to some amazing history that happened right in the area we were working, and to be in that type of place makes me glad I was able to be a part of this company and get to experience a place like that.

What do you love about Wyoming?
There are a lot of things I love about Wyoming, but the main ones are the scenery and the history.

What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy hunting and fishing, like most people in this state, but during the summer I have found myself enjoying gardening, golfing, camping, hiking with a purpose, and taking our dogs to play fetch.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!
I have the best mountain corgi there ever was, and I was once charged by a skunk while installing BMPs; not that the two are related.

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?
Grouse Mountain is a unit that works well together to find solutions and get the job done quickly and correctly.

Bonnie Gray, Project Manage

It was a match made in heaven. When Bonnie Gray first interviewed for her job with Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants and when she first heard what the job entailed, she couldnʼt contain her excitement.

As a Project Manager in the companyʼs permitting department, Gray gets to work in logistics a lot; something sheʼs always found fascinating.

“We help with the permitting process for oil and gas companies,” Gray said. “Thatʼs primarily what we do. And, as the Project Manager, I help coordinate directly with our clients and I help keep their projects moving forward. I help them understand the process and anything they might need for any permits that theyʼre applying for. And then I help delegate the work out to our project assistants to make sure our wildlife and cultural or any other resource needs are taken care of. Itʼs a lot of coordination.”

Which is what she loves.

“Iʼve worked some other jobs that have included this kind of role,” she said. “I like to say that Iʼve worked jobs that have many moving pieces. So I think Iʼve definitely found my niche with Grouse Mountain. I was really excited when I interviewed for this job. When they described it, I was like, ʻThat sounds exactly like what I enjoy doing!ʼ”

And it is. Gray loves her job and she is thankful that she gets to have a job that brings her happiness; one that makes her proud.

“Here, I can take pride in my work,” she said. “Itʼs nice being able to talk to people about it. A lot of people complain about their jobs a lot of times, and I get to say that I actually like my job! It definitely gives me a lot of pride to work for the company that I do.”

We wanted to find out a little bit more about who Bonnie is, what she does, and why sheʼs such a perfect fit for Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants, so we asked her a few questions.

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

After being in a larger metro area for a couple of years, I started looking for job opportunities in more rural parts of the mountain west with most of my searching in Wyoming. I applied and interviewed with the company and knew if I was offered the job I would take it. Having worked in several different sectors, working for a privately owned company was something I was looking for.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

I am a project manager in the permitting department.

What made you want to choose this career path?

Growing up in Wyoming, I enjoyed the wide open spaces and wanted a career that would allow me to be outdoors. In college I took a few classes that dove into the complexities of natural resource management and found it to be very intriguing, which further affirmed I wanted to work in a natural resources field.

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain?

The variety and the people! Even doing the same kind of permits or tasks, there are little differences in each project that are unique. I feel like I am constantly learning something new. I also love that we are very team oriented, most people are willing to jump in and help out wherever needed.

What do you love about Wyoming?

I love the many hidden gems and various landscapes. From wide open plains down south, to the rugged mountain ranges, there’s something captivating about each part of the state.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy fishing all seasons with my husband, skiing, and paddle boarding in the summer. I also love a good hockey game or playing board/card games with friends.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I find most arachnids and herptiles (reptiles/amphibians) absolutely adorable.

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?

The package of unique skill sets within our company. Jenna and Jason have done a great job of finding people with specialized skills and knowledge to bring to the table that allow us as a company to tackle projects efficiently and wholly.

Nadia Barkawi, Wildlife Biologist

Nadia Barkawi is a self-professed ‘Bird Nerd.’ She has been her entire life. As a Wildlife Biologist for Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants, Barkawi gets to spend much of her day not just with birds, but with all different types of animal and plant life.

It is, for her, a dream come true.

“I grew up with a mom who loved animals,” Barkawi said. “At one time, we had baby ducks in our bathtub and chickens outside. So I’ve always really loved animals and I thought that in my career I would want to do things that I would love and that I could learn every day. I always wanted to be outside so, I thought, ‘Wildlife Biology!’ I’ve loved it ever since.”

She loves it so much that she decided to pursue a career in Wildlife Biology, which led her to a position with Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants.

