Phytograph™Curriculum Vitae

CV


Preston Albert Ernest
J. 2026
I am a botanist and designer working in California and the Intermountain West with a focus on rare plants, landscape ecology, and community-based conservation. My work brings together research, public engagement, and program development to better understand and protect native plant communities.

I have built my experience through a combination of study, fieldwork, and collaboration with agencies, nonprofits, and local partners. I bring over twenty years of experience in design and communication, which I use as tools to make ecological information accessible and relevant to the people connected to these landscapes. 



Education
UC California Naturalist
West Valley College, San Jose, CA
June 2023-December 2023

Native Seed Collection & Conservation Protocols
U.S. Forest Service and California Botanic Garden
Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest
July 2025

ArcGIS Online Certificate (Esri)
Foundational GIS training in spatial data layering for field and planning applications
December 2024-February 2025

Coursework in Ecology & Sierra Nevada Natural History
West Valley College, San Jose, CA
2023-Present



Employment Field Botanist, California
Central Sierra Nevada & San Joaquin Valley, California 2022-Present
• Conduct botanical surveys, species identification, and habitat assessment across the state with a focus on rare taxa 
• Population mapping, phenological observation, documentation to support conservation, land management, and research decisions
• Collaborate with agency and research partners contributing to field surveys and species assessments
• Research efforts focused on seed ecology, supporting data collection and field observations for ecological study
• Maintain and develop biodiversity datasets through GIS while supporting public engagement and applied ecological knowledge
• Collect and prepare voucher specimens for herbarium submission supporting careful documentation of regional flora

Intermountain Nursery, Prather, CA
Director of Conservation & Site Manager 2020-2026
• Direct operations, communications, and public engagement strategy for a regional native plant nursery, managing a team of 7–10 staff
• Developed and maintained communication systems supporting public engagement, program delivery, and partner coordination
• Led volunteer teams and partner organizations in field-based stewardship events
• Designed and executed public programs including restoration projects, workshops, and cultural events
• Produced visual campaign materials and long-form written content to support outreach and engagement
• Seed collection, propagation support, native plant knowledge and horticulture 

Central California Botanists (CCB)
Founder & Executive Director 2025-Present
• Development of a regional nonprofit focused on the conservation of native plant communities across Central California
• Initiated organizational planning, stakeholder outreach, early programs , meetings, and secured funding to support startup efforts 
• Coordinate public programs, field-based and educational seminars 

Field Guide, Educator & Permaculture
Mexico, Yucatan & Caribbean 2004-2018
• Led tours across jungle, coastal, marine environments, guiding visitors through ecological and cultural landscapes 
• Worked bilingually (English/Spanish), managing logistics, safety, and decision-making in dynamic conditions
• Delivered interpretation for general audiences while training and mentoring new guides
• Led permaculture and community garden workshops focused on sustainable land use and local food systems
• Founding Member of Menos Plsatico es Fantastico (2010–2016)
Environmental initiative focused on reducing plastic pollution along the Caribbean coast. Organized beach cleanups, environmental education, and outreach. The project continues today as an active nonprofit with international support.



ReferralsRaymond LeClergue
Propagation Specialist
Pahuma Nursery
ray@pahumanursery.com

Joanna Clines
Forest Botanist
U.S. Forest Service
joanna.clines@usda.gov

Kate Ludwig
Forest Botanist
U.S. Forest Service
katelyn.ludwig@usda.gov

Roger Pachelbel
Director
Clovis Botanical Garden
rpachelbel@att.net





Skills
GIS & Mapping
Floristic Survey
Partnership Development
Community Engagement & Program Development
Strategic Communications
Graphic Design
Campaign Design (Digital + Print)
Adobe Creative Suite
English (native), Spanish (fluent)



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