Work Experience
Cherokee Federal, Environmental Scientist
- Charleston, SC and Jacksonville, FL, Environmental Scientist/ GPS Specialist, November 2022 – present
- Environmental Documentation Supporting U.S. Army Reserve Facility Transfers – USACE Louisville District
- Conducted record reviews, site reconnaissance, and personnel interviews to identify recognized environmental conditions at five U.S. Army Reserve Facilities. Helped create reports for each facility in the form of an Environmental Condition of Property Report and/or Finding Of Suitability to Transfer Reports. Assisted in Project Management for multiple tasks by managing submissions, facilitating communications, and tracking and updating schedules for the contracted tasks.
- Groundwater Sampling– JEB Little Creek, VA
- Created, co-wrote, and presented Sampling and Analysis plans (SAPs) for environmental remediation projects based in JEB Little Creek. Scheduled to sample groundwater monitoring wells at multiple sites for VOCs, SVOCs, and dissolved metals, outlined by the SAPs created and update sites’ LTM plans based on results.
- Radon Detector Task – MCRD Parris Island, SC
- Assisted in Radon Detector Placement and Quality Control Plan buildings at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island. The Alpha Track Detectors (ATDs) were placed per Navy Radon Assessment and Mitigation Program (NAVRAMP) Guidelines within the lodging quarters, barracks, commercial spaces, warehouses, and administrative office spaces on the project. On-going project requires ATD retrieval and to create a report with results and completed data analysis.
- Stormwater System Surveying & Drinking Water Task– MCRD Parris Island, SC
- Co-led stormwater infrastructure system analysis at MCRD Parris Island, using real-time kinematic survey equipment to collect elevation data of the system components. Create Standard of Practice for data filtering and analysis using Excel as well as processed GNSS and GIS stormwater data with ArcGIS Pro. On To begin work on compiling elevation data to create a report in which areas of concern and solution recommendations are highlighted. Scheduled to sample drinking water for heavy metal concentrations for various installation buildings, and provide technical memo and report on results.
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Bureau of Coastal Management
- Charleston, SC, Compliance Manager, November 2021 – November 2022
- Lead and manage compliance initiatives, adhering to strict environmental regulations and sustainability standards, with aparticular focus on coastal and beachfront ecosystems.
- Execute compliance assistance projects, collaborating with OCRM staff members to develop and implement strategies tobring sites into compliance with state regulations
Service Industry
While the restaurant/service industry is outside the standard work experience to become an environmental scientist, or climate leader, it is important service experience that I am proud of. I had my first server job in undergrad at the local italian restaurant where I learned the importance of customer service. In total, I have worked in five different restaurants between NY, VA, and SC. I learned important skills like multi-tasking, task management, time management, and customer service.
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Materials Management, Bureau of Solid Waste
2018 – 2019 Kelly then interned at the analyzing and compiling Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) data from different landfills across the capital district. Attending landfill sites, she conducted field work to determine groundwater flow for monitoring wells.
In 2019, Kelly started a job at the NYSDEC in the Pollution Prevention Unit. Creating sustainability content for residents, research harmful chemicals and ingredients, and assisting in create procurement restrictions.
Graduate Experience
2019 – 2021 Kelly attended Old Dominion University in pursuit of a M.S. of Ocean and earth Science, with a concentration in physical oceanography related to societal issues. Achieving the Graduate Certificate for Conservation Leadership, Kelly conducted 4 research projects to assist in solving Wicked Problems. Wicked Problems are scientific problems rooted in society, therefore requiring specific and unique solutions utilizing the opinions of relevant stakeholders. After complete the certificate requirements, Kelly went on to Mentor the incoming leaders.
2020 – 2021 Kelly also volunteered as the Ocean and Earth Science’s Graduate Student Organization as President. This role required careful consideration to understand how to continue graduate moral and foster a community between the graduate students, professors, and graduate school during a time of physical separation due to the COVID-19 shut down.
During her time as a graduate student, Kelly attended and led stakeholder meetings for various projects, attended scientific meetings to increase communication regarding the global climate problem, presented in National and International meetings, and published papers regarding the climate problem and the plastic problem.
The resulting thesis assessed the risk of increasing plastics in the coastal zone on the ocean during a time of sea level rise and climate change. Uniquely, the assessment did not assess risk in terms of dollar amount but in terms of amount of plastic entering the ocean.
Undergraduate Experience
From 2014 to 2018 Kelly Jones attended Hartwick College to pursue an undergraduate degree in Geology. Taking advantage of the study abroad opportunities, she was able to conduct field work across the globe. First, in Hawaii assessing the geologic make-up of various islands. Then studying for a semester at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland which including numerous field work opportunities as well. Finally, a few weeks in Barbados to understand the taphonomy of the Eemian Stage Reef to conduct research for a thesis paper and poster presentation under the advisement of Dr. David Griffing.
2016-2018 Kelly Jones server as a student leader for the Hartwick College Geologic Society.