“Grouse Mountain,” Barkawi stated. “I’m a big bird nerd, so immediately I loved the name. And then I looked it up and it actually has significance. There really is a Grouse Mountain in Wyoming. So I talked with the bosses and they seemed very forthcoming, and very easy to talk to. They seemed like they really value peoples’ health and our well-being a lot. And I think that’s really cool. They understand that this is a job and not our entire lives.”

Nadia Barkawi answered the following questions and, in doing so, she illustrated just how big of a component she is to Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants.

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

Last year, I found myself working for the government, performing Northern spotted owl and other biological surveys in Oregon. The mountain lakes and waterfalls of the Pacific NorthWest were like something out of a dream. However, I found myself missing the New Mexico sunshine and began looking for wildlife related jobs in northern New Mexico. I applied and here I am.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

I am a wildlife biologist based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

What made you want to choose this career path?

I remember being in college and thinking: “What job could I do for the rest of my life and be happy?”. My favorite class at the time was a field dendrology course and vertebrate anatomy lab. Both of which I just devoured. I couldn’t get enough. Walking to classes, I’d have my head up trying to identify the trees to species and in between classes I’d sketch anatomical features of my favorite animals.

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain?

Getting paid to travel to new places and to birdwatch! Haha

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?

In the short time I have worked here, there is a great sense of community and togetherness in the company. Everyone has been imperative in my success here, answering all my silly questions and clearing up my confusions.

What do you love about Wyoming?

Well, I love New Mexico because of the never-ending sunshine, absolutely breathtaking sunsets, and the rich history. Wyoming seems cool too, though!

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, yoga, and swimming. I also love to read/write, embroider, whittle wood, weave baskets, and just recently have started painting.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I was a wildland firefighter with the Carson National Forest hotshots for a few seasons here in New Mexico. It was a humbling, yet, liberating experience. Once you hike 12 miles into a 500,000 acre fire, nothing seems impossible.

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?

Grouse Mountain has an extremely talented and mix of employees from all different backgrounds who all come together to get the job done.

If you could tell readers one thing about yourself and your job, what would that be?

I absolutely love puzzles. I think being a wildlife biologist for Grouse Mountain really utilizes those skills. Identifying local animals and different plant species is challenging and kind of like putting the puzzle pieces together for a given ecosystem. I am happy Grouse Mountain has given me the opportunity to thrive.

If you could tell readers one thing about Grouse Mountain, what would THAT be?

So far, working for Grouse Mountain has been challenging and rewarding on a daily basis. I am learning new things everyday and honing my craft.

Any additional information you’d like to provide.

I love to cook and try new cuisines and foods! I will try any food, twice. Just in case.

Dave Huber, Project Manager

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

I transitioned from another environmental consulting company here in Buffalo. I worked with the GM principles 15 years ago, so we’ve always kinda kept in touch.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

Project Manager

What made you want to choose this career path?

I didn’t know much about consulting in college, I was just kinda led into it afterwards.

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain?

The variety of projects I’m involved in keeps things interesting and the people are great to work with.

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?

A 13 mile pack trip deep into the Absaroka wilderness to check out historic abandoned mine shafts while watching grizzly bears feeding on moth hatches.

What do you love about Wyoming?

Wyoming is a great State that is the least populous of all, while offering amazing outdoor opportunities and it is composed of hard working people with conservative values.

What are some of your hobbies?

Hunting, fishing, backpacking, attending my son’s sports events.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I am the oldest of 7 kids and have an ancestor that was a Titanic survivor.

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?

They offer quality employment with a family-type workplace culture.

If you could tell readers one thing about Grouse Mountain, what would THAT be?

If you’re considering applying, go for it. If you’re looking for environmental services give us a call!

Kirstie Lawson, Wildlife Biologist

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

I happened to see a job posting for a seasonal biologist at Grouse Mountain when I was finishing up my Master’s degree in British Columbia and had previously worked in Wyoming. It had potential to turn into a long-term position and they responded really quickly to my job application.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

I am a wildlife biologist, managing the wildlife side of projects for clients. I help ensure that wildlife surveys are completed as necessary and help clients navigate regulations and timing stipulations surrounding species of concern under federal, state, and local regulations. I try to balance office work and fieldwork, working on both oil & gas and renewable energy projects. Additionally, I help with wetland delineations and surveys for jurisdictional waters.

What made you want to choose this career path?

My previous professional experience had focused on wildlife research and environmental consulting allowed for some diversity in work experience and a chance to dig more into the regulatory aspects of wildlife management.

