Nick20Burnett
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About me
Army veteran and conservation professional with 11 years of military leadership experience and advanced academic training in wildlife conservation, GIS, wildlife ecology and management, and marine science. My background spans terrestrial and marine systems, with experience connecting ecological science, spatial analysis, and practical conservation problem-solving.
I am beginning the Professional MBA program at Bentley University to strengthen my business, strategy, and organizational leadership skills. I am especially interested in roles at the intersection of conservation, sustainability, environmental consulting, natural resource management, GIS, project management, and applied research.
I bring a disciplined, mission-focused approach to complex problems, with strengths in leadership, adaptability, communication, research, and cross-functional collaboration. I am looking to contribute to organizations working on biodiversity, sustainability, environmental planning, land and resource management, or science-based conservation solutions.
Work Experience
Program Coordinator II – GIS Trails Mapping Assistant
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
December 15, 2024
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April 15, 2025
Seasonal GIS role supporting statewide trails data management for Massachusetts DCR. Assisted with creating, maintaining, editing, and improving roads and trails data using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Field Maps, and GPS/GIS field mapping tools. Performed QA/QC, schema improvements, field data collection, web map and dashboard support, cartographic updates, and workflow documentation to improve trail data accuracy and usability for internal staff and the public.
Biological Science Technician (GS5)
Cape Cod National Seashore (NPS)
March 18, 2024
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September 16, 2024
Seasonal biological science technician supporting shorebird monitoring and conservation at Cape Cod National Seashore. Conducted daily field operations focused on Piping Plovers and American Oystercatchers, including nest monitoring, chick survival observations, ATV and foot patrols, biological data collection, predator and disturbance tracking, and installation of protective fencing around sensitive nesting areas. Supported conservation reporting, visitor education, and field-based decision-making for protected species management.
Security / Maintenance
Southwick’s Zoo
September 12, 2022
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January 1, 2024
Supported security, maintenance, and animal care operations in a public zoological setting. Conducted patrols, access control, incident documentation, after-hours monitoring, employee and visitor escorts, and emergency response support. Assisted with habitat maintenance and improvement projects, including rebuilding animal exhibit areas, installing sod, constructing fencing and barriers, maintaining clean animal environments, and safely transporting or handling animals such as goats, alpacas, and kangaroos.
State / Wildland Firefighter
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation – Fire Control
April 9, 2023
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November 20, 2023
Seasonal wildland firefighter supporting fire suppression, controlled burns, fire patrols, hotspot monitoring, and emergency response operations. Operated chainsaws, pumps, hoses, hand tools, and other firefighting equipment in rugged outdoor conditions. Assisted with assessing fire behavior, constructing fire lines, supporting containment strategies, and maintaining operational readiness. Completed wildland fire, incident command, chainsaw, and leadership training including S-110, S-130, S-131, S-190, S-212, L-180, L-280, IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700.
Fire Support Specialist (13F)
United States Army
February 17, 2017
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January 5, 2020
Served as a Fire Support Specialist in the U.S. Army, supporting mission planning, operational communication, leadership, security, and team coordination in high-pressure environments. Directed and supervised teams, maintained sensitive equipment, created mission-critical products and reports, briefed senior leaders, improved operational workflows, and developed training and standard operating procedures. Deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and earned the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and Army Achievement Medal.
Carpenter / Mason Specialist (12W)
United States Army Reserves
August 16, 2008
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November 21, 2016
Served as a Carpenter/Mason Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves, supporting construction, project management, field operations, and team leadership. Directed construction projects, supervised soldiers, conducted safety briefings, trained personnel in construction methods and equipment use, maintained project records, and supported military construction operations including home construction on the Navajo Reservation and helicopter pad construction during National Training Center exercises. Earned the Army Achievement Medal and Army Commendation Medal.
Forestry Technician
VetsWork – Mt. Adams Institute
April 1, 2020
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June 1, 2020
AmeriCorps - Supported forestry and public land stewardship operations through field data collection, timber boundary work, timber cruising, GPS mapping, and resource planning support. Assisted with marking trees for harvest, mapping unit boundaries, preparing timber sale materials, reviewing environmental and regulatory documents, processing geospatial data, and creating maps using ArcGIS and spreadsheets. Gained field experience in forest management, conservation operations, wetlands, and dense forest environments.
Land Stewardship Coordinator
TerraCorps
April 1, 2021
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July 1, 2021
AmeriCorps - Supported land stewardship, ecological restoration, invasive species management, wildlife monitoring, and community conservation education. Led invasive phragmites removal efforts, coordinated volunteer participation in the Monarch Watch Program, supported turtle habitat restoration projects, collected and documented ecological data, and delivered outreach programs focused on environmental stewardship and biodiversity awareness.
Education
Professional MBA
Master’s Degree / MBA
May 15, 2026
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Present
Beginning Bentley University’s Professional MBA program to strengthen business strategy, organizational leadership, finance, analytics, and decision-making skills. Building on prior experience in military leadership, wildlife conservation, GIS, wildlife ecology and management, and marine science, with a focus on applying business training to conservation, sustainability, environmental consulting, and mission-driven organizational work.
Master of Professional Science in Marine Science
Master’s Degree
August 19, 2024
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July 21, 2025
Completed a Master of Professional Science in Marine Science with a track in Conservation of Marine Mammals. Graduate coursework focused on marine ecosystems, marine mammal identification and life history, marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation of marine predators, coral ecology and conservation, predator impacts on marine ecosystems, coral reef restoration and aquaculture, sustainable marine resource management, and applied capstone work. 4.0 GPA
Master of Professional Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management
Master’s Degree
August 14, 2023
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July 22, 2024
Completed a Master of Professional Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management with graduate training in conservation ecology, landscape ecology, GIS and remote sensing, wildlife ecology and management, human dimensions of wildlife management, quantitative reasoning, environmental communication, ethical practice and policy, and applied capstone work. 4.0 GPA
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation
Bachelor’s Degree
January 18, 2021
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May 8, 2023
Graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation and a minor in GIS. Coursework included wildlife conservation, ecology, GIS, remote sensing, field data collection, applied spatial analysis, wildlife population management, habitat management, conservation genetics, natural resource law and policy, statistics for wildlife professionals, environmental communication, and human dimensions of wildlife conservation. 3.85 GPA