Open to opportunities

Meghan Gray

@meghangray

Message

I bring field leadership in orchards and environmental work, from diagnostics to permitting.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for field-based work where I can lead crews, maintain high-quality standards, and support land or environmental outcomes. I want a role that values safety, accurate diagnostics, clear communication, and measurable results.

I’m an Orchard Lead with hands-on, outdoors-first experience running orchard production and leading crews of 4–8. I handle tasks like mowing, pruning, weeding, pesticide spraying, trimming, harvesting, and leading apple sorting, cider pressing, pasteurization, and bottling—often with limited oversight in changing weather.

My background also strengthens my accuracy and client communication. As a Plant Health Technician, I identified and diagnosed insects, weeds, fungus conditions, and pest-prone areas, then educated customers on prescribed pest control and fertilization. I also supported 404 permitting and Waters of US reporting as a Wetlands Specialist, researched permitting changes, assisted field work with survey and drone piloting, and completed construction record drawings and initial document quality control.

Before moving fully into land stewardship work, I built a foundation in conservation and aquatic field operations through hatchery and fisheries roles. I performed sampling, feeding, vaccine administration, water monitoring, and hatchery maintenance, and I carried those details into later work with wetlands delineation support and survey equipment use. I’m energized by practical field impact, clear communication, and responsible follow-through.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Orchard Lead

Current

National Arbor Day Foundation

Jul 2023 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Led orchard operations for apple and grape production, including mowing, pruning, weeding, spraying, trimming, sorting, bagging, cider pressing, pasteurization, and bottling. Supervised a crew of 4–8 and operated orchard equipment in adverse weather.

Orchard Management Pruning Mowing Weed Control Apple Sorting And Bagging Cider Pressing And Pasteurization Grape Trellis Maintenance Equipment Operation

Plant Health Technician

Davey Tree Experts

Feb 2023 - Jul 2023 (5 months)

Identified and diagnosed insect, weed, and fungus conditions and communicated recommended pest control and fertilization plans to clients. Monitored plant health after applications and operated truck and sprayer equipment to support service delivery.

Plant Diagnostics Integrated Pest Management Post Application Monitoring Equipment Operation (Truck Sprayer)Weed Identification

Wetlands Specialist

Lamp Rynearson

Mar 2022 - Feb 2023 (11 months)

Supported Waters of the United States (WOTUS) reporting and 404 permitting through new applications and ongoing management of existing permits. Conducted permitting research, attended agency meetings, supported survey field work, and completed construction record drawings with initial QC document reviews.

WOTUS Reporting Permit Research QC Reviews Field Surveying Support Drone Piloting Support Technical Documentation

Survey Field Technician

Lamp Rynearson

Mar 2021 - Mar 2022 (1 year)

Ensured daily field crews had required equipment and supplies and assisted with reading construction plans to verify field information. Provided strong team support through delegated task performance tracking, detailed notes, and use of Trimble topographic survey equipment.

Crew Support And Coordination Topographic Surveys UAS Drone Support Field Notes

Cashier / Stocking

Hy-Vee

Sep 2020 - Mar 2021 (6 months)

Handled customer transactions and kept the till balanced with efficient, polite service. Supported order picking and ensured inventory was ready for the morning crew while maintaining a clean work area.

Customer Service Cash Handling order fulfillment Team Support Communication

Temporary Fisheries Technician

NSRAA

Feb 2020 - Oct 2020 (8 months)

Worked in a remote hatchery setting, handling fry ponding, raceway cleaning, and weekly chum sampling to support feed amounts and health monitoring. Mixed and administered vibrio vaccines, performed daily salmon feeding, monitored for water quality/disease, and supported hatchery maintenance and net pen processing.

Hatcheries Fish Sampling Feed Rate Calculations Vibrio Vaccination Hand Feeding And Motorized Feeding Raceways And Pond Cleaning Net Pen Maintenance Fish Measurements For Release Hatchery Equipment Maintenance

Temporary Conservation Technician II

Nebraska Game and Parks

Jul 2019 - Dec 2019 (5 months)

Performed daily feedings of rainbow and tiger trout and created weekly feeding schedules while maintaining hatchery grounds and facilities. Tracked pond/raceway water levels and mortalities, monitored for disease and oxygen issues, assisted with fish stocking/transport, and recorded key water quality parameters.

Hatcheries Trout Feeding Schedules Mortality Tracking Disease Oxygen Issue Monitoring Pond Aeration Pump Support Predator Control (Dog Proof Traps)Fish Transport And Stocking PH Nitrogen Phosphorus DO Testing

Cashier / Stocking

Hy-Vee

Aug 2015 - Oct 2018 (3 years 2 months)

Completed customer transactions and kept the till balanced while communicating effectively with customers. Filled orders, maintained stock for morning crews, and kept the work area sanitary.

Customer Service Cash Handling order fulfillment Sanitation & Food Safety Communication Stock Rotation