What’s your favorite part about working at Grouse Mountain?

We survey for a variety of species and habitats and Grouse Mountain has allowed me to expand my experience and knowledge working with a wide range of wildlife survey protocols across multiple western states. I have worked on projects in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and North Dakota.

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?

Getting to work on the variety of projects mentioned above. I love variety and came from the research path where most work was species-specific.

What do you love about Wyoming?

Wyoming is home to a large number of wildlife species. There is more wildlife out in the sagebrush steppe than most people realize. And the sagebrush steppe is just one of many habitat types found in the state.

What are some of your hobbies?

I volunteer with CHAPS, a therapeutic riding program in Sheridan, on most Saturdays where I help with the horses during lessons, workshops, and fundraising events. Also, I enjoy hiking and reading.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I went to grad school in British Columbia. Also, my first wildlife work experience outside of school was volunteering with the California Condor Recovery Program.

What differentiates Grouse Mountain from its competitors?

Grouse Mountain has a small company feel and the people you work with makes a big difference. Our wildlife team works well together and are able to support each other on all projects.

Final thoughts?

Grouse Mountain does more than just grouse surveys. With a background in grouse research, most of my family and friends hear that I work for Grouse Mountain and think I’m still working primarily with grouse.

Ariana Strasheim, Cultural Specialist/ Archaeological Crew Chief

Ariana is a staff cultural specialist/archaeological crew chief. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.A. in Anthropology, a minor in criminal justice, and a minor in Spanish. After working as a deputy coroner in Laramie she went on to receive her master’s in forensic anthropology from the University of West Florida.

Ariana’s area of expertise lies in osteology—the study of the human skeleton. Beyond typical capabilities in archaeology, this means that she is also specially trained in the recovery and analysis of human skeletal remains, whether they are hundreds of years old or more recent. She has participated in forensic and archaeological excavations in Wyoming, Colorado, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Mexico City, Mexico, and recently settled down in her husband’s hometown of Big Horn, Wyoming.

In her free time, she enjoys fishing, reading, and a good cup of coffee.

Chessney Sevier, Permitting Project Manager of State and Federal APD's

What made you want to choose GMEC for your career?

GMEC is an outstanding company to work for. As a company they have the same values that I do as an individual and that makes it a fit for me.

What do you love about Wyoming?

Pretty much everything! The natural beauty and history appeals most to the artist part of me. There’s a lot of freedom and independence here which sometimes requires persistence and grit.

What is your favorite past-time?

I’m a professional artist and have been for about 20 years. My favorite past-time, however, is rodeoing with my daughter. I was raised in a rodeo family and I enjoy carrying on the tradition.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I love to play cards with my family! Growing up in the middle of nowhere, playing cards was something we did with neighbors and friends for inexpensive entertainment.

Hillary Robbie, Project Manager

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

My main task is to conduct surveys and habitat assessments for sensitive wildlife species. I’ll go out to a proposed project site, look for grouse leks, sensitive bird nests, swift fox dens, etc., and assess overall habitat potential. We give this information to federal and state agencies to help them make decisions regarding the projects.

Most projects approved by federal agencies need to go through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. That includes evaluating all the potential environmental effects of the proposed project on natural resources such as water quality, wildlife, cultural resources, and more. I prepare these Environmental Assessment (EA) documents for our clients to assist in this process.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

The variety. One day you’re monitoring an eagle nest, the next you’re out hiking a stream to check for the proper functioning condition. I’ve counted sage-grouse strutting on a lek, found new populations of threatened plant species, assessed abandoned mine sites for bat habitat potential, studied habitat recovery post-fire, conducted bird point counts for wind energy development and more.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I’m very, very good at board games.
My bird life list is currently at 394 species.

Kylen Flannagan

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

I was looking to move to Wyoming after I graduated from college, and I found this job on Indeed. My supervisor tried talking me out of moving over 1,000 miles for what was, at the time, a part-time job. But I’m stubborn.

What made you want to choose this career path?

I thoroughly enjoy working outdoors, and I love being able to be a part of improving/monitoring public and/or private lands.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

I get to broaden my skillset, and because I get to do a little bit of everything, my job never gets boring!

What do you love about Wyoming?

I love the extensive open areas, and the beautifully small population of people in this state. I’m what you would call…an introvert.

What is your favorite past-time?

