Gisel Farias
San Luis Obispo
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Crewleader at California Conservation Corps with expertise in safety protocols and proactive problem solving. Proven track record in crew oversight and leading crew to successfully complete trail construction and rehabilitation projects. Skilled in documentation and reporting, ensuring project goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Versatile Crew Leader with experience directing others, managing tasks and monitoring work areas.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Crewleader 1
California Conservation Corps
04.2025 - Current
- Lead crews of 10-15 Corpsmembers on projects, communicating scope of work and trouble shooting problems.
- Helped keep the team focused and on track while performing daily tasks and assignments.
- Communicated clear instructions to crew. Answered questions and provided guidance to crew.
- Training peers on trail work, fuel reduction, chainsaw operation, and general grade work.
- Lead and participated in daily safety briefings and implemented safe work practices to prevent injury.
- Point of contact for the crew from the supervisor. Ensuring the right equipment is loaded properly for the current project.
- Worked in small independent groups removing logs, brushing, treading trail, and constructing drystone masonry.
- Record weekly project reports.
- Assist prepping spike camps in setting up and take down.
- Assisted in the preparation for remote work assignments by preparing vehicles, tools, food, and additional needs 24 hours prior to departure.
- Work with PSCW to obtain gear, tool, and additional resources needed for 8-day remote assignments.
Backcountry Corpsmember
California Conservation Corps
04.2025 - 09.2025
- 2025 Backcountry Trails Program Kings Canyon national park/Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
- Served as a member of a ten person Backcountry Trail Crew. Lived and worked in a remote wilderness setting for five and a half months in adverse weather conditions.
- Participated in community-building activities.
- Performed trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction in coordination with the National Parks service.
- Work included daily hiking in steep and rugged terrain at three miles per hour with up to sixty pounds.
- Worked independently improving upon existing trail conditions by brushing corridor to desired width, reestablishing tread to improve public use via re-routes and grading.
- Backcountry trail construction building: dry stone masonry/rock construction of all types including single and multi-tier walls, single and multi-tier causeways, drain lens, steps, and switchbacks. Worked on rip-rap projects, rock and log water bars, retainers/check steps.
- Utilized map and compass to navigate cross country wilderness areas
- Planned multi day trips for small groups in remote wilderness areas
- Experience in backcountry camp construction and breakdown
- Work with and around livestock
Tool Specialist
California Conservation Corps
10.2023 - 04.2025
- participated in the August 2024 Honduras Exchange with Global Corps, working alongside APAH volunteers and the U.S. Forest Service. Contributed to trail reconstruction, erosion control, and trail rerouting using hand tools to increase community accessibility. Assisted with educational outreach by leading fun, interactive learning activities for local elementary school children.
- Handpicked for various trainings, such as the CCCF Leadership Hike, a Snorkel Survey training in San Luis Obispo and Monterey County,
and a CAL FIRE Defensive Spacing Assessment program. - Designated as crew Tool Specialist due to ability to understand tool related topics, such as ergonomics, rehandling, sharpening, job
hazard analysis, and teach fellow Corpsmembers on the issues. - Collaborated with CAL FIRE, USDA Los Padres National Forest, and others, as camp support for Lake Fire 2024 in Santa Barbara county.
- Conducted comprehensive pre-trip inspections on vehicles and equipment to verify proper maintenance and vehicle condition.
- Cut and removed brush, small trees, and other vegetation using chainsaws, weed-eaters, trimmers, handsaws, pole saws, rakes, McLeod's, Pulaski's, pruning shears, broom pullers, and shovels
Corpsmember
California Conservation Corps
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Performed natural resource and conservation projects throughout California with agencies such as Caltrans, State Parks and City of San
Luis Obispo. - Accomplished roadside brushing, tree removal, chipping, landscape, rockwork, culvert cleaning and other stormwater related work.
- Carried out fence installation, post installation, installing signage, habitat enhancement activities.
- Extensive experience using the following tools: McLeod, Pulaski, Pick Mattock, R5 Shovel, 8-16 lb double jack, sledgehammer, 3-5 lb single jack, rock bar, loppers, hand saw, falling axe, level and line level, sharpening files, grip hoist, chainsaw.
- Used grip hoists, logging tools, wire rope, rigging/steel anchoring and pully systems to move large wood debris structures.
- Removed/treated all invasive plant species with minimal to no damage to native species in the area.
- Performed a variety of planting and maintenance tasks including sod laying, shrub trimming, planting, watering, weeding, fertilizing, and mulching in such a manner as to maintain high plant survival rate.
Banquet Server
Beets Hospitality
10.2022 - 10.2023
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
- Adhered to all health and safety regulations while serving food and beverages.
- Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.
- Answered guest questions about event plans and food service choices.
- creating a warm friendly and welcoming atmosphere for 100-400 guests.
Balloon Artist /Event Helper
Balloon Boss
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Create balloon sculptures and designs (animals, hats, flowers, arches, columns, bouquets, etc.) based on event needs.
- Interact with guests in a friendly, engaging, and professional manner, especially children.
- Set up and break down balloon equipment and display areas.
- Safely inflate, tie, and handle balloons using pumps or air tanks
- Customize balloon designs upon request while managing time efficiently
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace during events
- Monitor balloon supply levels and notify event lead of needed materials
- Follow safety guidelines, including latex allergy awareness and proper disposal of balloon waste
Education
Auto Body Collision Tech
Universal Technical Institute
Sacramento, CA11-2020
High School Diploma -
Tracy High School
Tracy, CA05-2017
Skills
- Jobsite safety
- Jobsite safety
- Jobsite safety
- Jobsite safety
- Jobsite safety
- Jobsite safety
- Jobsite safety
Certification
- Certified Wilderness First Aid and CPR, River Safety- Sierra Rescue - 06/2025-06/2028
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Crewleader 1
California Conservation Corps
04.2025 - Current
Backcountry Corpsmember
California Conservation Corps
04.2025 - 09.2025
Tool Specialist
California Conservation Corps
10.2023 - 04.2025
Corpsmember
California Conservation Corps
10.2023 - 07.2024
Banquet Server
Beets Hospitality
10.2022 - 10.2023
Balloon Artist /Event Helper
Balloon Boss
09.2022 - 04.2023
Auto Body Collision Tech
Universal Technical Institute
High School Diploma -
Tracy High School