Sharon Fuller Barnes

Post-Secondary Education

Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science
Wildlife Management

Mississippi State University
Master of Science
Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Teaching Experience

• Teach Introduction to Environmental Science at the undergraduate level, providing students with a clear, accessible foundation in Earth systems, ecological principles, human impacts on the environment, and sustainability practices. Create a welcoming, academically rigorous learning environment that supports diverse learners and encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world application of environmental concepts.

• Functioned as regional recruiter, engaging daily with hiring managers, workforce, and external partners to support talent acquisition goals.
• Informed the public and potential applicants about the agency’s mission and available career opportunities.

• Reviewed recruitment practices and created regional recommendations for implementation.
• Represented the agency at career fairs, organized informational sessions, mentored students, and participated in policy development and planning calls.
• Conducted outreach and recruitment programs in-person and virtually at colleges and universities through webinars, presentations, and recruitment platforms.
• Delivered training on topics such as Inter-generational Awareness, Mentoring Programs, and Student Program Development.
• Drafted memorandums, reports, and briefings related to employment opportunities and partnerships to support departmental goals.
• Created targeted recruitment plans, analyzed workforce data, and developed outreach initiatives for underserved audiences.
• Advised consercation organizations and educational institutions on federal employment pathways and strengthened partnerships through establising agreements and evaluations.
• Maintained applicant listserv, shared career opportunities, conducted focus groups, and compiled reports to enhance recruitment programs. 

• Led regional web-based mentoring program, managing cohort engagement, facilitating sessions, resolving participant challenges, and maintaining program databases.

• Developed program resources and evaluation tools, briefed leadership on challenges and improvements, and prepared materials for conference participation.
• Coordinated logistics for meetings and calls, addressed IT and budget concerns, and liaised with the Regional Director’s Office to ensure operational continuity.
• Mediated conflicts among mentoring pairs and supervisors, updated online systems to reflect regional needs, and implemented process improvements through planning meetings and stakeholder consultations.
• Oversaw student youth programs in partnership with external organizations; compiled quarterly data, estimated funding needs, and delivered strategic updates to leadership.
• Prepared annual youth engagement reports, collaborated with HR to recruit and onboard interns, and provided agency-wide guidance on student hiring policies.
• Organized multi-region student orientations and mentor trainings; participated in regular interagency calls to align efforts and share best practices.
• Managed intern onboarding processes, including contracts, agreements, and advertising materials; ensured compliance through coordination with HR and contracting offices.
• Conducted hazardous job analyses and designed orientation training sessions tailored to one-day and week-long formats.

• Provided academic support to high school students through tutoring in core subjects and guidance on school projects, fostering improved performance and confidence.
• Designed and implemented engaging after-school programs that combine recreation with educational enrichment, promoting holistic youth development.
• Maintained and managed inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring readiness and safety through regular inspections and timely ordering of replacements.
• Served as a consistent and positive mentor, modeling leadership and encouraging personal growth among youth participants.
• Tracked daily attendance and developed monthly reports for the recreation supervisor, using data to incentivize participation through structured rewards.

• Designed and delivered environmental education programs for schools, scout troops, universities, and faith-based groups, incorporating hands-on activities tailored to audience needs.
• Conducted interpretive tours and multimedia presentations for community members and regional leaders, highlighting the refuge’s cultural and natural resources.
• Redesigned school-based programs to align with state science standards; trained educators, developed outreach materials, and gathered feedback to improve offerings.
• Managed visitor and education center operations, including technology exhibits, computer labs, websites, and coordination with maintenance staff.
• Oversaw volunteer engagement, including scheduling, training, supply management, and visitor services.
• Administered user fee collections and annual pass distribution, maintaining accurate records and deposits.
• Operated satellite downlink systems to support distance-learning broadcasts and staff communications.

• Supervised youth summer employment program, coordinating weekly educational field trips and mentoring participants in conservation-focused activities.
• Led school field trips on-site and in classrooms, ensuring interactive and informative experiences aligned with environmental education goals.
• Delivered presentations on endangered species, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and USFWS career pathways to youth and community audiences.
• Planned and executed monthly public events to promote environmental awareness and community engagement.
• Collaborated with biologists on field research and regulatory reviews; supervised volunteers supporting wildlife and habitat studies.
• Managed program tracking systems, maintaining accurate schedules, attendance records, and activity logs.
• Created and distributed the refuge’s annual educational newsletter to highlight programs and engage stakeholders.

• Conducted multi-year research on state hunter behavior through survey design, data collection, and statistical analysis using SAS and Excel; collaborated with state conservation agencies to present findings and inform policy recommendations.

• Led and coordinated graduate research teams for two years, managing lab operations, scheduling, stakeholder communications, and weekly meetings; delegated tasks and mentored both graduate and undergraduate students in research protocols.
• Delivered instructional support and guest lecturer in Introduction to Wildlife Management seminar for first-year students, facilitating discussions on conservation ethics, field techniques, and career pathways in natural resources.
• Presented lab research at national conferences, contributing to scholarly discourse on conservation law enforcement and human dimensions in natural resource management.
• Facilitated onboarding and training for new graduate assistants and supervised undergraduate research staff, fostering academic growth and professional development.
• Performed comprehensive literature reviews to support emerging research initiatives, synthesizing academic sources and preparing annotated bibliographies for faculty approval.

• Developed and led wildlife education programs for urban youth, incorporating nature walks, conservation workshops, and interactive learning activities.
• Delivered outreach presentations and created educational materials to promote refuge programs and build community partnerships.
• Revised refuge hunt plan documents, including compatibility determinations and environmental assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Supported alligator nest surveys with data collection and habitat analysis for conservation reporting.
• Coordinated volunteer participation in research projects, providing training and field guidance.
• Participated in executive meetings, contributing insights and tracking action items related to refuge priorities.
• Assisted with habitat restoration efforts, including invasive species removal and wetland enhancement.

• Conducted weekly bird surveys, recorded data, developed trend analyses, and drafted reports on bird population trends to inform conservation management.
• Conducted weekly bird population surveys and drafted trend reports to inform habitat management strategies.
• Supported wetland restoration through water sampling, invasive species control, and cottonwood tree planting and monitoring.
• Inventoried plant species and collaborated with biologists to assess restoration progress.
• Monitored wetland water levels and recommended management actions to sustain wildlife habitats.
• Contributed to habitat monitoring programs, evaluating water quality and invasive species impacts through site visits and data analysis.

Professional Affiliations

• Texas Children in Nature Network — Member (Jun 2025–Present)

• Austin Youth River Watch — Board Member (2026–Present)

• BRAVE Communities BRAVEfest — Planning Committee Member (2026)

• ACC ASCENDER Program — Mentor (Fall 2026–Present)

• Breakthrough Central Texas — Volunteer (Jun 2025–Present)

• The Wildlife Society (TWS) — Member (Jul 2015–Present)

• Federally Employed Women (FEW) — Member (Feb 2024–Present)

Professional Publications