Joost Besijn
Fletcher
Summary
Throughout my career, my professional experience has focused on animal welfare, conservation, science, and management. In my personal life, there has been a steady development towards consciousness, empathy, collaboration, and kindness.
This combination of skills and traits has blended together well, resulting in someone who prioritizes people in order to achieve on the organization’s goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Division Director - Eastern Division
American Conservation Experience
07.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership to ACE's Eastern Division.
- Create a healthy and engaging work culture for a team of 80+ people.
- Set and achieve the division's programmatic and fiscal goals.
- Generate revenue in excess of $3.75 million annually.
- Foster long term relationships with partner organizations.
- Assist in daily operations and logistics.
Program Manager
Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board
06.2015 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership to an habitat restoration program.
- Develop and deliver outreach information, trainings, and reports.
- Represent the organization to the press, in public hearings, and at legislative hearings.
- Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.
- Raise funds through grants, contracts, and lobbying environmental legislature.
- Manage staff, volunteers, budget, and equipment.
- Recruit, train, and manage conservation crews.
Wildlife Biologist II
Confederated Colville Tribes
04.2013 - 06.2015
- Planned and executed habitat restoration projects.
- Supervised research and maintenance crews.
- Provided ArcGIS training on population monitoring and data collection.
- Authored and reviewed grant proposals, progress reports, and work plans.
- Completed vegetation studies and population estimates.
Owner / Consultant
Scio Terra Environmental Consulting
02.2013 - 06.2015
- Designed and completed habitat management projects for a tribal organization.
- Designed and completed environmental impact studies for small government.
- Developed and maintained strong business relationships in multiple states.
- Provided guidance and remained current on environmental legislation.
Safari Ranger
Sabi Sabi Reserve
10.2009 - 01.2012
- Provided outreach education for tourists through guided tours.
- Provided training and education to ranger and tracker staff.
- Assisted in capture and relocation of white rhino, Cape buffalo, and various antelope species.
- Completed habitat restoration and management projects.
- Conducted population estimates and small scale impact studies.
Zookeeper
Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen
02.2006 - 03.2009
- Managed and sanitized the Africa House and Asian House on weekends.
- Fed and monitored various animals inside the Africa House and Asia House.
- Gave short handling demonstrations on royal pythons.
- Provided customer service to zoo guests when needed.
- Provided input on education outreach packets for the Africa House.
Education
M.Sc. Conservation Biology -
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester, England03.2013
B.Sc. Wildlife Management -
Van Hall Institute
Leeuwarden, Friesland01.2010
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Fund raising
- Communication
- Event Coordination
- Public Speaking
- Training / Teaching
Certification
- ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro (several)
- Wetland Delineation Certificate
- SPI Public Applicator's License
- Sawyer: A-faller
- WFA (Wilderness First Aid)
- Chemical Immobilization of Wildlife
Languages
English
Dutch
German
Spanish
Timeline
Division Director - Eastern Division
American Conservation Experience
07.2022 - Current
Program Manager
Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board
06.2015 - Current
Wildlife Biologist II
Confederated Colville Tribes
04.2013 - 06.2015
Owner / Consultant
Scio Terra Environmental Consulting
02.2013 - 06.2015
Safari Ranger
Sabi Sabi Reserve
10.2009 - 01.2012
Zookeeper
Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen
02.2006 - 03.2009
M.Sc. Conservation Biology -
Manchester Metropolitan University
B.Sc. Wildlife Management -
Van Hall Institute
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