EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

Bonnie Gray, Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultant

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

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

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.

Suman Chitrakar, Lead Hydrologist

What made you want to choose this career path?

When I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do until I took course in Hydrology. Through this course I got chance to learn about the interactions of water and the earth’s systems and factors affecting the sustainability of water. Since then my interest in this field grew deeper and encouraged me to pursue a career in the same domain so that I could contribute the best of my knowledge and skill set in making the environment sustainable.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

My favorite part of working at Grouse Mountain is the ideal work environment. I enjoy working in a small business environment, where I get to know all the people I work with. Working here, I feel there is a good balance between my professional and personal life.

What do you love about Wyoming?

No crowds, beautiful, natural wonders, and great outdoors…GO POKES!

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

• I can spend hours in the kitchen trying different recipes
• I wanted to be a medical practitioner when I was a little kid
• I won the national wushu championship of Nepal when I was 14 years old, that was one of the proudest accomplishments of my life
• I have visited most of the famous places in EU countries, but Venice is still on the Bucket list

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.

Katie Taylor, Senior Wildlife Biologist

What made you want to choose this career path?

I would say I fell into it and was pleasantly surprised that it fit me quite well. When I started dabbling in the wildlife consulting world in 2010, I never thought I would be a long-time consultant, but the sphere of ever-changing wildlife regulatory policy intrigued me immediately. It didn’t take long for me to realize that wildlife consulting was a bit of my jam. Working within the Western region on real world relevant wildlife matters is so enjoyable and gratifying.

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

The people I work with really make every day enjoyable. We have an amazing Wildlife Team that I wouldn’t trade for anyone. That is not a lie! Also, the nature of the work keeps things jazzing and fresh. I get to work on a variety of projects that never seems to bore me.

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

Pretty much every day in the field conducting avian surveys. No day is ever the same. The seasons, species, and landscapes are forever changing and keeping me on my toes.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I love collecting skulls.
I eat mustard on just about everything.

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.

Jesse Shuck, Project Manager (New Mexico Office)

How did you come to work at Grouse Mountain?

A friend’s referral.

What do you do at Grouse Mountain?

Manage the Santa Fe office
Manage NEPA and Natural Resource projects

What made you want to choose this career path?

I love working outdoors and this career has a nice mix.

What’s your favorite part about working here?

Going after new work

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

Visiting the Buffalo office really helped show how the office works.

What do you love about Wyoming?

I love the wide open spaces and the mountains, and I love the same things in New Mexico. I also love the deserts, the food and history of New Mexico.

What is your favorite past-time?

Probably hunting.

Tell us a few fun facts about you!

I have six kids 4-14 that keep me busy. We love to go to the river or the mountains and shoot bb guns with them.

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.