Workshops

Breakfast Roundtable:

Linking Research on Climate Change to On-the-Ground Management

  • Wednesday, starts promptly at 7:30 am
  • Requires separate registration fee
  • Thank you to PG&E for sponsoring the Breakfast Roundtable

The objective of the Roundtable is to provide more opportunities for conference attendees to exchange ideas and cultivate productive professional relationships.  The theme of the breakfast roundtable this year is “Linking Research on Climate Change to On-the-Ground Management.”

To encourage conversation, the (round) tables will seat 6-8 people and the rooms will not be too loud. We will set each table with background information, introduce the topics, provide simple guidelines, and end the event with a summary of ideas from each table.

Breakfast Roundtable Plated Breakfast Menu:

  • Choice of Caggiano Pepper Ham and Aged Cheddar Cheese on a Flaky Croissant – or – Portabella Mushroom, Avocado and Provolone Cheese on a flaky Croissant
  • Roasted Yukon Gold Breakfast Potatoes
  • Served With Family Style Fruit Platters on Tables
  • Juice, Coffee and Tea Service
  • Special diets will be accommodated!  Just let us know on the registration form.

Resume Workshops

  • Wednesday afternoon (3:00 pm to 5:00 pm), Thursday Morning (10:00 am to 12:00 pm) AND Friday morning (8:00 am to 10:00 am)
  • No additional cost

Resume Writing for Undergrads and Graduating Seniors: Barbara Peters (Career Counselor) will present Resume Writing workshops for undergraduate students on both Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. She will provide information and handouts about putting together an effective resume and cover letter targeted to positions (seasonal, internship, and professional) in the wildlife and environmental fields.

Resume Writing for Graduate Students: Barbara Peters (Career Counselor) will also present a Resume/CV Writing workshop for graduate students (MS & PhD) on Friday morning. She will provide information and handouts about putting together an effective CV/resume and cover letter targeted to professional positions in the wildlife and environmental fields.

In all three workshops, she will also provide a list of special skills that students develop as part of their undergraduate and graduate experiences (research techniques, field equipment & techniques, training, licenses, etc.), as well as interviewing tips and on-line resources for job hunting in these fields.

On Friday, she will be available, on a sign-up basis, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, at the Career Fair to critique CV/Resumes; but she is also willing to look at emailed Resumes & CV’s after the annual meeting.

Barbara Peters worked at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA, as a Career Counselor for 30 years. At HSU, she specialized in helping students (undergrads and graduate students) in the natural resources and sciences with career decision-making, gaining summer job & internship experiences, and professional job hunting upon graduation. Prior to her time at HSU, she worked for 5 years in the Career Planning and Placement Office at Idaho State University. She obtained her B.A. degree in Political Science (1971) and her M.A.Ed. in Student Personnel Work in Higher Education (1976) from Idaho State University. She lives in Eureka, CA with her fisherman husband and a Springer Spaniel, Buster – they have raised 2 litters of Springer Spaniels over the years. Barbara has been presenting these workshops at The Western Section since 2007 and at the TWS Annual Meeting since 2009.

Effective Oral Presentation Workshop

  • Thursday, 11:00am to 12:00pm
  • No additional cost

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, this informative (and likely humorous) mini-workshop will provide you with information and tips for presenting your research work to your peers. Instructor Jon Hooper will provide demonstrations on how to give an effective presentation….and how NOT to.  Dr. Jon K. Hooper, Professor, Calif. State Univ., Chico (Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Interpretive Trainer, Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology, 35+ years teaching communication workshops around the country).

Career Fair

  • Friday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
  • No additional cost


This is an opportunity for students to meet prospective employers and discuss careers in the wildlife sciences. Professionals from state and federal agencies and several consulting firms will be present.  All are invited to attend the Career Fair.  (Please note, there will not be a Student-Professional lunch this year.  Instead, please visit the Student Activities table in the Exhibit Hall to learn about all sorts of ways students can benefit from the conference.)

Job Interview Panel: I Got a Job Interview, Now What? – Getting Jobs in a Tough Job Environment

  • Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 am
  • No additional cost

The job interview process can be an intimidating experience for the job seeker. To help make this less mysterious, a group of 4-6 invited speakers from agencies, private consulting, and academia will provide insights into what can be expected during a job interview with their respective employers. Topics include how to prepare for the interview, how you should present yourself, and the range of potential questions you may be asked. In addition, an open discussion follows the presentations.  This workshop will be led by David Wyatt who teaches in the Biology Department at Sacramento City College.