Megan Swanson

Experience

• 

  UC Santa Barbara

  Jul 2014 - Jun 2016

  Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Received the Environmental Studies Research Grant to fund an independent project to investigate the presence of a newly discovered fungal pathogen of salamanders in California• Used a variety of molecular techniques to assist PhD students’ and professors’ research related to worldwide amphibian declines • Ordered supplies, ensured general laboratory maintenance, trained new lab assistants, and analyzed and entered data.

• 

  Ocean Conservancy

  Jun 2016 - Sept 2016

  International Coastal Cleanup Intern

  • Assisted the Trash Free Seas team with maintaining the global marine debris database, corresponding with program partners and developing new outreach materials to promote solutions for a cleaner, healthier ocean • Facilitated the execution of the 31st annual International Coastal Cleanup and planned the flagship cleanup event in Washington, DC for 300+ organization sponsors, staff members and volunteers

• 

  Environmental Council of the States (ECOS)

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2019

  • Supported projects related to drinking water and wastewater policy and financing, tribal waste management, and environmental monitoring• Planned and executed the association’s two major conferences each year • Managed office operations, assisted the Executive Director with travel and correspondence, and supported meeting planning and logistics

  • Project Associate

    Jan 2018 - Jul 2019

  • Administrative & Project Assistant

    Jan 2017 - Dec 2017
• 

  NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

  May 2020 - Aug 2020

  Constituent and Legislative Affairs Intern, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
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  Chicken of the Sea

  Jan 2021 - May 2021

  Graduate Sustainable Strategy Consultant

  • Developed recommendations for Chicken of the Sea to better leverage its global sustainability strategy and highlight its sustainable fishery initiatives

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  Pepperdine University

  Sept 2021 - Apr 2022

  Governmental and Regulatory Affairs & Center for Sustainability Coordinator

  • Supported the entitlements process for campus development projects and helped draft and review regulatory documents and permits for public agencies including L.A. County Department of Regional Planning and California Coastal Commission• Implemented and advanced university-wide sustainability efforts to related to waste diversion, transportation, energy use, and water conservation

• 

  ICF

  May 2022 - now

  • Provide project management support by coordinating internal multidisciplinary teams, engaging with clients and subcontractors, and managing project schedules to ensure timely production of deliverables. • Author environmental documents for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance for offshore wind, solar, battery energy storage, port, and other development projects• Support renewable energy developers with environmental compliance and permitting including critical issues analysis, technical reports, and land use and resource permits Show less

  • Senior Environmental Planner

    Apr 2024 - now

  • Environmental Planner

    May 2022 - Apr 2024