Rhett Zufelt - Environmental Scientist

Professional Summary

Rhett Zufelt has 20 years of experience in environmental surveys and data mapping. Rhett specializes in geographical information system (GIS) mapping and analysis, data management, and ecological sampling for various EAS projects with CERCLA/RCRA standards. His expertise includes spatial analysis of environmental data using ESRI (ARCGIS, ArcView, ARC-INFO) and ERDAS Imagine software on UNIX and Windows platforms. His experience also includes manipulating both satellite and aerial imagery for analysis and interpretation, and mapping features and vegetation using ground and image data. Rhett also conducts global positioning systems (GPS) surveys using mapping and survey grade (GEO-XT)Trimble GPS receivers, as well as a Trimble total station survey transit.

Rhett is providing GIS expertise (site-wide support and integration) to the Public Safety and Resource Protection (PSRP) program at the Hanford Site. The PSRP program at Hanford is being directed for the U.S. Department of Energy by the Mission Support Alliance.

Rhett is conducting GPS surveys and updating GIS base map layers, and documenting field work using logbook procedures in support of Washington Closure Hanford. Some of his responsibilities are to 1) develop processes/procedures and demonstrate that the field data meet QA requirements; 2) download field data and develop fully attributed GIS spatial data layers and conduct comparisons against existing data; 3) identify differences and review with the team; 4) prepare change log and data to update master spatial data layers; and 5) develop metadata for each GIS database layer.

Areas of Specialization

  • GIS mapping and analysis
  • Spatial analysis of environmental data using ESRI and ERDAS Imagine software on UNIX and Windows platforms
  • GPS surveys
  • Field sample collection

Relevant Work Experience

While working at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (1992-2006), Rhett provided technical support in GIS analysis, data management, and ecological sampling for various projects with CERCLA/RCRA standards. His responsibilities included the collection and analysis of terrestrial and aquatic biological survey data and management of large spatial data sets.

Rhett conducted biological surveys, identifying Hanford plant, mammal, and avian species. He also conducted habitat surveys at avian nest sites, and a species inventory at the Fort Irwin Military Reservation in California, including mammal, and reptile trapping and surveys, data input, analysis, and computer mapping.

For the US Forest Service (1990-1991), Idaho, Rhett performed stream and habitat surveys including modified Rosgen stream classification, vegetation identification and cover plots, brush/hiding cover plots, canopy cover measurements with solar pathfinder, and mapping of perennial water. Identified and mapped sediments sources, described materials and procedures required to stop sediment introduction into the watershed. He also supervised a crew on a stream rehabilitation project. This project involved removing sediment from a severely impacted watershed as well as stream bank reinforcement, vegetation planting, and installation of log weirs.

Education/Training

  • Two semesters of graduate courses in Ecology/Biology, Washington State University 1994-1995
  • B.S., Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho, 1993
  • US Coast Guard Boating Skills & Seamanship
  • Washington State Boat Safety Card
  • NMFS-approved Electrofishing Supervisor Training
  • Wild Animal Handler
  • 40-hr Hazardous Waste Site Worker
  • Fall Protection
  • Radiological Worker II
  • First Aid/CPR