Shannon Maes
La Jara
Summary
Dynamic young agrarian and ag-support professional with expertise in regenerative agricultural practices and ecological monitoring techniques. Demonstrated capabilities in education, organization, and leadership to accomplish desired outcomes. Strong believer in the power of bringing people together for shared solution-finding and learning. Known for a highly effective approach to collaboration based on empathy, mutual respect, common ground, kindness and humor. Deep understanding of social and environmental context in the Southwest.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Farm/Ranch Employee
Lionel Valdez
La Jara
01.2025 - Current
- Completed day-to-day duties including animal and crop care, equipment and facility maintenance accurately and effectively.
- Led initiatives to achieve targeted management outcomes, showcasing leadership and strategic planning.
- Assisted management with organization strategies, documentation, and planning to effectively utilize USDA programs, including FSA drought insurance and NRCS EQIP.
- Collaborated with team members and management in both English and Spanish to ensure optimal project completion.
Assistant Ranch Manager
San Juan Land & Livestock
Saguache
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with ranch management team to identify and define operational structure and objectives.
- Managed daily tasks related to land and livestock care as well as infrastructure maintenance either independently or collaboratively.
- Executed many strategic management initiatives to address diverse operational challenges within the ranch.
Colorado Water Policy/Advocacy Fellow
National Young Farmer's Coalition
La Jara
12.2022 - 11.2023
- Collaborated with a diverse group of young agrarians, and agricultural-adjacent professionals, to identify key policy priorities within the US Farm Bill.
- Studied historical and legal frameworks of water management in the Southwest, with a focus on landscape-scale impacts and social outcomes.
- Analyzed USDA programs to assess their intended use, accessibility, and challenges faced by producers.
Regenerative Ranching Apprentice
Sol Ranch
Wagon Mound
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Researched and executed essential ecological monitoring processes to support regenerative ranch management.
- Assisted in the synthesis and interpretation of ecomonitoring data, enhancing ranch management strategies.
- Supported management, private consultants and NRCS agency personnel in collaborative infrastructure maintenance and strategic project planning on the ranch.
Farm to School Program Coordinator
K.A. Brett Elementary School
Tamworth
11.2018 - 02.2021
- Developed and implemented hands-on programs on food production, preparation, and nutrition for students.
- Guided students in the design, planting, care and harvest of their school garden.
- Working closely with teachers and staff, contributed to the creation and execution of school policies promoting health and wellness.
High School Science Teacher
The Community School
South Tamworth
08.2013 - 05.2016
- Developed engaging lesson plans and assessment mechanisms tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Facilitated hands-on educational experiences to enhance student curiosity and understanding of environmental sciences.
- Developed innovative teaching methods to encourage and support student-led, project-based learning.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies - Conservation Ecology
Sterling College
Craftsbury Common, VT12-2012
Skills
- Written and verbal communication in English, intermediate Spanish
- Grazing management for targeted animal health and ecological outcomes
- Team collaboration as well as solo work
- Empathy and relationship-building
- Event planning and organizing
- Task prioritization
- Dependable and responsible
- Positive, optimistic mindset
- Diligent, detail-oriented work ethic
- Understanding and managing complex systems
Accomplishments
- Featured speaker at 2022 Regenerate Conference in Denver, CO
- December 2012 Sterling College Student Commencement Speaker
- Recipient of Sterling College 2011/12 Williamson Merit Award recognizing outstanding qualities in leadership, integrity, inspiration, commitment to community and optimism
Timeline
Farm/Ranch Employee
Lionel Valdez
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Ranch Manager
San Juan Land & Livestock
09.2023 - 01.2025
Colorado Water Policy/Advocacy Fellow
National Young Farmer's Coalition
12.2022 - 11.2023
Regenerative Ranching Apprentice
Sol Ranch
03.2021 - 12.2021
Farm to School Program Coordinator
K.A. Brett Elementary School
11.2018 - 02.2021
High School Science Teacher
The Community School
08.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies - Conservation Ecology
Sterling College
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