MAX BIGELOW
Sacramento
Summary
II have over three years of hands-on experience in land stewardship, reservoir maintenance, fisheries work, and prescribed fire, with a strong focus on conservation and land management. I hold a bachelor's degree in Parks and Natural Resource Management and am currently completing a master's in Wildland Management, with all coursework finished and a final project in progress.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fisheries Technician
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Sacramento
10.2025 - Current
- Participate in survey crews that conduct shore and boat-based salmon escapement surveys (carcass surveys) on the lower American River in Sacramento, California.
- Collect fish carcasses with a gaff and chop in half with a machete. Make standardized observations including, but not limited to, species identification, sex, length, and reproductive condition. Collect fish scales and remove fish heads with a serrated knife.
- Maintain and clean field equipment and boats. Accurately input biological and environmental data on field forms and/or desktop computers. Adhere to all safety and data collection protocols. Perform QAQC of data.
Reservoir Maintenance Technician
Aqua Tech
Sacramento
01.2025 - 09.2025
- Maintenance and cleaning of Hypalon covers on in-ground reservoirs, including patching, seam inspection, and debris removal, to protect water quality and extend cover lifespan.
- Contracted reservoir cleaning support for El Dorado Irrigation District, focusing on cover cleaning and general site upkeep to maintain operational and environmental standards.
- Serviced redwood water storage tanks, including pressure washing, linseed oil treatment, and structural inspection, ensuring long-term functionality and safe water containment.
Busser
5th Street Steakhouse
Chico
10.2021 - 06.2025
- Maintained a clean, organized, and efficient work environment under fast-paced conditions.
- Strong communication and coordination with team to ensure timely and organized service.
- Demonstrated strong time management and multitasking skills during peak service hours.
Land Steward
Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
Chico
05.2023 - 04.2024
- Invasive species removal and native plant propagation, with hands-on experience using weed jacks, weed wackers, chainsaws, and pole saws; proficient in field stripping and maintaining chainsaws.
- Wildfire mitigation, fuels reduction, and prescribed fire operations, including experience with drip torches, fire tools, and participation in prescribed burns with multiple agencies, PBAs, and RCDs; completed Wildland Firefighting Type 2 training through the NWCG.
- Riparian and meadow restoration, including hands-on Beaver Dam Analog ‘BDA’ work, one-rock dams, and other process-based restoration methods; experienced with turbidimeters, piezometers, pH sensors, and soil data collection.
- Equipment operation and transport, including driving full-size trucks with trailers and operating Kubotas and Polaris UTVs across rugged terrain; experience in GIS mapping and field data collection.
Education
Master's Degree - Wildland Management
California State University, Chico
06-2026
Bachelor's Degree - Parks and Natural Resource Management
California State University, Chico
05.2023
Skills
- Invasive species management
- GIS mapping
- Data collection
- Field sampling techniques
- Habitat and riparian restoration
- Field equipment maintenance
- Water quality monitoring
- Equipment operation
Certification
- Wildland Firefighter Type 2, National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
- S-130, Firefighter Training (Wildland), National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
- L-180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire, National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
- S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
- IS-700B & IS-100C Intro to the National Incident Management System, FEMA
Volunteer Experience
- Volunteer, California Climate Action Corps, Chico, CA. Collaborated with community members on a habitat restoration project. Assisted with invasive species removal to promote biodiversity and improve overall habitat quality.
- Volunteer, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. Assisted Park Service staff with trail restoration by clearing overgrowth and debris using hand saws and other tools. Helped repair and maintain trails damaged by wildfire to improve safety and access for visitors.
Timeline
Fisheries Technician
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
10.2025 - Current
Reservoir Maintenance Technician
Aqua Tech
01.2025 - 09.2025
Land Steward
Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
05.2023 - 04.2024
Busser
5th Street Steakhouse
10.2021 - 06.2025
Master's Degree - Wildland Management
California State University, Chico
Bachelor's Degree - Parks and Natural Resource Management
California State University, Chico