Playing with my dog and cats mostly. I do love taking my dog out on hikes/walks when the weather is nice. Gardening in the summer, staying warm in the winter.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I am originally from Nevada. I am very passionate about ranch dressing. I have an obsession with skulls. I love plants.

Kevin McCartney, Grouse Mountain Database Developer

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

I started with Grouse Mountain as my first job after graduate school. While at Colorado State University, I studied ecological modeling of a hybridizing invasive plant species. This research exposed me to different facets of spatial studies, from mapping to analysis to modeling and more. My work for Grouse Mountain has dovetailed nicely into new areas of both spatial and data-focused projects.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

As a GIS analyst and database developer, I work on a good variety of projects with great people at Grouse Mountain. My role encompasses technical tasks such as:
• Spatial analyses of different actions done over a continual timeline on a project site
• Automating workflows by writing custom software to interact with databases and web pages
• Designing and developing new database solutions both in-house and for clients
• Working with newer technologies such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems and mobile apps for spatial data collection

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?

My first project automating a workflow was memorable for two key reasons. First, it was a good challenge to learn new coding techniques, and second, it was very fulfilling to create something that helps our permitting team members by regularly saving them time.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I grew up before the internet was ubiquitous, actually before Microsoft Windows was even popular, never mind iPhones, iPads or even iPods.

I sort my Skittles.

Clinton Beck, P.E. Environmental Coordinator

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

I was keeping an eye out for new and exciting engineering challenges with a company demonstrating success and opportunity in many different areas of service. Grouse Mountain was that company and I was lucky enough to match their search for a professional engineer to take on these expanding services.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

I am a professional environmental engineer that is overseeing many of the environmental compliance programs. These include the air, groundwater, mine, and waste permitting programs. I also work to support overall environmental compliance through the development of environmental management systems and audit programs.

What made you want to choose this career path?

At a young age, I recognized the environmental challenges that many industries faced. I knew that I wanted to be a part of solving some of these challenges while working with the important resource management and utilization companies. I figured an environmental engineer would be a great conduit for this desire and I am glad to have chosen this career.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

The team! The team has a wealth of experience and knowledge that helps not only to offer complete environmental services but to expand my current knowledge base and resources. The team is quick to share this expertise, but more importantly, they have been welcoming with plenty of positive energy.

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?

The support and freedom to pursue new challenges. From the moment I started, it was apparent the team is invested in growth, both professionally and personally. This was ever-present in the drafting of one of my first larger proposals. Everyone provided feedback and input in a way that allowed for the proposal to develop so that everyone had a stake, shared their expertise, and everyone felt a sense of ownership.

What do you love about Wyoming?

Wyoming has so much to offer. I am always impressed with the expansive landscapes. What I love most may be the efforts taken in preserving these landscapes, while also providing the resources and jobs we all have grown so accustomed to.

What is your favorite past-time?

With my baseball days behind me, kayaking and fishing are my favorite pastimes.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I currently serve on the Rapid City Air Quality Board.
I spent my high school summers helping with cleanup as part of the Acomita Lake dam restoration project near The Pueblo of Acoma.
I lived in a house built in the 1867, which used to be the commanding officer’s office and quarters at Fort Fauntleroy in San Rafael, New Mexico.

Spencer Burkett, Reclamation/Rangeland Technician

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

I originally started to help with a reclamation project. After the reclamation project was completed, I was asked to stay on to help with AIM projects for the BLM, as well as other environmental projects.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

I am a Reclamation/Rangeland Technician. I help with reclamation projects, SWPPP’s, wetland delineations, vegetation surveys and  assessments, Inventory and Monitoring.

What made you want to choose this career path?

I choose this career because I wanted a job that would allow me to spend time outdoors.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

My favorite part about working here is the diversity of projects that we have. My favorite projects are really any of them that allow me to look at plants.

What’s an experience that stands out to you from working at Grouse Mountain?

The experience that stands out the most to me is the day we completed a large reclamation project (1,700 acres). It was a project that at the beginning there seemed to be no end in sight so, that last day was really a good feeling to know how much we had accomplished.

What do you love about Wyoming?

I love the vast landscapes of Wyoming, even when I think I’ve seen it all there is something new around the next corner.

What is your favorite past-time?

Looking at plants and riding snowmobiles!

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I’ve done vegetation surveys in six states in the mountain west. I have a 100 lb. German Shepherd named Barli.