Resume

William (Billy) Johnson

Aquatic Ecology | Cold Water Fisheries | Ecosystems | Water Resources | Watershed Sciences

Professional Summary

I am an emerging aquatic ecosystem science professional known for my independence, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset. I am currently pursuing a Professional Master’s degree in Water Resources at Colorado State University.

My goal is to work with a mission-driven organization to address water challenges in the Western U.S. I am a self-motivated communicator with a passion for hydrology, shaped by my upbringing in the Colorado mountains as a skier, angler, and lifelong hockey player.

Key Skills & Attributes

  • Globally minded with extensive travel experience
  • Hydrometry field measurements
  • Technical proficiency in RStudio and ArcGIS
  • Dean’s List honoree
  • Strong communication & leadership
  • Watershed science education
  • Team-oriented and eager to learn
  • Active and enthusiastic attitude

Education

Professional Master of Science, Water Resources
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Aug 2024 – May 2025
GPA: 4.00

Bachelor of Science, Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Aug 2020 – May 2024
GPA: 3.61

Work Experience

Vail Ski Tech – Ski/Rental Technician

Winters 2022 – 2025
- Provided ski equipment services during peak seasons
- Strengthened communication and teamwork in fast-paced environment
- Contributed to the top-rated ski service team in Vail Valley

Running Rivers / Colorado Parks and Wildlife / Trout Unlimited

June 2024
- Conducted electrofishing surveys on Jim Creek
- Removed over 200 brook trout to support native Cutthroat trout populations
- Collected data to inform CPW stocking and restoration strategies

DCJ Construction – Training Carpenter

Summers 2020 – 2024
- Gained hands-on experience with tools and construction projects
- Worked on municipal projects with multidisciplinary teams
- Honed strong work ethic and independence

Eagle River Anglers – Fly Fishing Guide

May – August 2022
- Guided anglers in sustainable fishing techniques
- Taught river stewardship and environmental ethics
- Applied aquatic ecology knowledge to client education

Charter Sports – Rental/Ski Shop Technician

Jan 2018 – Mar 2020
- Promoted environmentally friendly ski wax alternatives (e.g., Purl)
- Supported rental operations during high-demand periods

Field & Volunteer Experience (2021–2025)

Field Work

  • Hydrometry and watershed surveys
  • Electrofishing (Jim Creek, Spring Creek)
  • Watershed instrumentation and planning
  • Atmospheric measurements (Kestrel 3000)

Volunteer Work

  • CPW Jim Creek Restoration Project (2024)
  • Poudre River Clean-up (2022, 2023)
  • Eagle County Highway Cleanup (2018)
  • Gardener, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail

Relevant Coursework (Colorado State University)

  • Advanced Snow Hydrology – Processes and impacts on water resources
  • Watershed Measurement – Field-based data collection skills
  • Hydrometry & Land Use Hydrology – Water quality and flow analysis
  • Dust-on-Snow Research – Capstone on albedo impacts in the San Juans
  • Water Resources Planning & Management – Infrastructure and systems
  • R Programming – Statistical analysis and data modeling
  • GIS – Spatial analysis and map creation
  • Water Law – Legal foundations and Western water policy
  • Entomology Research – Sensitive macroinvertebrate species and water quality
  • Biology of Fishes – Salmonid ecology and life history
  • Sustaining Rivers in a Changing World – Climate change effects
  • River Restoration Design – Process-based restoration planning
  • Remote Sensing – Interpreting and applying satellite data
  • Modeling Watershed Hydrology – HEC-HMS hydrologic modeling