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Rick Hammond

Environmental Planner | GIS Specialist | Ecological Restoration | ISA Certified Arborist | RPCV Zambia

Environmental planner and ecological restoration practitioner with 8+ years of experience integrating GIS analysis, conservation planning, and sustainable land management. Background includes state park planning, international forestry extension work, and environmental impact analysis. Certified Arborist currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Ecological Restoration with expertise in spatial analysis, ecological planning, and stakeholder engagement.

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Core Compentencies

Planning & Conservation

  • Environmental and conservation planning.

  • Public land management.

  • Ecological restoration planning.

  • Sustainable recreation infrastructure.

  • Agroforestry and community forestry.

Technical

  • GIS spatial analysis (ArcGIS, QGIS).

  • Terrain and hydrological analysis.

  • Viewshed modeling.

  • Cartographic design.

  • Geospatial data development.

Professional

  • Stakeholder engagement.

  • Technical report writing.

  • Interdisciplinary coordination.

  • Public presentations.

  • Environmental education.

Education

Master of Natural Resource Stewardship – Ecological Restoration

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado – In Progress (Anticipated: December 2026)

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania – May 2014

Minor in Environmental Inquiry

Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist - MA-6181A

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Certification

Texas Department of Emergency Management

Experience

Guest Lecturer

King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi / May 2025 – Present / Bangkok, Thailand

  • Developed and delivered lectures on arboriculture, planting design, protected area management, participatory planning, buffer zone management, ecotourism, and tropical ecology.

  • Delivered instruction to undergraduate landscape architecture students.

State Park Planner

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department / July 2019 – April 2024 / Austin, Texas, USA

  • Led planning efforts for Texas state parks integrating recreation development with ecological conservation priorities.

  • Conducted GIS-based spatial analyses including flood risk modeling, viewshed analysis, and trail slope modeling to support infrastructure planning.

  • Coordinated interdisciplinary planning with natural resource specialists, engineers, and park managers.

  • Prepared technical planning documents including Accessible Camping Guidelines and Tree Planting Standards.

  • Produced cartographic products and spatial datasets supporting planning decisions.

  • Facilitated stakeholder engagement and incorporated public input into planning processes.

  • Developed the Public Use Plan for Colorado Bend State Park, the first comprehensive public use plan in the park’s history.

Landscape Architect &
Planner

CV, Inc / May 2018 – July 2019 / Rockville, Maryland, USA

  • Developed GIS datasets and spatial analyses supporting environmental planning and development projects.

  • Produced interactive WebMaps using QGIS and Leaflet for project communication.

  • Conducted environmental analyses including wetland delineations, stream assessments, and forest stand evaluations.

  • Supported environmental impact assessments and regulatory planning processes.

  • Designed ecological planting plans for stormwater management and constructed wetlands.

Forestry Extension Agent

U.S. Peace Corps / February 2015 – April 2017 / Hantumbu Village, Mazabuka District, Zambia

  • Implemented agroforestry and sustainable land management practices with smallholder farmers.

  • Developed a chiTonga botanical dictionary supporting conservation education and plant identification.

  • Created a catchment-scale GIS map supporting conservation and health planning.

  • Conducted environmental education programs for schools and community groups.

  • Provided training in improved agricultural and agroforestry practices.

  • Connected farmers with microfinance organizations and monitored project outcomes.

  • Organized an environmental education camp for primary school students.

  • Served as Provincial Malaria Coordinator supporting volunteer programs across Southern Province.  

GIS/Research Assistant

Penn State Hamer Center for Community Design / February 2014 – December 2014

University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

  • Conducted spatial analysis of Marcellus Shale development using GIS software.

  • Developed geospatial datasets and analytical maps.

  • Produced web-based mapping products supporting planning efforts.

  • Created 3D spatial models using CityEngine.

  • Conducted site and precedent analyses for a university agricultural project.

Lectures

KMUTT
LAN 252

KMUTT
LAN 352

  • Foundations of Natural Area Tourism and Recreation Management

  • Understanding Recreation Impacts on Natural Resources

  • Buffer Zones and Management Strategies

  • Wildlife Based Ecotourism

KMUTT
LAN 381

  • Stormwater Management Technology: Site & Landscape

  • Stormwater Management Technology Integrated with Architecture

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